THE family of a man who suffered a massive heart attack and stopped breathing on the street has thanked a local Garda whose fast-action and first aid expertise saved his life.
KillarneyToday.com yesterday revealed how Garda Paul Ruby used CPR and a defibrillator to save 58-year-old John O’Shea when he collapsed in a car park in Killorglin.
Although there was no sign of life when he arrived at the scene, at Fair Field, Garda Ruby worked on the casualty for close on half an hour and used the defibrillator three times.
Local GP Dr Anne Cronin and her surgery nurse also tended to the man until an ambulance arrived to transfer him to University Hospital Kerry where he is making a good recovery.
Mr O’Shea’s daughter, Grainne, posted a message on KillarneyToday.com last night to thank Garda Ruby for his heroic work.
“Thanks again Paul, from the bottom of our hearts, for saving dad’s life. We will be forever grateful,” she wrote.
Garda Ruby, based in Killorglin but living in Killarney, had completed emergency first aid training with An Garda Siochana and he had recently upskilled in the use of defibrillators.
He said he cannot advocate enough how important defibrillator and CPR training is to have in a community.
“Even a small thing like familiarising yourself with where the defibrillator is situated within your own community could mean valuable seconds saved. Even if you are unsure of what to do just remain calm, if possible, shout for help and ring an ambulance, a doctor or your local Gardai,” he said.
In a message posted on KillarneyToday.com, Garda Ruby said performing CPR and utilising a defibrillator is a team effort.
“We are all part of a team as a community and together we can play our part in aiding those that need us most,” he said.
“Having a First Responders team of trained local people within your community is a wonderful asset to have and perhaps consideration could be given to organising such teams where you live as the benefits are instant, important and lasting,” he said.
Text © KillarneyToday.com
