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CFR

Calls for large fines and jail sentences for those that damage defibrillators

Gardaí are investigating an incident in Arklow town in which three men were caught on camera destroying a defibrillator.

CALLS FOR STRICTER penalties to be imposed on those who damage and interfere with defibrillators have been made by a voluntary group that help fundraise and install the life-saving devices.

Yesterday, gardaí confirmed into an incident in which three men were caught on camera destroying a defibrillator in Arklow.

In the video, seen by TheJournal.ie, one man is spotted pulling the device off a wall by the 7Eleven shop in Arklow and breaking it.

Gardaí pursued the three men and nearly caught them, according to shop owner Bill Nolan.

The kit was only placed on the wall by a first responders charity group five weeks ago. Its value is estimated at around €2,000.

‘Disgusted’

Health Minister and Wicklow TD Simon Harris yesterday tweeted that his is “disgusted” with what took place in the town.

Community First Responder Network (CFR) said the vandalism to the life saving device in Arklow is not a stand alone incident.

“Other incidents have been reported from around the country in recent months,” the group said in a statement this evening.

CFR Ireland has discussed the matter with the minister this week, where it voiced its concerns and called for tougher penalties to be introduced.

A further meeting on the issue is scheduled for January.

Dr David Menzies, Medical Director of CFR Ireland said voluntary groups around the country fundraise to purchase and install these lifesaving devices.

“Penalties for interfering with life buoys include a large fine and/or a significant custodial sentence. CFR Ireland believes the same level of penalties should apply to other life saving devices such as defibrillators. We are grateful the minister has taken this matter so seriously and look forward to significant progress in 2017, ” he said.

John Fitzgerald, Co-Chair of CFR Ireland said:

Damage to an AED installed for public use could potentially result in a preventable death if it were not available when needed in the event of a cardiac arrest nearby.

Following the vandalism of the Arklow defibrillator a number of local businesses have pledged money to replace the device. The 7Eleven shop is now running its own fundraiser to give money to the first responders so they can replace the defibrillator.

In the event of a cardiac arrest, CPR and defibrillation within the first 10 minutes is the most important intervention. The patient’s chances of survival drop by 10% for every minute treatment is delayed.

There are estimated to be over 13,000 AEDs in Ireland.

Community First Responders (CFRs) are civilian responders who are trained to international standards in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation.

Read: Three men caught on camera destroying €2,000 defibrillator>

Read: ‘There is no equality between humans’: Bilderberg group website hacked>

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41 Comments
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    Mute The Viking
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    Jul 24th 2017, 4:31 PM

    The True Heart of the fighting Irish. Well done Orla. Keep up the fight.

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    Mute Gareth Miskelly
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    Jul 24th 2017, 4:44 PM

    @The Viking: i wish i could like this comment more than once! Couldnt agree more!

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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Jul 24th 2017, 5:00 PM

    After all this lovely young woman has done for CF wouldn’t you think the bloody health minister would sanction money for her operation. Ffs. Does he have to be led by the nose all the time

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    Mute Jed I. Knight
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    Jul 24th 2017, 6:11 PM

    @Mary Murphy: I’m sure you mean well, but had you taken the time to read any of this inspiring young lady’s blogs, social media posts or her Gofundme page you’d know it isn’t quite that simple.
    As she’s currently so ill she can’t travel back to Ireland, but while her only chance at survival is a lung transplant her health insurance will cover the cost, presumably when a suitable donor becomes available, however that’s not the full story.
    Many of the costs are not covered by insurance, and the first year post transplant are crucial, this after care is crucial – and expensive. Hence the request for funding. If you can spare it, please consider donating. Thank you for your time.

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    Mute Niall O Neill
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    Jul 24th 2017, 7:12 PM

    @Jed I. Knight: l think Mary Murphy was simply pointing out that the Minister for Health might underwrite the cost of Orla’s care. And while it might be exceptional, and lead to “what about me” complaints, l for one would only applaud the intervention. But it won’t happen for political reasons. Maybe a Dermot Desmond, Denis O’Brien, Michael O’Leary or J. P. McManus might anonymously do the right thing. If they even noticed.

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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Jul 24th 2017, 7:52 PM

    @Jed I. Knight: I actually meant for them to pay the US hospital who is looking after her. Orla is a lady who’s done so much for CF and as such deserves the most that can be done. How do you know I didn’t donate????

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    Mute Jed I. Knight
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    Jul 24th 2017, 8:47 PM

    @Mary Murphy: As I already said, covering the cost of her transplant in America, which is likely to be substantial, isn’t up for debate, she clearly said her health insurance will cover this, thankfully.
    And you’re right, I don’t know if you did or didn’t donate, nor would I ask, it’s a personal issue. I politely asked if you could spare it to consider it.

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    Mute Maire
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    Jul 25th 2017, 10:30 AM

    @Jed I. Knight: Do CF patients get Health Ins.? Of coarse they should, but do they?

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    Mute Maire
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    Jul 25th 2017, 10:32 AM

    @Maire: Sorry, yes I see she has, thank God!

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    Mute Frank Dubogovik
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    Jul 24th 2017, 8:40 PM

    Great stuff….well done …hope it’s a fantastic success….she certainly deserves it!!!

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    Mute Paul Radburn
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    Jul 24th 2017, 6:19 PM

    Some good news for a change, well done.

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    Mute Andi Black
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    Jul 24th 2017, 8:17 PM

    Orla, I hope and pray that you will get the treatment that you need and deserve. Your government has let you down. But there is…… ‘Joe Duffy’ and Liveline, he might be able to help. Kindest regards. Andi!

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    Mute Paul Moran
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    Jul 25th 2017, 3:21 PM

    Now that the fundraising target has been reached, is there need of further donations?
    I was always a great admirer of Orla’s having read her articles in the Irish times, heard her interviews on radio and seen her on the Late Late.
    She is one courageous lady and I wish her success in her forthcoming operation and full health in the years to come. Paul Moran

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