December 2009:
We have sponsored the Clevedon Rapid response vehicle

For more info plse email info@clevedonfirstresponders.co.uk

or check out the web site: http://www.clevedonfirstresponders.co.uk/

Community First Responders can be found all across the U.K. and not just in Clevedon. They are volunteers that are trained by the Ambulance Service to provide life saving care to patients that have dialled 999, prior to the arrival of the ambulance.

They respond from their home addresses, or work places to members of the public with life threatening medical emergencies. This treatment in the first few minutes is vital prior to the arrival of the ambulance and can make a huge difference in patient care and survival.

Community First Responders are all volunteers and give up their own free time to train and be called out to emergencies, via the Great Western Ambulance Service. They are not a substitute for an ambulance as they are dispatched at the same time, but often arrive first as they already in the community.

Clevedon Community First Responders use a Responder Car to attend emergencies within a three mile radius and do not have blue flashing lights or sirens, of which they are extremely grateful to the Clevedon & District Round Table for a donation of £500 towards the purchase of the car.

They carry a large red kit bag containing equipment such as:

Defibrillator
Oxygen
Suction
Burns Dressings
Dressings & Bandages
Scissors, Tape, Gloves, Torch
Note book & pens

They are identified by a hi-vis waistcoat and an NHS I.D. badge with their name and photo.

Clevedon Community First Responders are always looking to recruit new members to join their team. No previous medical experience is required as all the necessary training and equipment is provided. Should you require any additional information, please go to www.clevedonfirstresponders.co.uk or contact Kim Davey of the Great Western Ambulance Service on 01179 280485 or via e-mail; kim.davey@gwas.nhs.uk