What is READY, SET, RESPOND?
READY, SET, RESPOND! is a national fitness challenge like no other, it’s a powerful call to action that transforms everyday movement into life-saving impact.
Over 41 days, participants across Ireland will move in solidarity with our heroes of volunteer emergency response with the goal of collectively achieving 1308 km.
This challenge can be tailored to you whether you’re walking, running, cycling, climbing, or even swimming, you can turn every movement into support for CRITICAL’s mission of saving lives in communities across Ireland.
Why 1308 Kilometres?
Every kilometre represents a piece of the story:
1,308km are a tribute to the 1,308 emergency responses delivered by CRITICAL’s dedicated volunteers in 2024. This distance is a symbol, a reminder of the lives that hang in the balance, the power of community action to make a difference and a thank you to our
volunteers.
“They were at our home under 10 minutes. Without CRITICAL, I don’t know if my husband would be here today” – Siobhán, Co. Clare
1,308 is not just a number of calls it also represents the hundreds of individuals who
received help when they needed it the most.
Who Can Join?
Absolutely everyone. Individuals looking for a meaningful personal challenge, community teams of friends and family or local clubs ready to rally for a cause. Workplace teams seeking to engage staff with a purpose-driven wellness initiative. First Responder groups who understand the stakes better than anyone.
Interested in Starting a Workplace or Community Team?
We’d love to help you get started! Reach out to Michele, our Community Fundraising Officer, to learn more about setting up your team and making a difference.
Phone: +353 86 820 8240
Email: michele@criticalcharity.ie
Or simply fill out the contact form at the end of the page, and we’ll be in touch soon!
How to get involved
Step 1: Register ✅
Step 2: Set Your Goal ✅
Step 3: Fundraise ✅
Step 1: Register
Click the button below to sign up as an individual or create a team.
Choose your category:
Individual Challenger or Community Team (link)
Workplace Team (link)
First Responder Team (link)
Step 2: Set Your Goal
Choose a distance that fits your lifestyle or sport and take on the challenge between September 6 and October 16. Track your progress and share your journey with #ReadySetRespond
Step 3: Fundraise
Set your fundraising goal and invite friends, family, and colleagues to support your effort.
Every euro raised helps CRITICAL continue to respond when and where it’s needed most.
Your Movement Saves Lives
CRITICAL Emergency Medical Response is a national charity dedicated to providing life- saving pre-hospital emergency care through a network of volunteer Emergency Medical Responders and First Responders across Ireland.
By taking part in READY, SET, RESPOND! you’re not just getting active — you’re joining a powerful movement to support life-saving action.
Your efforts and donations help raise awareness and fund essential medical equipment,
including defibrillators, resuscitation kits, and diagnostic tools, ensuring our responders have
what they need to save lives.
Every contribution helps us continue this vital work—because in an emergency, every minute counts.
Have Questions or Need Help Getting Started?
Michele, our Community Fundraising Officer, is here to help!
Call: +353 86 820 8240
Email: michele@criticalcharity.ie
Or simply fill out the contact form to the right.