Athlone ambulance crew honoured after life-saving call out

By Rebekah O'Reilly

An Athlone ambulance crew has been honoured for its role in helping save the life of a Longford man who suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in May.

Advanced Paramedic James McCormack and Paramedic Darren Mulleady, along with other National Ambulance Service (NAS) staff, were involved in the emergency response after Eamon Hannan, from Ardagh, suffered a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Thursday, May 14.

Eamon’s wife, Maria Larkin, a local man Daryl Fitzpatrick, and daughter, Alannah Hannan, immediately began CPR and called 112/999. Emergency Call Taker Ciara Long supported Maria through CPR over the phone while ambulance crews made their way to the scene.

Three ambulance crews attended, including the Athlone-based team of James McCormack and Darren Mulleady.

“We commenced life support and resuscitation, including administering 13 shocks from a defibrillator and life-saving medications. Eamon was transported to Mullingar Hospital,” James said.

What followed was described by the crew as an extraordinary outcome.

“What’s truly amazing is that Eamon was awake upon arrival to the hospital and had no lasting neurological impairment or deficit,” James said.

“Eamon was able to go on summer holiday shortly after the event with his wife and daughter.”

Eamon and his family were so grateful to everyone involved in his treatment that they wanted to meet the emergency personnel who helped save his life.

Exactly three months after the cardiac arrest, on August 14, 2026, Eamon and his family met the NAS staff involved in the response.

During the emotional reunion, Eamon presented the staff with ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) pins and letters of recognition in appreciation of their efforts.

The gathering was also attended by Martina Bannon, Operations Resource Manager for the area, and Amanda Ross, Community Engagement Officer for the Dublin and Midlands area.

Reflecting on Eamon’s survival, James said his case was highly unusual. “Eamon’s case is extremely rare and he really defied the odds that day. A true miracle he is alive,” he said.

The NAS said the incident highlights the vital importance of early CPR and demonstrates the “Chain of Survival” in action.

The Chain of Survival begins with the early recognition of cardiac arrest and an immediate call to emergency services. This is followed by early, high-quality CPR to maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs.

Rapid defibrillation is then crucial, with an AED used as quickly as possible to assess the heart rhythm and deliver a shock when required. Advanced resuscitation, including the administration of cardiac medication by appropriately trained paramedics, follows, before hospital teams take over with advanced life support and post-cardiac arrest care.

Recovery then continues through ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation and other supports as required.

James said Eamon’s story shows just how important it is for members of the public to know CPR.

“Knowing CPR saves lives. Good quality CPR buys time until a defibrillator or emergency services arrive,” he said.

The National Ambulance Service extended its best wishes to Eamon and his family as he continues on his road to recovery.