Project
An aim of Munster Medics is to set up a register of all trained Voluntary First Responder groups in County Limerick. Groups will be trained if necessary, a register of all AEDs will be established and we will help set up a communication system in each area
In Ireland 5,000 people die each year from Cardiac Arrest i.e. 13 people per day. 70% of these happen outside of Hospital in our communities. Effective CPR and use of an Automated External Defibrillator within the first 3 to 5 minutes can produce survival rates as high as 49% to 75%. Every minute lost in shocking a patient with an AED will result in survival rates being reduced by up to 22%. That is why it is so important to have a trained Voluntary First Responder Group in every town and village in Limerick which can respond to a life threatening emergency in their area while the Ambulance is on the way. We have identified a problem in that in some of the communities around the county, the number and location of AEDs are not recorded, first responders are not being re- trained, equipment not being checked as required and communication systems are not as effective as they should be.
Schools, sporting clubs and community groups in the Munster Region
A register of communities containing information about AED location, training etc. was commenced in autumn 2017. A key objective is to give community groups and organisations the opportunity to access resources in their local university. We support our community partners to effectively engage with faculty and students. Community members are provided with information and resources. Evaluation of their experiences of engaging with UL faculty and students and meeting project expectations is undertaking at specific timelines throughout the practicum. Community Evaluation of the project is designed into the project from start to finish.
Learning
Working with Munster Medics to devise a register and collate relevant information such as location of AED devices, first responder training , communication strategy etc.
We have identified a problem in that in some of the communities around the county, the number and location of AEDs are not recorded, first responders are not being re- trained, equipment not being checked as required and communication systems are not as effective as they should be. You will engage in both independent as well as collaborative learning. You will learn from one another to reach creative solutions to these problems. The module is designed to enable students to develop the capacity to apply curriculum-based knowledge in a real-world setting and self-assess and develop graduate attributes to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in collaboration with external community stake-holders. Submission of reflective journals will allow you to reflect on your learning and to identify any difficulties encountered in conducting your project. Presentations will allow you to practice and refine your communication skills.
You will work with Munster Medics and community organisations in county Limerick. You will also work with your peers from other International Universities.
Both formative and summative assessment methods will be used. Assessments will be designed to complement the interactive teaching and learning approaches. In particular, methods conducive to workplace assessment will be employed. These will include weekly reflection diaries, a group presentation, a reflective assignment and self-assessment activity. Students will be expected to produce a community briefing report and present their project outputs and outcomes to their community partner.