Eccleshall Community First Responders

Eccleshall
Community
First
Response
Scheme

Reg Charity No: 1119804

What we do

The objective of a First Response Scheme is to provide emergency medical care until the professional services arrives.

It is important to stress that we do not replace the professionals rather we are there to provide support and assistance until they arrive on scene.

Eccleshall Community First Response Scheme aims to provide 24/7 cover for the residents and workers of Eccleshall and the

surrounding areas. To achieve this we need to recruit new volunteers to join the team, both as responders and supporters to help us with fund raising and administration.
No previous experience is required to be a responder, full training is provided by Staffordshire Ambulance Service. In the current team there is a mixture of backgrounds amongst the responders. They include an Operations Manager, two registered nurses, an industrial chef and a retired systems manager.

The Scheme like other schemes across the county, is not centrally funded. Money has to be raised by holding events or by public or private donation to buy the existing vehicle, medical equipment and personal protection equipment for the responders.

Previously we stated that we had an objective to raise sufficient money to buy a Lucas Device (commonly known as a “Thumper”) which is vital when dealing with a cardiac arrest. This would cost around £5000.

I am pleased to be able to report that with your help, we have met that objective and now carry a Lucas device on the vehicle. More importantly it has already been put to use.

Responder Alison Edwards demonstrates the Lucas Device

We also reported that within the next two years we hoped to replace our 10 year old response vehicle with a small four wheel drive.

Due to the generosity of local people, businesses and organisations we have managed to replace the old car with a Toyota Rav 4 , 4 wheel drive vehicle. More details are contained on the Response Vehicle page.