Community life-savers start duty

A dozen new volunteers are equipped to save lives in the communities in which they live.The volunteers were taught advanced first aid skills at training sessions in November and December and have qualified as Community First Responders (CFRs).

Providing care until the ambulance arrives

CFRs are recruited and trained by St John Ambulance Isle of Man and are despatched by the Emergency Services' Joint Control Room to tend to those in rural areas who fall ill and are waiting for an ambulance.

They employ techniques such as CPR and defibrillation in the case of cardiac arrest, give oxygen to those with breathing difficulties, offer reassurance to patients and gather information, saving paramedics valuable time when they arrive at the scene.

The CFRs scheme is run in partnership with the Isle of Man Ambulance and Paramedic Service.

High take up for Island CFR training course

Gerry Jones, who coordinates the scheme for St John Ambulance Isle of Man, said: 'We had a fantastic response to our appeal for new CFRs to come forward and the 12 newest volunteers have, over four sessions, gained the medical skills they need to assist other volunteers in providing cover in their area.

'The interest was so high that we have enough would-be volunteers on a waiting list to fill the next course.

'There are now 46 active CFRs providing a vital service to the community.'

Steve Crowe, Ambulance Liaison Officer for the CFRs, said: 'The original scheme was set up by Graham and Val Platt in Peel and, from its early days, has expanded to other parts of the Island such as the south, north and east, with plans to expand further as funding becomes available.

‘This is a chance for people to assist their community when others fall ill and need medical assistance or, in some cases, just reassurance. It is great that each time we run one of these courses, we fill every available seat.’

The Community First Responders welcome donations of money or equipment to support their work. If you are interested in helping, please contact Gerry at St John Ambulance Isle of Man on 01624 674387.

For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man or to find out how to sign up for first aid courses, volunteer or support its work via donations, please ring 01624 674387.