Irish Red Cross

The Irish Red Cross is part of the largest global network of voluntary humanitarian action in the world - the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - which has a national organisation in nearly every country in the world - some 188 Red Cross or Red Crescent societies in total.

History

The Irish Red Cross Society (IRCS) was established by an Act of the Oireachtas on 1 August 1939. Just over a month later, on the eve of World War II the inaugural meeting of the IRCS governing body, the Central Council, was held in Dublin on 5 September.

Prior to this the Red Cross had been established throughout most of Ireland as an autonomous entity within the British Red Cross Society during the War of Independence in 1920, although records show that the Red Cross had branches in Dublin four years previously when volunteers took care of the sick and wounded during the 1916 Easter Rising

Muff Branch

The Muff Branch was formed in 1972. It was set up to train members of the local community and local businesses in First Aid.

It provides First Cover at County level and local level, including Muff Festival, Cycle Races, Football & GAA events.

About Us

The Muff Branch, meet every Wednesday night in St. Mary’s Hall, from 8pm-9.20pm, from September to June.

As well as learning about First Aid and the history of the Red Cross, members complete the following programmes:

OPTIONS
Gaisce (15+)
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HIV Awareness Training

To become a member, you need to be 10 years old and onwards. The branch consists of youth and adult members. To become a leader, you need to be 18years and onwards, all training is provided if you become a member.

All leaders will undergo Child Protection Training, provided by the Red Cross

Training courses provided by qualified First Aid Instructors include:

Practical First Aid

A 12 hour course which is suitable for members of the public with an interest in learning first aid, for youth groups, transition year students and for workplaces who already have the required number of Occupational First Aiders in place. Certificates are valid for three years.

Occupational First Aid

A three day course which fulfils the health and safety authorities’ requirements for first aid at work, including CPR and AED.

Basic Life Support Course

A 4 hour course which goes through choking and CPR for adults, children and infants. Suitable for interested members of the public, for parents, healthcare workers and childcare workers.

The Irish Red Cross is also a training site for the Irish Heart Foundation and can offer any of the Basic Life Support courses accredited by the Irish Heart Foundation which are as follows: