Community First Responders nominated for prestigious award

07/10/2021

Ordinary people who take on an extraordinary role in their community up for Outstanding Volunteering Team award

South Central Ambulance Service and their Charity’s volunteer responders have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award for their contribution to healthcare amid the challenges of COVID-19.

Across the South Central Ambulance Service’s area a 1,200-strong team of Community First Responders and Co-Responders work to quickly react to medical situations.   They are up against four other organisations to be named Outstanding Volunteering Team of the Year at the Helpforce Champions Awards 2021.

Volunteer responders are members of the public trained to support the ambulance service, primarily by attending medical emergencies and sometimes providing lifesaving first aid to patients before paramedics arrive.

They also assist with ongoing patient care at the scene and attend more than 30,000 incidents every year. They are funded solely by South Central Ambulance Charity, which provides equipment, training and is responsible for the vehicle fleet of 51.

Community First Responders volunteer in their spare time – providing a minimum of 20 hours a month each.

Vanessa Casey, Chief Executive of South Central Ambulance Charity, said: “Our Community First Responders have weathered every storm this year and still come out in strength to provide essential emergency care for patients across our community.

“With the support of SCAS’s Community Engagement and Training team and the charity, this incredible group has enabled us to reach even more patients, treat and leave even more patients in their own homes and supported the welfare of elderly and vulnerable patients by responding to non-injury falls and concern for welfare calls.

“These ‘ordinary’ people take on an extraordinary role in their community and, without them, the demand on the ambulance service would be even greater.”

Winners at the Helpforce Champions Awards 2021will be announced on 30 October.


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

Reader's opinions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Current track

Title

Artist

Background