New Defibrillators for Passage West

By Mary Foley

The Community of Passage West and Surrounding Areas are very grateful to two prominent businesses in the town for the provision of a new Automated External Defibrillation [AED] also known as a Defibrillator or Defib. and a weatherproof temperature controlled case. 

A whole 16 years ago Passage West was one of the first towns to get a Public Access Defibrillator provided by none other than Annette Foley for Passage West Pharmacy. The key was accessible nearby and it was used on many occasions. On the numerous times that the glass in the break glass unit was broken to access the key - local man and glazier John Daly promptly replaced the glass quietly and efficiently and we owe him a debt of gratitude for this. 

One of the drawbacks of the old case was that it wasn't temperature controlled - meaning that the pads needed regular replacement due to the freezing temperatures.  The local Passage West and Monkstown First Responders checked the AED regularly to ensure it was always in full working order. 

Harry Smyth, Monkstown, receiving a Bravery Award from Kieran Minihane (Community Engagemnt Officer, National Ambulane Service) & Mary Foley (Cardiac First Responder Co-ordinator), alongside Rita Murray, Monkstown (injured party), Passage West, 8th October 2026. Photo Siobhán Russell

Unfortunately the AED recently reached its end of life and without hesitation Annette Foley put her hand in her pocket once more and bought a top of the range Mediana Heart On A15 AED from local company PharmaCare. 

When the Credit Union was approached for permission to hand a new Case - which the Community were going to fundraise for - Roy McKnight of Elevate Credit Union without hesitation offered to buy our new temperature controlled AED Case.   

This is an example of two local businesses coming together to provide life-saving equipment for the benefit of the local communities in which they operate.  On behalf of the Passage West and Monkstown Responders and the communities which we serve - Thank you both very much for your generosity and care. 

Harry Smyth and his younger brother Ollie were outside playing one night in late August when Harry heard someone calling for help. He realised it was his neighbour Rita [Also in the Picture] who had fallen in the garden and broken her hip badly.  He ran into his Granny and told her Rita needed her.  She was busy at the time but Harry persisted and insisted that she go now and check on her. Dusk was starting to fall and they went over only to find Rita lying in her back garden and unable to move.  An ambulance was called and the First Responders were alerted and Rita was made as comfortable as possible while she was waiting to be transported to hospital by ambulance. 

Only for Harry's insistence and bravery Rita could have been outside all night and the story would be very very different. 

Harry was recognised for his bravery and courage and quick thinking with a Certificate presented to him by Kieran Minihan, Community Engagement Officer for Cork with the National Ambulance Service and Mary Foley First Responder in Passage West and Monkstown. The First Aid Box was presented by Annette Foley from Passage West Pharmacy. 

This story highlights the importance of always calling for help - well done Harry and Ollie. 

NOTE: If you ever need to use the defibrillator - the case is locked and the code can be gotten by calling for an 999 or 112 for the ambulance and asking for the code.  This ensures that an ambulance is always called early, and that medical help is on the way - which results in better patient outcomes.