Background

Research has shown the sooner a heart attack victim, or someone with severe breathing difficulties for instance, receives trained attention, the better their chances of survival.

Although the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), offers an excellent service, in most instances a locally based unit will get to the patient more quickly and start life saving treatment sooner. The North West Ambulance Service recognises the problems of achieving rapid response times in villages and outlying areas, and are actively promoting First Responder schemes.

First Responder Scheme

The Congleton scheme consists of a team of trained volunteers who operate within a 5 mile radius of the town centre. This operational area is intentionally limited to ensure a rapid response. Team members will be on “standby duty” on a voluntary rota, and are equipped with a trauma kit, including an automatic external defibrillator, oxygen, Blood Pressure monitor, plus a mobile phone, portable radio and pager for rapid despatch communication.

999 Calls

If a 999 call is received by the Ambulance Service, and is assessed as “life threatening”, the controller initiates the instructions to the nearest ambulance and at the same time, also alerts the local duty First Responder. The First Responder then mobilises to the patient using the team’s high visibility signwritten car, which was purchased with funds raised by the team, plus generous donations from the public, local businesses and charitable groups.

On arrival, the First Responder examines the patient and commences whatever treatment is deemed appropriate. This may be applying resuscitation, (CPR), administering oxygen, or re-starting the heart using a defibrillator. The First Responder makes the patient as comfortable as possible, and maintains any treatment necessary until the ambulance arrives.