Ten new volunteers will soon be out and about, providing life-saving cover in the north and west of the Island, after qualifying as Community First Responders (CFRs).
CFRs are trained in life-saving by St John Ambulance, the Island’s leading first aid charity. They are despatched by the Isle of Man Ambulance and Paramedic Service to tend to those awaiting ambulances in rural areas.
CFRs use CPR and defibrillation in the case of cardiac arrest, supply oxygen to those with breathing difficulties, offer reassurance to all patients and gather information from them that will be of assistance to paramedics when they arrive, saving valuable time and, potentially, lives.
Schemes operate in the north, west and south of the Island.
Volunteers undertake two weekends’ classroom-based training, interspersed with practical sessions with paramedics.
The success of the candidates on the latest course brings the total number of responders to 49. The course was held to boost numbers in the north and west and means there will be additional cover in Ramsey, Andreas, Ballaugh, Kirk Michael, Peel and St John’s.
The 10 new CFRs – Sarah McArdle, Cathy Pullen, Lisa Kelly, Jane Duggan, Vikki Bell, Bill Betts, Adrian Bell, Paul Hartley, Peter Eburne and Christian Mourant – are pictured at St John Ambulance headquarters in Glencrutchery Road, Douglas.
Anyone interested in training to be a Community First Responder should contact Steve Crowe at steven.crowe@gov.im or leave their details with St John Ambulance on 01624 674387. The next course will be held in around six months’ time.
