Mayo woman hailed for saving a life

A special presentation was held in Claremorris recently to honour Lorraine Dolan, whose quick thinking and decisive action saved a life during a cardiac emergency last Christmas. 

The Claremorris South Responder Group gathered to acknowledge her “bravery and exemplary actions” in what they described as an extraordinary example of community spirit in action.

The Claremorris South Responder Group, established in 2022, has 11 active members and covers a 25km radius around the town. The group is 100% voluntary and has been supported by fundraising efforts and General Municipal Allocation (GMA) funding from Cllr Richard Finn.

Chairperson Donna Cassidy explained that the presentation recognised Lorraine’s outstanding response to a medical emergency. 

“Lorraine attended a cardiac arrest involving a young member of the community, where she successfully achieved a Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC),” she said. “Her actions saved a life, and that deserves recognition.”

Lorraine, who manages Gilligan’s Bar in Claremorris, had completed CPR and defibrillator training just months earlier through a free course organised by the Responder Group in collaboration with the National Ambulance Service, the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council, and the Irish Heart Foundation.

That same year, Lorraine and staff from Gilligan’s Bar, together with The Lighthouse Diner and Warde’s Pub, took part in a creative community effort to raise money for lifesaving equipment. Through the national Re-turn recycling scheme, they collected bottles and cans, eventually funding a new defibrillator and outdoor case - the very one used on the night of the incident.

According to Ms Cassidy, on the evening just before Christmas Eve, a passer-by rushed into Gilligan’s Bar to alert staff to a medical emergency nearby. Lorraine immediately took the defibrillator, left her post, and went to help. She administered CPR and delivered a shock within four minutes, successfully restoring a pulse before paramedics and local responders arrived to assist. The patient was later transferred to hospital and made a full recovery.

After ensuring the person was in safe hands, Lorraine quietly returned to work and finished her shift. 

“That’s the kind of person she is,” said Donna. “We checked in on her afterwards to make sure she was okay, but she never looked for thanks or attention.” 

John McShane, Community Engagement Officer with the National Ambulance Service, presented Lorraine with her award. He commended her efforts and emphasised the importance of CPR training. 

“Lorraine is a perfect example of how vital it is to know CPR” he told the Western People. “In a cardiac arrest situation, every minute counts -for every minute CPR isn’t performed, the chance of survival drops by 10%. Thanks to her quick response, someone is alive today who otherwise would not be.” 

Speaking modestly after receiving her award, Lorraine recalled the night of the incident and the community effort that had made the defibrillator possible.

“We had only just finished the CPR course a few weeks before,” she said. “Everything happened so quickly, I just did what I was trained to do. When he came back and started talking, I knew he’d be okay. Then I went back to work.” 

She added that the experience reinforced the importance of training.

“It just shows that anyone really can save a life if they know how to.” 

Donna Cassidy closed the evening with an appeal to the community to consider learning CPR or joining the Responder Group.

“Lorraine’s story proves that CPR works,” she said. “We never know when we might be needed, but the more people trained, the better the chances of survival for someone in distress. It’s one of the most rewarding things you could ever do.” 

The Claremorris South Responder Group continues to expand its training and emergency response capabilities, providing a crucial voluntary service for the area.