Rathvilly GAA Defibrillator saves a Life
June 10, 2015
John Kenny, Anne Hanks and Jimmy Maher with the Rathvilly GAA Defibrillator
On Sunday 12th April, 2015 Mrs Anne Hanks of Slaney Bank View, Rathvilly had a massive heart attack at her home, and while her son-in-law Jimmy Maher and her neighbour Johann Doyle Rooney performed CPR on her, her quick thinking daughter Aisling Maher went to Rathvilly Club dressing rooms, and returned to her with John Kenny JFK Sports Rehabiliation, who is the Physio to Rathvilly GAA club with their AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
The AED was used on Anne and gave her the shocks which kept her alive, along with continuous CPR until the ambulance and doctor arrived, she was taken by ambulance to St. Lukes Hospital in Kilkenny and following several weeks in hospital when she recovered well enough, she had an internal defibrillator fitted in St. James Hospital, Dublin.
Because the AED saved her life, Mr. David Greville, of Heart Safety Solutions presented Anne with an AED, to use as she wishes. Anne intends donating it to the community of Rathvilly.
The Presentation was facilitated by the Rathvilly GAA in club meeting rooms at 7.30 pm on Monday 8th June, 2015.
Anne was joined by her husband Alan, her daughter Aisling and son-in-law Jimmy, grandchildren and extended family.
Anne was delighted to have the opportunity to publically thank everyone, particularly Jimmy, Johann, John and Rathvilly GAA club for the use of the AED.
She was also very grateful to get a chance to see the little machine, which saved her life, in person.
The Rathvilly GAA chairperson Donal Kelly presented Anne with flowers and a presentation was also made to Margaret Kehoe and Patricia Kehoe who took part in the Ladies mini marathon to raise funds for the AED. Presentation was also made to Johann Doyle who gave a demonstration to club members last week on how to use the AED.
Using an AED on a person will not kill them and if used in time may save a life - in Anne's case she is alive to tell the tail.
Since 12th April the Rathvilly GAA club has replaced the pads and serviced their Defibrillator, and it is available to anyone who should need it by contacting one of the following keyholder's mobiles 087 7931093, 085 1845649, 087 1302587
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