THE collapse of Bolton Wanderers’ midfielder Fabrice Muamba in an FA Cup Quarter Final shows just how important a quick emergency response can be for anyone of any age or fitness.
Medical staff gave the former England U21 international CPR resuscitation after he collapsed during the game against Tottenham, before being rushed to the heart attack centre at the London Chest Hospital.And with Westbury First Responders holding their Learn CPR evening last Wednesday it was a timely reminder of how CPR can be a life-saving skill at any time in any place.
Providing a local life-saving service
Westbury First Responders are on call to help residents of Westbury by providing life-saving treatment in the crucial first few minutes before an ambulance arrives. Members of the first responders scheme live in Westbury and so are able to get to a patient before an ambulance arrives. The team covers the town and some of the surrounding villages and are contacted by pager following a 999 call. Emergencies that the responders attend include cardiac arrest, chest pain, breathing difficulties, fits and strokes. First Responder Justin Whatley explains, “Every second does count, particularly with a cardiac arrest. Because we all live locally in Westbury we can be there in 2-3 minutes whereas an ambulance could be coming from Warminster or Trowbridge, so you’re looking at 6-7minutes. “Two to three of us can be on call at any one time, we do have a rota but if someone’s at home we’ll often book in – sometimes you have more than one call at once.”The first responders had 220 call outs in 2010 and although the 2011 figures are yet to be confirmed , it is estimated that there were approximately 240 call outs.
Could you be a first responder?
New volunteers are being sought to train as first responders in the Westbury and Warminster areas. First Responders do not need previous medical training and are not necessarily people who work full-time in the medical profession. Often, they have other jobs but are trained to have the skills needed in an emergency. What is important is a full driving licence, good people skills, and the ability to remain calm in pressured situations. Sometimes a First Responder is simply required to reassure the patient and direct the ambulance, but sometimes they can save a life through quick attention. First responders receive four days’ training, either during the week or weekends, which cover respiration and airway management, basic life support, defibrillation, circulation and shock, medical related emergencies, and trauma related injuries. Trainees also spend time observing an ambulance crew to learn more about emergency response. If you are interested in becoming a first responder you can contact the GWAS CFR administrator on 0117 9280 485 or email firstresponder@gwas.nhs.uk
