KILMOVEE COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDER GROUP
In January 2023, Gerard Regan identified a need for the establishment of a First Responder Group in the Kilmovee area. Following extensive research, patience, and determination to set up a trained and registered group of Community First Responders (CFR) with the National Ambulance Service (NAS), this goal was successfully achieved.
Four members of our group officially went live on 24th November 2025, and since then our responders have attended a number of emergency calls within the community. Our areas of operations are Kilmovee, Lisacul, Ballagh, Brusna, Loughglynn and Gorthaganny.
Initially, there were 8 volunteers who, through their own contacts and efforts, sourced essential equipment and funding to establish the group. Since then, our numbers have grown to 24 volunteers. Training remains a key focus, with weekly evening sessions held to ensure all members maintain the highest standards of readiness and skill.
Our inaugural meeting took place on 22nd January 2026, where the following committee was elected:
- Chairperson: Tommy Horan
- Secretary: Jim Casey
- Treasurer: Mary Stephenson
- Communications Officer: Bernie O’Connor
Gerard Regan was appointed as Group Co-ordinator, recognising his role in founding the group, along with his experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and his strong links with Community First Responder organisations nationwide.
Following this meeting, several key tasks were completed, including the opening of a bank account, the development of a formal constitution, and other essential administrative requirements. The group is now officially registered with the Mayo Public Participation Network under registration number MPPN 01689.
Kilmovee Community First Responder Group is made up entirely of volunteers who respond to specific types of emergency calls within the local area where they live or work. The aim is to reach potentially life-threatening emergencies in the critical first minutes before the arrival of ambulance services.
Our role is to help stabilise patients and provide appropriate care, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, and responses to conditions such as chest pain, stroke, and Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO) where required. All volunteers are trained to the highest standards necessary for this vital work.
We also maintain a comprehensive register of Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) within our operational area. These devices are listed on the national database and are housed in heated cabinets. Each unit is checked weekly by a designated responder to ensure it remains fully operational and ready for use at all times.
On 14th March 2026, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, a CFR Certification Course was successfully delivered at Kilmovee Community Centre, with 20 participants completing their training.
