Monthly Archive for January, 2010

Social Entrepreneurs

Written on 23 January, 2010, by denaodonovan

Social Entrepreneurs Page in Book Nov. '09

JOHN KEARNEY, CHAIRMAN,  AND ROBERT FENNELL,  WEST CORK RAPID RESPONSE

Saving lives through a community-based rapid response to medical emergencies. ” It is now time to stand up and make a difference.   Local solutions to local problems are needed “

In emergency medicine, it is well established that a patient’s chances of survival are greatest if they receive medical attention within a short time after a severe injury. This is known as the GOLDEN HOUR.   Many parts of West Cork are more than 2 hours by road to Accident & Emergency facilities.   Achieving treatment within this ‘golden hour’ is therefore highly unlikely.

Robert, himself a pedestrian casualty, knows well the benefit of that ‘golden hour’.    John, a local Diving School owner, is also keenly aware of the risks of delaying vital treatment.  Together,  they started West Cork Rapid Response to provide a dedicated Rapid Response Vehicle, the first fully equipped mobile A & E unit in the area.   Using a rota of doctors and drivers on-call, the voluntary doctor can attend the scene and deliver what can ultimately be life saving treatment.   In its first 6 months, the service has had close to 60 callouts, 6 people have benefited from transplants and an astonishing 8 lives have been saved.

The project makes best use of the existing skills and resources in the community.   Robert and John aim to provide a further two vehicles for the area and firmly believe that this model can be replicated around the country.

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Want to become a friend of West Cork Rapid Response ?

Written on 22 January, 2010, by denaodonovan

West Cork Rapid Response needs “Friends” .    There is so much work to be done.  If many do a little, then no one has to do too much.   Fundraising is where help is most needed.    Our doctors  0n-call have all trained for years and will work away, if we can do all the nitty gritty work like fundraising, organising events, getting maintainence done on the jeep, and so on.    Now that we have the first (of many, hopefully !) vehicles on the road, and functioning almost daily… we need to sustain the running of the system…. Diesel, medicine, insurance, upgrading of equipment, maintainence, etc…  Here are some suggestions of how you can help.   Coffee morning, charity walk, equestrian charity rides, darts evening, table quiz, cake sale, book sale, raffle, sponsored swim/walk/run, bag packing at local supermarket, etc.etc.etc.   All these little events can add up to something really big.     We have set up PAYPAL for those who wish to donate money.    Every little helps… all the fivers add up you know…  Also a standing order form may be downloaded on this web site for those who wish to donate through their bank regularily, or one may use PAYPAL to donate immediately.

Contact Dena O’Donovan for any additional information at 087 4153285.

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Our latest fundraising poster

Written on 20 January, 2010, by denaodonovan

WCRR PEOPLE AND VEHICLE

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Ahiohill Community Centre

Written on 20 January, 2010, by denaodonovan

The local community at Ahiohill under the guidance of Angela Flannery recently made a donation in excess of €1,100 to the Rapid Response.   We will shortly feature a photo of the presentation of the cheque.   Our sincere thanks to all concerned.   The money raised has been spent directly WCRR Vehicle Photoon the provision of medicine/drugs/ medical equipment for the Doctors medical kit on board the vehicle.

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