Trim First Responders attended to 205 calls in 2024... 'They need more support' - Moore

Trim First Responders attended to 205 calls this year, a meeting of Meath Co Council heard last week as Cllr Ronan Moore called on the council to explore ways to enhance support for Community First Responder (CFR) Groups.

Cllr Moore spoke of the unique and essential contribution of these volunteer groups.

“First Responders are not residents’ associations, sports clubs or tidy towns groups. They save lives,” he said.

“Yet all their commitment, training, and fundraising is done by volunteers in their own time and at their own expense. This is unsustainable for the scale of responsibility they shoulder.”

“In 2024 alone, Trim First Responders, under the banner of Dr Brody’s Braveheart, have answered 205 calls, dedicating over 175 personnel hours to callouts. Their work includes responding to seven cardiac arrests, 75 chest pain incidents, 24 strokes, three choking emergencies, and 96 other urgent situations.”

He said one particular incident in September 2023 highlights their impact.

“Responding to a cardiac arrest, Trim First Responders’ rapid intervention saved a life. The patient later walked out of the hospital fully recovered, an achievement featured in that year's Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Register Annual Report.”

Cllr Moore said that despite these extraordinary efforts, Community First Responders operate without dedicated funding from the council. While they are eligible to apply for grants, Cllr Moore emphasised the need for a specific budget allocation.

“This isn’t about a massive expenditure—just a minor budget line item to support their vital work and while the lack of funding for local First Responders reflects the lack of sufficient national financial support, it shouldn’t mean that Meath County Council stands back.”

It was agreed that the motion would be examined by the Environmental, Climate Action, and Emergency SPC, a move welcomed by Cllr Moore. He also proposed that the potential €1,000 increase in discretionary funding for councillors in next year’s budget could be earmarked for a special fund to support first responder units.

“Our First Responders are saving lives in our communities every day, yet their support structures remain fragmented and underfunded,” Cllr Moore concluded. “It’s time we matched their extraordinary dedication with a recognition and funding system that ensures they can continue to provide life-saving interventions to the people of Co Meath.”