WEST Limerick man Tommy Gray will be tucking into turkey and ham like the rest of us on Christmas Day. But the 80-year-old also will be ever mindful that he could be called out to assist with an emergency at any moment.
Tommy is a professionally qualified emergency medical technician and the recent recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award as an Irish Red Cross volunteer.
Tommy told the Limerick Post he had a “late vocation” to join the organisation when he was 53 years old and introduced by a neighbour who was doing a first aid course.
“At the time, we had the ambulance but no base and we were working on getting that up and running,” he said. “Most of what we were doing back then had a social aspect, helping out elderly people and that kind of thing.”
Tommy didn’t stop there and went on to further training, but eventually the needs of a crew for the ambulance came calling.
“They needed an emergency medical technician,” said Tommy.
“The post requires in-depth training to handle procedures and equipment that can save lives.
“I was hesitant at first because I was 64 at the time, but I said I’d give it a go.”
After many years working in that capacity, Tommy has taken a small step back and now mostly works on training for groups, such as the emergency responders.
He’s deeply involved in the local community and organises Christmas parties for residents of St Ita’s Hospital in Newcastle West and regular fundraising events in the community.
But if the need arose, Tommy could be called into action at any moment, particularly during the festive season when resources can be stretched.
He also has a role as the friendly neighbourhood first adviser where he lives in Monagea.
“People do often ask me if they have a problem, particularly if there’s a child involved who might have had a fall and banged their head or something like that. If I can help by giving advice, I do,” said Tommy, who added that he’s not slow to also recommend that people see a doctor or go to the hospital if necessary.
He’s had all kinds of experiences with the Red Cross, but has never delivered a baby – so far.
“You cover all kinds of events – motor rallys, point-to-point races – we’ve dealt with lots of emergencies, cardiac arrests, you name it. I’ve never delivered a baby, but I’m trained to do it.”
Hopefully not on Christmas Day, Tommy.
