New voluntary team will save lives in the area
A NEW team of volunteers is making the area safer following training by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Newly formed charity, Forres Community First Responders (FCFR), launched on Friday, July 12, and is now providing patient care from Forres to the outskirts of Elgin and Nairn, including Kinloss, Findhorn, Burghead, Rafford, Dallas, Dyke and Broom of Moy.
Team co-ordinator Mark Thompson confirmed six local responders have completed training so far … But they are recruiting more.
He explained: “New members are trained to provide basic life support to a first aid standard by Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). They learn how to observe blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperatures and obtain medical history to help treatment.
“Ambulance crews are provided with these essential observations when they arrive at the scene of an emergency.”
He added: “When on call, the team members respond with a medical bag from wherever they are in the local area. They assist with emergencies that fit within the scope of their training, allocated by SAS control centres.
“We provide patients with a better chance to survive or recover from cardiac arrest, strokes and breathing difficulties.”
A first responder’s team run from RAF Kinloss disbanded over 10 years ago. Since then, waiting times for ambulances have increased. FCFR can now respond to emergencies and assist until one arrives.
“I am over the moon about this new team,” said Mark, “especially the work the members have put in to get qualified. SAS have been amazing in helping to set this up and providing advice.
“It was a long, hard process over the past year to get it going but I'm grateful for the growing support as vital this team will make a great addition to the area.”
FCFR is entirely self-funded so requires a secretary, board members, fundraisers and social media managers.
“Sue and Stephanie of K’s Coffee Shop on Falconer Avenue has kindly allowed us to use her facilities,” finished Mark. “We are continuing to seek funds for more equipment to allow the team to train, though the Keirans Legacy charity has helped us with two responder bags.
“Meanwhile, we are available to attend clubs and groups to teach basic life support.”
For more information visit https://www.scottishambulance.com/your-community/community-first-responders/ or call Mark on 07765237834.
