THANK YOU: Anne Carroll, Eileen Brosnan and Bridget Delaney from Killarney Cardiac Response Unit have this week issued a heartfelt thank you to the public who supported their fundraiser by buying their handmade reusable face masks.

By Michelle Crean

This week Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) have issued a heartfelt thank you to the public who support their fundraiser by buying their handmade reusable face masks.

Despite not being able to actively respond to emergency calls during COVID-19 to keep their volunteers safe, they instead opted to produce reusable face masks to help defeat the spread of the virus.

This week they're saying a huge thanks to those who have supported them as money raised was for the air ambulance and KCRU.

These face masks made entirely by the cardiac response volunteers were reusable, washable and ensured the disposable clinical type face masks are reserved for those on the frontline, Carole Moran, PRO of KCRU told the Killarney Advertiser.

"We all felt as a unit that despite not actively responding to emergency calls during COVID-19 that we had a role to play in assisting the local community. Whilst our community support service and expansion of public access AED were our key priorities, the creation of face masks as a fundraiser for the air ambulance and KCRU was a way to engage our members, supply an in demand product and support life-saving services. We would like to express our thanks to all those who supported this cause."

KCRU was established in 2015 and the units volunteer team have responded to in excess of 800 emergency calls.

They respond to 999/112 calls on behalf of and in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service have during COVID-19 refocused on community support, public access AED and spreading advice within the community through its social media platforms.

The group will continue to be available for community support as needed and can be contacted at 064 66 94144.