Keeping Ireland Rescue Ready: Fleming Medical Hosts Community AED Handover Event

Limerick, Ireland – 5 March 2026

At Fleming Medical, supporting communities with the tools and confidence to respond in emergencies is central to the business’s mission. On 5 March 2026, this commitment was brought to life at Fleming Medical HQ in Limerick during a special Automated External Defibrillator (AED) handover event, delivered in partnership with ZOLL Medical Corporation as part of their heroes for life initiative.

The event brought together emergency responders, community organisations, and healthcare leaders to highlight the importance of rapid response to sudden cardiac arrest. As part of the ceremony, a Powerheart G5 AED was formally handed over to Order of Malta Ireland, strengthening the life-saving capabilities available to community responders across Ireland.

Opening the event, Mark Fleming and Bobby Fleming welcomed attendees and reflected on the responsibility shared by healthcare providers, suppliers, and responders in ensuring communities are equipped to respond when emergencies occur.

Mark Fleming spoke about the importance of preparedness and community awareness, noting that cardiac arrest can occur anywhere and often without warning.
“Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time. Our role at Fleming Medical is not just to supply life-saving equipment, but to support the people and organisations who stand ready to respond when it matters most,”
Mark Fleming told those gathered.

One of the most moving moments of the event came as attendees heard the real-life story of John McDonagh, whose life was saved following a sudden cardiac arrest.

In those critical first moments, it was the calm and determined actions of his wife Louise McDonagh that helped initiate the chain of survival until responders arrived.Reflecting on that experience, Louise shared how quickly life can change in such moments.

“In that moment you don’t think about anything except helping the person you love. Knowing there were responders and the right equipment available gave John the chance he needed.”

Responders Peter Snell and Jim Corrigan were recognised during the event for their swift and decisive response. Their actions demonstrated the critical importance of both training and access to life-saving equipment.

Speaking about the realities of responding to cardiac emergencies, Peter Snell explained:“When you're responding to an emergency, you rely on the equipment and the training you’ve received. Having AEDs available in the community can make the difference between life and death.”

Jim Corrigan echoed this message, highlighting the importance of building public awareness around emergency response.“The more people who understand CPR and AED use, the stronger our communities become in responding to emergencies.”

The event was attended by representatives from both Order of Malta Ireland and the Irish Red Cross, organisations that play a vital role in Ireland’s volunteer emergency response network.

Representing ZOLL Medical Corporation, Richard Macdonald and his colleague Kevin Garvey were present to reaffirm the strong partnership between ZOLL and Fleming Medical. 

Speaking at the event, Mac highlighted the impact that placing AEDs into communities can have on survival outcomes. “Every AED placed in a community increases the chances of survival for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Working alongside organisations like Fleming Medical helps ensure these devices reach the communities that need them most.”

A Shared Mission: Keeping Ireland Rescue Ready

For more than three decades, Fleming Medical has supported healthcare providers, first responders, and communities with trusted medical equipment and supplies.

Events like this reflect a broader mission of ensuring Ireland is rescue ready.This commitment extends beyond providing advanced defibrillation technology. Through its Medicare First Aid range, available in pharmacies nationwide, Fleming Medical also helps individuals and families stay prepared for everyday injuries and emergencies. By combining life-saving equipment, accessible healthcare products, and strong partnerships with community responders, Fleming Medical continues to support the people who stand ready to act when every second counts.

Learn More
To learn more about AED solutions or community defibrillator programmes:
Explore AED Solutions
Contact the Healthcare Team: healthcare@flemingmedical.ie
Freephone: 1800 307 777

Together, we can continue keeping Ireland rescue ready.
This initiative was supported by Zoll Medical’s Heroes for Life Program. Read more about the program by visiting this page.