Person taken to hospital after being airlifted from summit of Croagh Patrick

A defibrillator installed at Croagh Patrick two years ago was used before a person was taken to hospital from the summit via helicopter. 

Yesterday evening (Tuesday) a person had to be airlifted from the summit to Mayo University Hospital after suffering what is believed to have been a cardiac arrest. 

A defibrillator installed at St Patrick's Oratory two years ago was used to revive him. CPR was also administered at the scene. The Coast Guard Helicopter, National Ambulance Service and mountain rescue.

Three solar-power defibrillators have been installed at Croagh Patrick, which do not require batteries to be operated and can safely store vital medications.

Thanks to remote monitoring technology, the unit was replaced within three hours. 

Dozens of similar defibrillators have been installed around Mayo thanks to an initiative by Hollymount man and former Mayo Person of the Year Darren Forde. 

“As a road safety auditor myself, a life is valued at €3.5 million to the state, but you could not put a price on your family member’s life or your friend’s life,” Mr Forde told The Mayo News. 

_{Former Mayo Person of The Year Darren Forde pictured with the defibrillator at the chapel on the summit of Croagh Patrick}