Shotley Community First Responder Group

The peninsula has its first Community First Responder Group covering the Ward of Shotley. The Scheme started on 8 December 2008.

Five volunteers, who are residents of Shotley, have been trained by East of England Ambulance NHS Trust to respond to emergency calls for medical assistance in advance of the ambulance arriving on the scene. Their equipment includes an Automatic External Defibrillator to deal with heart attacks, and oxygen to assist with breathing difficulties. Volunteers will try to provide 24/7 cover but this will not always be possible.

The kit was funded by Shotley Parish Council, the Locality Budget of Councillor David Wood, and the British Heart Foundation. The Group would like to extend thanks to these donors on behalf of the community of Shotley.

The Ambulance Trust is keen to extend the scheme. If you would like to receive further information, with a view to becoming a First Responder, please contact Jon Needle on 07710 340640

By Dawn Girling

ENDS

Issued 8 Dec 2008