North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) is looking for volunteers to join Wilmslow Community First Responder Team to assist in providing life-saving help to local residents.
There is currently only one volunteer who works within Wilmslow who is sent to certain emergencies by the ambulance service to give life-saving help prior to the arrival of an ambulance, but they now need more people to get involved.
The Trust is hosting a Community First Responder meeting at Wilmslow Leisure Centre on Wednesday, 2nd May, from 8pm until 9.30pm. This meeting will give anyone who is interested in becoming a Community First Responder (CFR) the chance to find out more about the role, the training and what exactly is involved.
NWAS's Community Resuscitation Manager, David McNally, said: "None of us know who will suffer a cardiac arrest, have difficulty with breathing or sustain heavy bleeding.
"What we do know is that when such a life-threatening condition occurs it is the simple things that save lives including the type of assistance available and the speed of response which is why we use community first responders.
"We are appealing to people living in Wilmslow and the surrounding areas to volunteer to become Community First Responders and to agree to be trained and dedicate some of their time in helping their local community. No previous training or experience is needed.
"The training teaches volunteers how to do deal with patients suffering from life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, chest pains, difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, diabetic and epileptic collapse and choking.
"People can commit as much or as little time as they feel able, ideally a minimum of 4 hours a week. This is a voluntary role and can be incredibly rewarding, you really could save a life!"
A CFR needs to be extremely reliable, good under pressure, able to remain calm in emergency situations, be caring when dealing with patients and have a good level of physical fitness. CFRs must have the use of a car and will be required to have a criminal records bureau check. While a responder is on call they can continue with their normal day to day activities but must be ready to attend a call should one arise.
NWAS has one of the largest and longest established CFR schemes in the country. There are over 1600 active CFRs shared between approximately 140 teams throughout the region.
If you are interested or would like to find out more call 0161 279 4800, email [email protected] or visit www.nwas-responders.com.
CFRs travel under normal road speed and will not be sent to incidents considered dangerous, such as an assault or road traffic accidents.
Photo: Sara Harris, Community Resuscitation Officer with Mike Pain, Wilmslow volunteer CFR, at this month's Artisan Market.
