Have you got what it takes to be a First Responder?

The group was first established in February 2004 as a joint venture between St. John Ambulance and the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

The aim was to get help to Category A Medical Emergencies (for example cardiac/ stroke/ breathing problems/asthmatics) as quickly as possible.  We can often arrive before the ambulance.  As well as giving reassurance to the patient and relatives, First Responders give oxygen and use the defibrillator if someone's heart has stopped.

When on duty the member carries first aid equipment, oxygen and a defibrillator is vital for a cardiac arrest victim.

We started with 2 volunteers, both St John Ambulance members.  They were joined by 5 volunteers from the community.  Training took most of April and on 1st May 2004 we became a Responder Unit and St Johns lent us equipment to enable us to operate.  All members of the team are local people and volunteers; we cover the town and surrounding villages on a rota system.

St John Ambulance Community First Responders trainers train all members, so no prior first aid knowledge is required.  We run training nights each month to ensure our skills are kept up to date to ensure the best possible care and treatment can be given to our patients.  We also find these useful to discuss any issues that have arisen.  As a group we try to support each other but we do have St Johns and East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) counsellors to help with any distressing situations that we may have found ourselves in.

Due to the generosity of the people of Melton Mowbray and the Mayors appeal, we have been able to purchase some more equipment,

We are always looking for more volunteers.  In particular volunteers are required to Pickwell, Somerby, Asfordby and Old Dalby areas as well as Melton Mowbray itself.

As we organise our own rota, your commitment can be flexible to fit around any existing commitments.  Typically:  1 night a week and 1 weekend a month, more or less to suit all concerned.

Anyone interested in more information, please contact:

Ina Scott Tel.  01664 853384
Email:  ina@framland.demon.co.uk

In 2006, the group attended 327 patients.  204 Category A and 87 Category B.