Event to thank those who saved local toddler's life

A special event is being held in Castleblayney today to highlight the importance of CPR and to mark the work done by a number of people to save the lift of a child.

Therese Hickey fell into a water feature in a garden in Loughmourne, Castleblayney on August 3 last year.

Her mother and a neighbour performed CPR under the instruction of the call taker who answered the 999 call.

A number of ambulance units were dispatched to the scene, as well as the Defence Forces’ air ambulance. Local fire and Garda units also attended.

Therese was transferred to hospital in Dublin by helicopter and subsequently made a good recovery despite being in a critical condition when she arrived.

To mark Restart a Heart Day, which is being held today, and to increase awareness of the importance of CPR, the National Ambulance Service is holding a reunion of all involved at the Castleblayney Ambulance Station this afternoon.

This will include the first paramedics to arrive, the Ambulance call takers and dispatchers, local fire brigade and the child's hospital doctor.

Restart a Heart Day is an annual training event on October 16th relating to CPR and defibrillator use. Traditionally it’s marked by education and training being offered to the general public in CPR and what to do in the event of a heart attack.