The new Bishopthorpe First Responders Service has been launched.
What is it?
The service provides local support to the ambulance services where someone may need urgent attention.
How does the system work?
You would dial 999 in the usual way in case of an emergency. The ambulance service then decides if calling a First Responder would increase the patients’ chances of survival where emergency resuscitation is needed and the response time is critical. Locally trained volunteers are available on a rota, and can be called in by the ambulance service.
A defibrillator has been acquired, and a first cohort of local volunteers have been trained in its use. Using the defibrillator will hopefully be a rare occasion, as most times oxygen therapy is sufficient, or even a little reassurance and TLC until the paramedics arrive.
It must stressed that the volunteeers are not a substitute for the ambulance services. An ambulance, once called, will always respond. They are there to respond quickly when time is of the essence.
