15/07/2025
We were honoured to be part of this wonderful community event at Killbarrack Fire Station last week as part of International Paramedics Day 2025
INTERNATIONAL PARAMEDICS DAY 2025
Recognising the Chain of Survival – Powered by Community, Backed by Paramedics
Today, at Kilbarrack Fire Station, we were honoured to host two survivors of cardiac arrest who returned to meet the people who helped save their lives. Their presence is living proof of what happens when community action and professional response come together seamlessly.
Christy’s Story
Christy suffered a cardiac arrest after experiencing chest pain, but thanks to early recognition and rapid action by the Malahide and Portmarnock Community First Responders grpup, his life was saved. Two CFR volunteers were first on scene. They recognised the signs, administered aspirin, and stayed with Christy until his condition deteriorated. When he went into cardiac arrest, they immediately provided effective CPR.and delivered a defibrillation shock.
Shortly thereafter, D Watch Kilbarrack fire crew arrived and continued life-saving treatment with further defibrillation and advanced care. Christy regained a pulse — and today, he walked into the station to thank those involved. In an incredible coincidence, Christy is also the long-serving caretaker of Malahide Community School, tying this story even more closely with our second guest...
Stephen’s Story
Stephen, just 18 years old, suffered a cardiac arrest on the morning of his first Leaving Cert exam — also at Malahide Community School. The school staff responded instantly and perfectly, calling for help, monitoring his condition, and preparing the on-site defibrillator. Their calm response was crucial.
D Watch Kilbarrack once again were the first emergency responders, supported by an ambulance crew from North Strand fire station. The combined efforts of school staff and DFB paramedics resulted in Stephen regaining a pulse. Today, Stephen and his family met the firefighters who helped save his life.
Every DFB firefighter is a trained Paramedic or Advanced Paramedic, but the chain of survival doesn’t start with us — it starts with a bystander willing to act, a community trained to respond, and someone who makes that call.
These stories show us the power of early recognition, early CPR, and early defibrillation — and how working together, we save lives.
On this International Paramedics Day, we salute not just the paramedics — but everyone who steps up in a moment of crisis. Your actions matter.
