Helping to save a life – “an amazing feeling.”

A NEW Community First Responder scheme at Lymm is looking for volunteers – because at the moment it has only got one!
Graham Gowland is currently the only member who has completed training with the North West Ambulance Service and been issued with the basic life support kit necessary for him to respond to emergencies in the area.
Another volunteer has come forward but has yet to be trained…so Graham is on his own.
He works four-hour shifts and can be sent out to life threatening situations where it is believed he may be able to get there before an ambulance.
The Lymm Community First Responder (CFR) scheme evolved from the Defibrillator and Heartstart projects in the village.
First Responders are kitted out by the ambulance service with defibrillators, oxygen and other essentials and linked to the 999 service with a pager, that works in exactly the same way as the communication systems in an ambulance.
Graham said: “I am sent to calls within a four mile radius. Nothing dangerous, not road traffic incidents, stabbings, or anything like that. But life threatening situations will see me setting off as quickly as possible, with the ambulance dispatched at the same time – we don’t slow the paramedics down but in a crisis, seconds count.
“It would be great if we had more responders locally – I can’t be on call 24/7 and the idea is to have a number of people who do a few hours, a day – whatever they can do – on a regular basis.”
Graham’s training included going out with ambulance crews.
“It’s a bit scary – but I’ve had good training and been out a few times as part of an ambulance crew – and knowing you helped keep someone alive is an amazing feeling.”
Anyone interested in getting involved can either call Graham on 01925 751599 or visit the NWAS website www.nwas-responders.info/application.php where there is an application form.