A number of groups in Ashbourne have been working towards setting up a branch of the Cardiac First Responder Service for the Ashbourne area, and a public meeting will be held in The Resident's Hotel, Ashbourne on 12th February at 8.00pm to discuss the topic.

In an emergency the use of a defibrillator is often necessary to survive, and time is vital. Cardiac first responder services, under the instruction and training from the ambulance services, send trained volunteers to the place of an emergency to help until the ambulance services arrive.

The Ashbourne first responders will be trained volunteers, equipped with defibrillator devices, and will work in conjunction with the local emergency services. They will be able to respond to a scene of an emergency in five minutes, while the ambulance can take thirty minutes or more.

The meeting will be attended by a representative from the National Ambulance Service and by members of a similar group from Ratoath. For the group to be a success, approximately 40 volunteers are needed. If you are interested in helping please attend the meeting on 12th February.