Kildare woman became lifesaver after father died from sudden cardiac arrest

Born and bred in Naas, Co Kildare, Jill Sweeney lost her dad to a sudden cardiac arrest when she was 18-years-old.

Since then, she now carries a defibrillator in her father's name to help save the lives of people in her community when they need it most.

Unfortunately for Jill's dad, he was by himself at the time his sudden cardiac arrest came on, but she said if someone was with him, or if a bystander stepped in to give him CPR, he could of survived. 

Now, she dedicates her free time helping to ensure people suffering a cardiac arrest get the help they need.

Jill volunteers for Naas Community First Responders, a volunteer group that attends emergency incidents before paramedics arrive at the scene. Performing CPR and putting their training to use, the team give up their free time to ensure everyone suffering a cardiac arrest, choking or other medical emergencies can get the help they need and as quickly as possible.

Jill is mother (32) to a two-year-old boy, named after her late father, and works as a primary school teacher in Naas part-time.

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She also volunteers with Naas Moat Theatre and has done so for the last 15 years. The theatre in Naas is also the place she met her childhood sweetheart and now husband, who worked as the technical manager there.

Jill's father passed away at just 48-years-old and Jill says that he had no medical issues at the time and it was very sudden.

Because of this, Jill's grandparents donated a defibrillator in his name to the Naas Community First Responders. 

The group put together a launch day, at which Jill signed her dad's name on the back of the defib, and it was given the name Defib Frankie.

PICTURED ABOVE IS Jill and her late grandad Joseph Higgins 

Jill also named her son Frankie in memory of her beloved father.

At this launch, Jill was introduced to Doreen who is a member of Naas Community First Responders who encouraged her to join.

She went down to a training session one night in 2019 and has been volunteering ever since.

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Jill's mother Trish, who is in her early 60s, also joined the community group one year ago and works alongside her daughter. 

Trish is described by Naas Community First Responders as one of their quieter, more soft-spoken members, but they say "don’t let that fool you—she has a heart of gold and a steady hand when the emergency alert goes off.

Trish said that ​she enjoys meeting people and helping out where she can. "It’s a great feeling to know you're doing something for your neighbours."

Jill highly recommends joining Naas Community First Responders and said it is it's a lovely group.

"I've made so many friends through the group. It's lovely to give something back to the community. You meet such lovely people on calls of all different ages and they really appreciate your help.

PICTURED ABOVE IS Jill's mother Trish 

"They're in a time of crisis and you're a friendly face arriving at the door. It just helps people relax a little bit. 

"Anyone can join, I've no medical background whatsoever and it's nice to get the word out that everyone is welcome. The training they give is great and you can attend calls in pairs.

"You can go as a third person for a while to observe so you're always going with somebody who's been doing it for years."

Naas CFR currently has 17 volunteers in the Naas area who respond to emergency calls such as choking, chest pain, stroke and cardiac arrest emergency calls.

The group covers a 5km radius of Naas and surrounding areas including Sallins & Johnstown and often arrive ahead of the ambulance to administer medical assistance and support.

The group also offers community engagement and education on CPR, choking and AED training and awareness sessions.

If you would like to volunteer as a first responder, you can find information on doing so here.