Views of Neighbourhood First Responders in other Schemes

Paul Brooks, St. John member and NFR volunteer with Frinton and Walton

Paul saved the life of a pensioner who collapsed at home.  "It was my birthday and I was on call.  I was watching TV when I was dispatched by Essex Ambulance Service control to the home of a local resident", says Paul.  "As I arrived the casualty started having chest pains, suffered a heart attack and collapsed.  I was able to restart his heart using a defibrillator".  The casualty was taken to a hospital and discharged a few days later.  

"I really enjoy being part of the NFR scheme", says Paul.  "There is a definite need for this type of scheme in the local community and I really like being able to help people in this way".

First Responder Support Officer Kevin Stowe said “Our volunteers are a vital part of their community, often providing an early response to patients with heart problems or breathing difficulties as well as choking and unconscious patients.  If you speak to people in the communities where groups exist there is often a great feeling of community spirit – knowing that someone in their neighbourhood will be there if they need them.”