Darren's novel invention is now in Australia

An innovative solar-powered emergency defibrillator, designed by Hollymount man Darren Forde, and manufactured in Mayo, was launched last week in rural northwest Australia.

This life-saving device was created by Eco Powered Cabinets (EPC), a company based in Hollymount. The first three units of this type were installed by CEO Darren Forde on Croagh Patrick in 2022, a site that has witnessed a series of fatal cardiac arrests over the past decade. These defibrillators have played a crucial role in saving the lives of several climbers since their installation.

EPC, an award-winning company, has gained significant recognition both in Ireland and internationally for its innovative approach to life-saving technology. The company's first defibrillator installation in Australia is located in the remote town of Broome, which serves as the southern entry point to the Kimberley region. This unit is strategically positioned to assist remote mines and communities that are often located far from immediate medical help.

“We are thrilled to continue producing these units in Ireland and to see them gain global recognition, including in Australia,” Darren said. “Another eight defibrillator units are set to be shipped abroad this week. It’s wonderful to see our local Mayo company setting a global standard for equipment that merges cutting-edge technology with sustainable energy solutions.” 

Eamon Cunningham, Managing Director of EPC Australia, said the installation marked an important development for Australia.

“Having spent 14 years in the mining industry,” Eamonn said, “I fully appreciate the critical need for reliable and accessible safety equipment in remote regions.” 

The solar-powered units do not rely on an external power source and can store life-saving medications safely. Eco Powered Cabinets has identified a market demand for this type of equipment and plans to expand its installations across mountain ranges, beaches, greenways, and other hard-to-reach locations, continuing to bridge the gap in essential emergency services.

Two defibrillators are now installed on Croagh Patrick, housed in their own eco-powered cabinets, thanks to the vision of Darren Forde. A Community First Responder in his home village of Hollymount, Darren recognised the need for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on the Reek, which draws tens of thousands of climbers and pilgrims each year.

While hiking Croagh Patrick with his family during a short break in Westport, Darren noticed the absence of defibrillators on the mountain. He quickly realised that the extreme weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures posed a significant challenge, as they could prevent AEDs or life-saving medications, such as aspirin and EpiPens, from being effective in those conditions.

Darren, who works as a roads engineer with Mayo County Council, raised €8,000 to purchase two defibrillators, each to be placed halfway up the mountain and at the chapel at the summit.

Darren then set about designing two defibrillator units, each housed in its own cabinet. Financial support for the project came from James Murray, CEO of Murray Ambulances; Anne Corcoran, owner of the Westport Hotel Group; Dave Greville, Managing Director of Heart Safety Solutions; and a local family who had donated an existing defibrillator at the base of the mountain. With assistance from Adrian Peyton of Peyton Electrical in Hollymount, Darren supervised the installation of the life-saving equipment on Croagh Patrick in June 2022. The innovative defibrillators are connected to emergency services, allowing them to pinpoint the unit's locations during a cardiac event.

The machines are powered by solar energy, ensuring they can remain charged throughout the summer months, and Darren is now exploring ways to ensure they remain operational during winter.

“There were three cardiac arrests on the Reek in the last five years and two of them sadly passed away. The third was defibrillated because it was Reek Sunday, but there wouldn’t have been a defibrillator there otherwise, and it saved their life,” Darren explained. “It’s so important to have a defibrillator when a cardiac event happens. Good CPR and a defibrillator in place will save someone’s life.” 

As the coordinator of the Hollymount Community First Responders (CFR) and AED Group, Darren also developed the concept for an eco-solar wind-powered insulated outdoor heated cabinet that securely stores life-saving medications, all without requiring a main power source. His life-saving initiative earned him the title of Mayo Person of the Year for 2022.

The Irish Air Corps has also been involved, helping to lift the eco-powered cabinets onto Croagh Patrick. Darren has collaborated with local businesses for the production, assembly, and promotion of his innovative cabinets, despite numerous offers from companies overseas. He is always on the lookout for new ways to improve emergency care in local communities, identifying problems, devising solutions, and inspiring others to help make them a reality. Darren thrives on teamwork, positivity, and overcoming obstacles, tirelessly working to improve the lives of those around him.

As Darren points out, there is no electricity on the mountain, nor on greenways, hills, beaches, or even the spire in Dublin.

The unique, heated and cooled secure cabinets, which can be used to store AEDs, life-saving medication such as aspirin and EpiPens, trauma dressings, foil blankets, pedestrian counters, and even provide incubation for nesting birds, can be installed in any location without the need for a power supply. The cabinets are weatherproof, designed to withstand even the harshest conditions, making them suitable for use worldwide.

“If a person has a cardiac chest pain or an allergic reaction, they only have minutes to take this life-saving medicine. It could take hours to receive the medication in a remote location, and with my invention, it could be administered in minutes – it’s the same medication used for cardiac chest pain or allergic reactions required worldwide,” Darren explained.

All cabinets are registered with the relevant ambulance services. When a person calls 999/112, the emergency call-taker can direct them to the nearest cabinet and provide the code to access the medical unit. The call-taker will also instruct how to administer the medication. The lifesaving drugs in the cabinets can be replaced by the appropriate health service or Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) scheme coordinator. The three Croagh Patrick cabinets have been registered with HSE Ambulance Control, with their locations identified by coordinates, as there is no Eircode or power supply on the mountain.

Darren Forde believes his eco-powered cabinets will revolutionise the provision of AEDs and other emergency medical treatments in remote areas around the world.

“With the global defibrillator market size anticipated to reach €6.5bn by 2030 and the European market predicted to expand to €5.1bn by 2027, before the addition of this eco-solar/turbine cabinet, the potential is global. As demand grows, we’re open to localising production in different countries while maintaining design standards. With advancements in technology, we can adapt our cabinets to serve a wider range of needs, from monitoring flood levels to tracking foot traffic in remote areas.” 

Looking ahead for his company, Darren added: “Sponsors can support the purchasing of this Eco Powered Cabinet in return for their company’s name displayed on this product. This unique cabinet with sponsor’s details will be in locations where normally no advertising signs are permitted, therefore, offsetting the cost against advertising.” 

Darren plans to connect with existing cabinet manufacturers and distributors in the coming weeks, aiming to make this life-saving eco-powered cabinet and medication secure storage box available worldwide.