Killarney Cardiac Response Unit

05/09/2026

KCRU has been one of many local organisations that has benefited from this fantastic initiative with thanks to Kevin and Patricia Ennis of Centra Muckross Road

The AED installed outside the store, is an essential lifesaving device that can make all the difference in cases of sudden cardiac arrest and is a testament to Patricia, Kevin and all the team to provide a device that benefits the entire community.

Well done.

We also extend thank you to The Sheahan family who have provided great support to our volunteers over many years.

Local businesses making a local difference.

When two happily-married members of staff in a busy Killarney shop starting rescuing bottles from the bins at their workplace, little did they think their good deed would raise €20,000 for charity in just two years.

Kevin and Patricia Ennis, who work at Sheahan’s in the Muckross Road in Killarney, starting noticing that recyclable bottles were being thrown into the store’s general waste bins.

Rather than seeing the deposits go to waste, the pair began collecting the bottles themselves and returning them through Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, with the store then donating the proceeds to local causes.

“We are just looking at the bottles thinking they are all money...It was a no-brainer. It is the simple things,” said Kevin.

Read the full article: https://www.independent.ie/county/kerry/kerry-couple-turn-bin-bound-bottles-into-20000-lifeline-for-local-charities/a/160851425.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=seeding

01/09/2026

Plans are well underway for our biggest Restart A Heart yet...

Stay tuned to our social media platforms for the latest updates.

Restart a Heart (RSAH) is an annual initiative which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by helping more people learn CPR and become ResusReady.

28/08/2026

Did you know that Automated external defibrillators are simple devices which, when needed, deliver a shock to restart
the heart. Using a defibrillator within 3–5 minutes of collapse can increase survival rates by up to 70%.

KCRU do not operate or rely upon the public access AED's in our community however we do provide PAD (public access defibrillator) checks in many of our team areas.

The aim of this is to ensure that any faults are identified early and that these devices are maintained at rescue ready states at all times.

However we need your help!

With uncertainty as to how many are within our communities, a lack of information on the condition of devices and indications that there may be only intermittent inspections being conducted in some cases, PADCHEK is rolling out to ensure communities are kept heartsafe.

Have you some time available to assist us with checking these lifesaving devices?

If so reach out today, where full training, systems and advice will be given in order to implement a public access AED record system and maintenance checks for large parts of East, Mid and South Kerry.

https://forms.gle/re6jPmmZbxVngzEx8

23/08/2026

The national Community First Responder badge is the badge that is most visible on KCRU uniform and equipment.

Why? because we recognise that we are part of a national CFR system that is supported by the National Ambulance Service.

Our responders spread throughout our communities across large areas of Mid, East and South Kerry are committed to responding within the community but do so as part of the wider KCRU & indeed national CFR network.

22/08/2026

Knowing your Eircode can help emergency services reach you faster.

In an emergency dial 112 or 999.

Eircode - National Ambulance Service

19/08/2026

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) serves as the critical command centre responsible for managing and coordinating responses to medical emergencies. Staffed by trained call takers, dispatchers, and supervisory personnel, the control room operates 24/7 to ensure immediate response to every call.

Thank you to the team at NEOC & NAS Community Engagement for facilitating recent visits of our team members at the control centres.

KCRU recognises the crucial role of call takers, dispatchers, supervisors and managers, CSD teams and all those involved in the processing, technical and support roles to ensure the centres operate to international best practice in emergency control room standards.

(NEOC is an Accredited Centre of Excellence, placing the control room amongst the top 10% worldwide.)

In an emergency dial 112 or 999.

16/08/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited the Kenmare Community First Responders stand at Kenmare Fair.

It was lovely to see so many people take time to learn CPR and find out more about what we do as a Community First Responder Group.

We’re very grateful for every donation and for the generous support of our local community. As a voluntary organisation, your help allows us to fund life-saving equipment like AEDs and essential supplies.

Thank you for your support, we truly couldn’t do it without you!!. 💯👍❤️‍🩹

15/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who visited us at the emergency services display in Tralee today organised by An Garda Síochána Kerry

We were assisted by Blennerville Derrymore Community First Responders and were delighted to work alongside Critical - Emergency Medical Response & National Ambulance Service (NAS) to spread the word on the important steps in the chain of survival.

The day brought together Primary Response Agencies & support / volunteer services from throughout the county and beyond in a family friendly environment as part of the Rose of Tralee International Festival

Check out our social media platforms for more details.

Kerry Volunteer Centre

15/08/2026

Why not stop by and speak to your local Kenmare Community First Responders who will be in Kenmare Town Centre throughout the day.

Learn the basic steps of CPR,How AEDs operate and the role of CFRs in the chain of survival.

The team will also be fundraising to further develop training and equipment.

Kenmare Ireland

14/08/2026

Would you know what to do if someone collapsed in the street in front of you?

Ordinary people can become the first link in a lifesaving response meaning community resuscitation is the vital initial response before the ambulance arrives