West Cork People

Article in WEST CORK PEOPLE Edition Apr 2nd -May 6th 2010.

Local Life-saving Charity in Need of Fundraisers

West Cork Rapid Response WCRR a voluntary group that last year purchased a Rapid Response Vehicle solely based in, and serving all of West Cork, is looking for individuals or organisation’s to raise funds for the charity.  The Rapid Response vehicle contains all the necessary life saving equipment, just like a Mobile A & E Department.   Funds raised will go towards purchasing medicines and maintaining the equipment needed to continue this life saving service in West Cork.  

In operation since last March, WCRR relies on the local community to fund it’s life-saving service, which had 85 callouts and saved 11 lives since its inception.  Dr. van der Velde, an anaesthesiologist at the Mercy Hospital in Cork City and living in Lyre, works in a totally voluntary capacity for the WCRR since the beginning of the service as do the local doctors who work with the Rapid Response Service. At the recent launch, a patient of the Rapid Response spoke to the guests about her experience and how the service helped herself and her Mother from enduring further pain and injury.   All the money raised goes directly into the Rapid Response.  Local fundraisers purchase their own uniforms as well as committing their time and effort.  Funds raised are used for diesel, drugs, medical equipment and insurance.   The long term goal of the organisation is th raise enough funds to have three fully equipped jeeps in operation in West Cork and possibly an air ambulance serving further down the line.   Hence the name… West Cork Air Ambulance, trading as West Cork Rapid Response.   Funds have been raised to date through a variety of activities organised by the local communities.  These include a fundraising concert, motorbike rides, charity walks, charity cycles, coffee mornings as well as generous donations by various community based groups.   WCRR is a registered charity and welcomes any assistance.   You can help the development of this vital service by donating money or giving some of your time.  

If you want to make a once-off donation, for example, the bank account details are.. sort code;90-29-52 ( Bank of Ireland, Skibbereen, West Cork ), account number 93698371 ( West Cork Air Ambulance Ltd.)  Phone 087 4153285 for more information.   Have a look at their website to learn about this worthwhile service, and see all the work they are doing by looking at their blog. www.westcorkrapidresponse.ie