SOUTH Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is urging people across Hampshire to resolve to do something amazing in 2016, become a lifesaver by volunteering as a community first responder to serve in their community.

First responders are urgently needed to help save more lives in parts of East Hampshire in particular.

The volunteer responders are called by SCAS to attend potentially life-threatening incidents, such as cardiac arrests or strokes – often helping to save lives of people in their communities by being at a scene very quickly in those crucial first few moments before paramedics arrive.

Terry Kane, SCAS’s community liaison and training officer said: “Community first responders (CFRs) are extremely important.

“Because each CFR lives or works in their ‘patch’, they can often reach a patient a few minutes earlier than an emergency ambulance.

“They have the skills and equipment to immediately begin assessing and treating the patient before the paramedics arrive and those few minutes can make all the difference between life and death.”

Jennie Russell, a CFR who works in another part of the county, remembers a call she was sent to at a local restaurant.

She said: “I was told a patient had collapsed at the restaurant. I got there in five minutes and arrived just as the ambulance did.

“Someone was already doing CPR on the patient so I took over and continued that while the ambulance crew began additional treatment.

“With the patient loaded into the ambulance and treatment continuing, I then spoke to the family and explained what was happening and reassured them as much as possible.

“The restaurant manager then asked me to speak to a member of his bar staff who was upset.

“He had been the one who started doing the CPR and was worried he might have done it wrong as he’d had no training.

“I was able to reassure him that his efforts were the right thing to have done and would have helped until medical assistance arrived.

“It was nice to hear him say that as a result of what happened he was going to sign up to do a first aid course.”

Today, South Central Ambulance Service is appealing for more people like Jennie to volunteer to become a community first responder anywhere in Hampshire, and make a lifesaving difference to their community.

SCAS would welcome enquiries from people whether they live in a town or village.

Community first responders come from all walks of life. Anyone interested in joining SCAS as a volunteer will need to be over the age of 18, physically fit and healthy, able to carry out effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for up to 20 minutes (after training) and be a car owner with a full UK driving licence.

Volunteers must be able to commit to be on call for a minimum of 20 hours each month, which can be arranged flexibly around existing work, family or other commitments.

Community first responders receive full training by SCAS to provide life-saving treatment and if they are sent to an emergency they are always backed up with the nearest available ambulance.

To find out more about the role of a CFR call 0800 587 0207 or go online at www.scas.nhs.uk – you can also email [email protected]