Lifesavers... Tara Court becomes the first estate in Navan to have its own defibrillator

Tara Court Square in Navan has become the first housing estate in Navan to have its own defibrillator.

Residents of the estate banded together to buy the device, which has been installed in the centre of the estate for use where needed in the surrounding areas.

"There were a couple of incidents locally where a defibrillator was needed, which made us think it would be a good idea to have one in the estate," says Peter Kavanagh one of the trained first responders.

"We went from door to door to see if there was interest and there was, so then we decided if everyone gave €15, we could get one."

Peter is a member of the Civil Defence and through a friend from it, he established that the National Ambulance Service would service the heated box, which is essential for storing the device.

The defibrillator is now installed outside Peter's house, which is in the centre of the estate of 160 houses.

"There are also estates in front of us and behind us, so if anybody needs it, it is close by and we are registered with the National Ambulance Service."

Both Peter and his wife, Yvonne Doggett are members of Meath Civil Defence and are trained first responders already.

"Our neighbour Helen Byrne, a Special Needs Assistant is also trained and we intend to have training for other residents," Peter explains.

"It is great to have it in the estate. When someone rings for an ambulance when somebody is unconscious, the caller is asked if anyone has a defibrillator handy. Now we can say we have," he says.