First responders get set for action
THE feeling of helplessness awaiting for the arrival of an ambulance sowed the seeds of a first responder scheme set to cover the Alness and Evanton areas.
Michael O’Neill and David Ridgeway have teamed up to launch a scheme that provides an initial first aid response pending the arrival of an ambulance team.
Experience elsewhere has proved that such first responder teams can be the difference between life and death.
Mr O’Neill (40), explained that the desire to get involved was prompted by the experience of a relative who "had quite a fall". He said the feeling of helplessness while awaiting an ambulance prompted him to think about putting himself forward as a first responder.
"It was not the ambulance service’s fault," he said. "I thought rather than grumble about it, why not think about something that could be done to help."
After discussing the matter further with Alness Community Council, he set about getting the necessary training from the ambulance service and seeking funding for responder bags. In addition to standard first aid supplies, these can be equipped to carry a defibrillator, a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest. They also typically contain heart rate monitors, oxygen and airways equipment.
A number of donations from Hannah Homes, Pat Munro, EPOS North and electrician J.M. Campbell has helped the team towards the cost of a first responder bag. They’re targeting two to get the voluntary service up and running.
Ambulance service community resilience facilitator Chris Alves, who covers an area from Perth to Stornoway, said the pair had finished their training. He said such teams were potential lifesavers and a welcome addition.
