Over 30 volunteers from the village of Balla have come together to form the Balla Community First Responder Group, which focuses on saving lives by providing rapid, volunteer-driven medical care to local community members in critical, time-sensitive situations before emergency medical services arrive.

We are fundraising to maintain, update, and expand the life-saving equipment that helps us respond effectively to emergencies in our community.

Your support will directly fund essential resources such as:

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): The cornerstone of any Community First Responder (CFR) group. These devices require ongoing maintenance, including the regular replacement of batteries and pads, which are costly but critical.

Training Manikins and Training Courses: High-quality CPR manikins, such as Little Anne models with feedback technology, are vital for ensuring our volunteers maintain the highest standard of life-saving skills and also training courses.

High-Visibility Uniforms: Crucial for roadside safety and to ensure we are easily identifiable to the public and ambulance crews.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, masks, and sanitisation supplies are essential consumables that must be continually replenished.

Medical Response Bags: Durable, professional “grab-and-go” kits that allow us to respond quickly and efficiently in emergencies.

Why supporting the National Ambulance Service matters:

The Golden Hour

In cases such as cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%. Our goal is to respond as quickly as possible, providing critical care until the ambulance arrives—and supporting the crew when they do.

Bridging the Gap

While the National Ambulance Service provides world-class care, our rural location means response times can vary. We are a vital link in the chain of survival, delivering immediate assistance when every second counts.

Neighbour Helping Neighbour

We are not just responders—we are your neighbours, local shopkeepers, and teachers. We are trained volunteers, ready to step forward in your moment of need.

Every contribution makes a difference. Even a few euro can help save a life—and we truly appreciate your support.

Remember: Always call 999 or 112 first. This ensures that emergency services are dispatched and your local Community First Responders are activated immediately.