Time is valuable and saves lives
Global Knowledge supported the South Central Ambulance Service
NHS Trust (SCAS) Community Responder Vehicle launch Tuesday 29th of
November at the Swallowfield Village Hall.
Global Knowledge, as well as national and local community
supporters such as The National Lottery and generous local Parish
Councils, were proud sponsors of the Response Vehicle. Global
Knowledge made a donation in September to help towards the running
costs of the new vehicle. Our donation was thanks to Gary Clark -
EMEA Financial Controller at Global Knowledge, who is a volunteer
for the Group.
Gary became a Community First Responder (CFR) for the
Swallowfield Group in October 2010. A CFR is a member of the
public, trained by the ambulance service to offer immediate medical
assistance to individuals in life threatening situations before the
arrival of the ambulance, for conditions including cardiac
arrest. We are very proud of Gary here at Global Knowledge
and his dedication to raising funds for this potentially life
saving vehicle.
Over 60 individuals were invited to the launch and it was clear
from the turn out (despite the turbulent weather) that this was
indeed a cause close to many hearts. With local supporters,
friends, family and businesses including a few that have been
patients of the Community Responders, there was a great deal of joy
in the room when the Vehicle was officially handed over by Trevor
Jones – Chairman of South Central Ambulance Service.
L-R: Trevor Jones, Chairman of South Central Ambulance
Service; and Gary Clark, EMEA Financial Controller at Global
Knowledge and CFR volunteer.
Gary Clark ended the event with an enlightening tale as to
what the Swallowfield Community Responders achieved and how they
got to where they are today, thanking all of their sponsors along
the way.
With members of the public, representatives from the SCAS and
the help of BMW Cooper Reading and Scallywags Catering who provided
the event with plenty of nibbles, teas, coffee and bubbly; the
atmosphere was a blaze with touching stories and admiration for the
great job the CFR’s do.
About the Community First Responders
The SCAS has over 1000 volunteer Community First Responders
(CFR), all trained in basic life-saving skills to provide early and
often vital intervention for patients experiencing life-threatening
medical emergencies in the immediate vicinity of where they live or
work whilst an ambulance is en route to the scene. Once an
ambulance crew arrives, CFRs work alongside a qualified
practitioner. The sooner treatment starts the better the outcome of
the patient.
The CFRs previously used their own vehicles to respond to calls
in the local community, and in times of adverse weather conditions;
such as the two recent bad winters and a serious local flood or to
reach farmlands, the team can find it difficult to respond.
This is where the new BMW 4x4 Response Vehicle comes in. The
Swallowfield Community Responders sought assistance from local
companies and individuals for donations for the vehicle fund. The
vehicle is a 'first' for Community Responder schemes in Berkshire
and will give the group excellent all-weather capability to respond
to life-threatening medical emergencies in Swallowfield, Spencers
Wood, Shinfield, Farley Hill, Arborfield, Three Mile Cross and
Beech Hill.
Do you have what it takes?
The CFR’s do a fantastic job…but they need more volunteers. They
work on a rota and understand that this has to be balanced with
other roles important to each of us, such as work, studying,
parenting, and caring for relatives. If you are interested in
training, please get in contact!
CFRs work as part of the SCAS NHS Trust and will be offered all
the support the full-time colleagues receive. In addition you will
undergo a two-day specially designed training course provided by
SCAS in the essential skills needed for the role, such as:
- Life Support
- Oxygen Therapy
- Use of defibrillator
- Care of the unconscious patient
- Medical emergencies
- Minor trauma
- Health and safety
- Paediatrics
If you have a full driving license and can pass an enhanced
criminal record check, then you are just the kind of person they
need.
Can’t dedicate your time?
If you aren’t able to dedicate your time, you can make a
donation to keep the vehicle running and on the road. The future
depends on the continuation of donations. Please donate online at
http://localgiving.com/charity/swallowcfr
or www.justgiving.com/swallowfieldresponders
Interested in becoming a community
responder?
Get in contact and SCAS will arrange an informal meeting so you
can learn more about the role.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please
contact Gary Clark, EMEA Financial Controller for Global Knowledge
and Community First Responder for the Swallowfield Group: swallowfield.cfr@gmail.com
L-R: Chris Gower, Nicky Clarke, Gary
Clark, and Ian Hammond.
Top left to right: Nicky Clarke, Liz Newcombe, Chris Gower,
Gary Clark, and Ian Hammond.
View more pictures via our twitter @GKUnitedKingdom
With courtesy of South Central Ambulance Service
NHS Trust.