Sharon Commins
Head of National Services, Irish Red Cross
Pat Sheridan
Volunteer, Irish Red Cross
Communities need to have the essential know-how and skills to respond in emergency situations to make Ireland a better-prepared and more resilient country.
In an uncertain world, it’s important to be prepared. The more prepared you are, the more resilient you are — and the better your response will be in an emergency.
Upskilling future humanitarian leaders
“That’s why we place such a strong focus on continuous training and upskilling,” explains Sharon Commins, Head of National Services. “We know that when first aid is delivered quickly and effectively, it can dramatically improve outcomes. Saving lives isn’t the exception — it’s something almost every one of our EMT volunteers has done. We ensure they’re equipped with the skills and confidence to respond in a crisis and to strengthen resilience across our communities.
This commitment to preparedness is also why we’re always thinking ahead — investing in the next generation and ensuring they have the essential capabilities to meet tomorrow’s challenges.”
The organisation engages young people aged 4–25 in activities, events and humanitarian initiatives. Because they play such an essential role in shaping the future of the Irish Red Cross — and to empower them to drive change both locally in their communities and nationally — Irish Red Cross youth members are offered age-appropriate training sessions in everything from personal development and first aid to leadership skills and humanitarian education.
Last year, the Irish Red Cross provided
first aid training to 4,000 people,
Equipping school children with essential life-saving skills
The organisation also directly engages with young people in schools. Since March, Irish Red Cross volunteer and retired ambulance paramedic with the National Ambulance Service, Pat Sheridan, has been leading a new pilot programme in Co Louth, which teaches primary school children essential life-saving response techniques.
These include how to call an ambulance; how to identify when someone needs urgent help; the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and first aid for someone who is choking. Sheridan says: “This is more than just first aid — it’s about developing a mindset of readiness, compassion and community leadership among our young people.”
Training and skills that empower the nation
Such training isn’t limited to young people, however. Last year, the Irish Red Cross provided first aid training to 4,000 people, ranging from basic to the level of an emergency medical technician. Indeed, 260 of its volunteers have completed the highest level of training and are qualified to provide emergency medical care.
“Our work in first aid training supports the Government’s Emergency Planning Working Group and EU preparedness protocols,” says Commins. By empowering communities with these skills, we are reducing health inequalities and helping to build a more resilient Ireland.”
