Latest News from Five Villages Community First Responders

First Responders Celebrate 5th Anniversary

The 'Five Villages First Responders' team who are called to medical emergencies in Misterton, West Stockwith, Beckingham, Walkeringham, Gringley and surrounding villages, are celebrating their fifth anniversary.

The Misterton based voluntary group was set up in April 2004 and since then has gone from strength to strength, attending over 1,000 emergency calls within the local area.

The team of dedicated volunteers work in partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS). They are called upon by the Ambulance Service from home or work when a '999' call has been made within the villages, and they then travel straight to the scene and can often arrive first and begin vital life saving care until the Ambulance arrives.

The Community First Responders are trained to deal with emergencies such as collapses and cardiac arrests, as well as patients suffering from chest pains, breathing problems, fits, strokes and other life threatening medical situations.

They carry life saving oxygen therapy equipment and automated defibrillators which are used to deliver a controlled shock to the heart of patients who have collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest. In these cases, the patient's chances of survival decreases by 10% for every one minute that goes by without them receiving care.

"Since our launch in April 2004 volunteer First Responders have attended over 1,000 emergency calls and in most cases because of our rural location and the fact the First Responders on duty are very close by, they have been able to arrive promptly and begin caring for the patient", said Martyn Johnson, the founder and group co-ordinator.

Andy Moss, Service Delivery Manager for EMAS said: "Misterton First Responders are a real asset to the community. Over the last five years, the individuals involved have made a real difference to the lives of many local residents when they, a loved one, friend or visitor fell ill. This can be one of the most anxious and stressful moments in a person's life and having care so close at hand must be very reassuring for villagers.

"EMAS offers it's thanks to all the Misterton team for their commitment and hard work and we look forward to building on the excellent working partnership in the years ahead."

Martyn went on to say; "We have received a massive amount of support from the local community, including businesses, organisations and individuals. This has included financial support and donations, which are vital to keep the voluntary scheme running. I would like to thank all those who have supported us in this way and also say a big thank you and well done to the First Responders who give up their time to be on call and to undertake regular training."

The team are currently looking for new volunteers who would like to undertake the training to become a First Responder. The role is rewarding and is a great way to give something back to the people in the local community.

For more information contact the groups coordinator, Martyn Johnson, via the website: click here for contact page.

05/04/09.