Abbeyside FC is a community soccer club located in the heart of Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co Waterford.

Our aim is to install a community AED outside the club grounds in a heated, secure box. This AED will be registered with the HSE, ensuring it is accessible in emergencies. The nearest AED is currently located at Eurospar, Abbeyside, but having one at the club would better serve the nearby housing estates, Abbeyside Beach, The Cove, Abbeyside Church, and the surrounding area. In the event of a cardiac arrest or emergency, the 999 dispatcher will provide a PIN over the phone to unlock the AED, ensuring rapid access when every second counts.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular heart rhythm. Breathing stops. The person becomes unconscious. Without immediate treatment, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death.

Emergency treatment for sudden cardiac arrest includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shocks to the heart with a device called an automated external defibrillator (AED). Survival is possible with fast, appropriate medical care.

Sudden cardiac arrest isn't the same as a heart attack. A heart attack happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. Sudden cardiac arrest is not due to a blockage. However, a heart attack can cause a change in the heart's electrical activity that leads to sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest in athletes is a catastrophic event that can be effectively treated through a prompt and coordinated emergency response, early defibrillation by using AED and early CPR. Pre-participation evaluation remains essential to identify any abnormalities that might potentially lead to sudden cardiac death. The presence of on-site AED programs in the athletic setting is strongly recommended as a means for early defibrillation in both athletes and non-athletes who suffer sudden cardiac death. By decreasing response times and increasing access to early defibrillation, survival from sudden cardiac death in athletics will be greatly optimized.

With the help of our club members and our community we are looking to raise €1,700 only and once this amount has been achieved the fundraiser will close. This will pay for the heated security box and the AED machine. Abbeyside FC members will install and provide an electrical supply for the heated box.