Top response of the life saving volunteers

Ten have-a-go heroes from a Norfolk village have put themselves forward to join the front line of life saving.

They answered an appeal to join an initiative called First Response Volunteers by South Norfolk Council in its autumn magazine The Link. And on Saturday (2 December), they will sit for their life-saving exams.

After that they will be joining the initiative, which aims to bring a volunteer to the side of someone in a life-or-death situation in those critical moments before the arrival of the ambulance. It takes on average 8 minutes for an ambulance to reach Long Stratton from Norwich, and help in those 8 minutes could make all the difference.

With First Response Volunteers, once a call to the ambulance service has been made, a message is sent to the pager of whichever volunteer is on call, to request assistance.

Over last weekend (25 and 26 November), the new volunteers began training. While some had already taken part in "Heartstart" training, for others this was their first real medical experience.

They were taught how to handle situations ranging from seizures and unconscious patients to heart attacks. They were also trained in the use of a defibrillator.

South Norfolk Councillor Peter Smith, who represents Stratton ward, was delighted:

"These are ordinary people who have taken on an extraordinary duty. They deserve very special praise from our community for putting themselves forward. Anyone in Long Stratton could find they owe their lives to these people.

"It's no surprise that many are from emergency service or medical backgrounds like fire fighting, nursing, and the St John’s Ambulance, but this group also includes office workers and a self-employed businessman."

Sue Green, South Norfolk Council's Health Improvement Advisor has been the driving force behind First Response Volunteers in the district.

She said:

"The response to our appeal has been wonderful. We had over 30 telephone calls from South Norfolk residents interested in taking part.

"Volunteers rely on public donations. We have to fundraise to pay for essential equipment like computers and satellite navigation. I appeal to any resident or anyone in business to call if you feel you can offer any equipment or money.

“Anyone who would like to be a volunteer but who does not live in Long Stratton can easily be put in touch with relevant local groups, so feel free to call me on 01508 533717."

There has already been interest in joining groups in Wymondham and Loddon.

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