LIVES First Responders Update Winter 2011

LIVES
The LIVES First Responder Group in Metheringham and Dunston can report that from January to the end of September this year it has attended 154 emergency 999 calls in this area. Incidents such as, 30 Falls, 22 Suspected Heart Attacks, 8 Strokes, 24 patients with Breathing Difficulties and 8 Unconscious patients. We have managed to get a Responder to the call very quickly, usually in under 5 minutes and as a result 2 lives have been saved. Having a local First Responder group has a huge advantage to a community, with figures showing that by having a group locally, survival from cardiac arrest increases from 5% to 45%.

The ambulance service in Lincolnshire does a fantastic job but sometimes they struggle to get to someone within those first 5 minutes when someone has stopped breathing and needs help. By living within the community the First Responder can be contacted by ambulance control in seconds of the 999 call coming in and dispatched to the patient, who in most instances will be only just down the road.

Our local Group has 8 operational Responders and 1 new Responder in training, all giving very close to 24/7 cover for our area and surrounding villages. In addition to the Responders in our group, we now have a LIVES Medic in our area, bringing an increase to the type of call we can attend. Responders will not be sent to serious Road Traffic Collisions, pregnancy and gynaecological incidents whereas Medics can be sent. Medics also have a higher degree of trauma training and skills, carry extra equipment and can administer an array of medications

Our Group finances were getting a little low earlier this year but following a number of fundraising events and a fantastic fundraising event by Blankney Golf Club, our funds have started to look a lot healthier, so a massive 'thank you' to everyone who has donated to our Group and an especially big thank you to Lady Captain Coral Earney and the Ladies section of Blankney Golf Club for a stunning donation of just over £2100.00. If you would like to make a donation to the Group or organise a fundraising event, please contact our coordinator Beth McLuckie on 321919.

As winter and the dark nights are now here could we ask that if you dial 999 after dark you put as many house lights on as possible and open your curtains so we can find you quickly. It is very difficult to see house numbers and names at night and every bit of help you can give us saves seconds that can save lives. If you have more than one person with the patient you could ask them to stand outside with a torch, or put your car hazards on if it is on the road/drive.

As this is the last report till the new year, Metheringham & Dunston LIVES Responders would like to thank you all for your wonderful support and please have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.