New Douglas First Responder Group Responds to 25 Life-Threatening Emergencies in First Month

A team of eight volunteers in Douglas has responded to 25 cardiac arrests and other critical emergencies during their first four weeks as Cork's newest Community First Responder group.

The Douglas CFR team, established through CRITICAL charity and operating in partnership with the National Ambulance Service, went live on 19 December 2025. The fully-trained volunteers come from diverse backgrounds including healthcare, emergency services, business and retirement.

The group covers Douglas and surrounding areas including Farmer's Cross, Frankfield, Rochestown, Moneygurney and Ballinlough, serving a population of approximately 40,000 people. They are alerted by the National Ambulance Service to cardiac arrests, heart attacks, strokes and choking incidents.

Alan Barry, coordinator of the Douglas CFR group, said:

"Douglas is a large area with a population of 40,000 people. Our team is living here, they are active in their local communities and are committed to responding to people when they need us most. CRITICAL charity has provided us with the best of equipment to be able to care for people in their darkest moments. We are very grateful for their support and the support of the National Ambulance Service."

David Tighe, CEO of CRITICAL charity, added:

"When a medical emergency happens, minutes can feel like hours. Community First Responder groups ensure that help comes from nearby, from a neighbour, colleague or someone who knows the community and cares about it. These volunteers bring compassion, reassurance and life-saving care to people when they are most vulnerable. The CRITICAL CFR Douglas group is an important addition to our network of responders across the country and they are already making a real difference to their local communities."

Ger O'Dea, National Community Engagement Manager with the National Ambulance Service, said:

"The National Ambulance Service Community First Response network is now in its 21st year of operation. We have seen the network grow from strength to strength over the years, and have seen many lives saved as a result of the great work done by our dedicated volunteers. Working alongside charities such as CRITICAL has helped us to enhance our capabilities in communities across Ireland, and we are delighted to further our collaboration with the charity to establish Douglas CFR, another valuable link in The Chain of Survival."

CRITICAL operates a network of more than 300 volunteer responders across Ireland affiliated with the National Ambulance Service. This includes doctors and consultants equipped with emergency response vehicles and high-tech equipment, community first responder groups, and off-duty paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

The volunteers responded to over 2,000 calls during 2025, working in close communication with the National Emergency Operations Centre while on scene.