Gardaí praised for saving woman’s life following medical episode

"In training, we’re taught to stay calm and composed".

Last week, Garda Tommy O’Loughlin and Student Garda Matthew Forrest were alerted to a woman who had passed out and needed help.

One began performing CPR while another quickly grabbed a defibrillator and they managed to get the woman breathing again before making way for the emergency services.

The woman has now been discharged from hospital following treatment.

Gardaí praised for saving woman's life following medical episode

In a statement on social media, a Garda spokesperson said: "In the early hours of this day last week, Gardaí were on patrol in Carlow town when they were flagged down about a young woman who was out socialising with friends and had suddenly become unconscious - she urgently needed help.

"It was clear right away to Garda Tommy O’Loughlin and Student Garda, Matthew Forrest that the woman was unresponsive and not breathing.

"While Student Garda Forrest immediately began CPR on the woman, Garda O’Loughlin went to grab a nearby defibrillator.

"Taking it in turns, Garda O’Loughlin and Student Garda Forrest continued CPR for eight minutes, and liaised with emergency services over the phone.

"Just as the ambulance arrived, the woman began to breathe again but with great difficulty. Luckily, ambulance personnel stabilised her condition and brought her to hospital for treatment.

"It was a big relief for all of us working in the station in Carlow, to hear from the young woman and her mother that she has been released from hospital and is resting up following a serious medical episode.

"In training, we’re taught to stay calm and composed in emergency but for two members very much settling into their roles in policing, they’ve shown enormous skill and ability to think quick and as an efficient team."

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