Could you volunteer to become a First Responder for Elvington and Sutton?

If so, come to Elvington Village Hall on Tuesday 9 February at 7.30pm to find out more.

When medical emergencies occur, a quick response – less than eight minutes - is essential for improving chances of survival.

This is a challenging (and sometimes impossible) target for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, given increasing road traffic congestion in our area.

First Responder volunteers are trained to attend emergency calls received by the ambulance service and provide care until the ambulance arrives.

Elvington Parish Council recently met with an existing First Responder team from Wilberfoss. Members of this team have actually attened emergencies in Elvington, as they have been able to get to the village and an emergency before the ambulance. 

Following the meeting, Elvington Parish Council, with the full support of Sutton Parish Council, has decided to promote the setting up of a First Responder team for the two villages.

Call outs are relatively infrequent, but can be vital, particularly in more rural areas. Team members do not attend road traffic accidents or domestic incidents.

Volunteers can arrive at an emergency scene in a matter of minutes, as they are sent to calls in their local area.

Volunteers operate as part of a rota system from their own home or place of work. They are dispatched at the same time as an ambulance via ambulance control to attend Category A 'immediately life – threatening' calls. These calls can include:

• cardiac arrest

• diabetic emergency

• unconscious patient

• breathing difficulties

• seizures

A viable team needs ten or more volunteers – but is not expected to provide 24/7 cover. A full medical kit is provided, including a defibrillator, oxygen and emergency telephones, which circulates around the team.

Training is provided by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service. There are no costs to volunteers, who are fully insured for both personal and public liability.

The two Parish Councils believe that the establishment of a First Responder Team will be strongly beneficial to our communities, on the few occasions that serious emergencies occur. The initiative is supported by Dr. Tim Longmore from Elvington surgery.

An initial meeting will be held in Elvington Village Hall on Tuesday 9 February at 7.30pm to gauge the level of volunteer support.

Also, the Ambulance Service and Dr Longmore will provide more details. If you can cover a little time in the week – during the day, the evening or overnight, please attend this meeting. The success of this important initiative is entirely dependent upon volunteers from our two villages.

Please notify a Parish Councillor if you are interested but unable to attend.