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Volunteers vital in helping to save lives
Volunteers training at LIVES HQ
They could be a butcher, a baker or a candlestick maker, as long as they are willing to give up their time to help save lives.
Horncastle based charity LIVES relies on volunteers and the latest crop, Rich, Jean, Harry, Simon, and Paul, were shown the ropes by instructors Steve King and Yvonne Steadman who led them through defibrillator training and played the parts of stricken patients in a number of scenarios.
Rather than talking through examples of what the volunteers may face on a day-to-day basis, they were led through enactments of illnesses such as stroke, choking, someone fitting, and a loss of consciousness due to hypoglycaemia.
One such simulation saw Steve choking on a mint. It was down to volunteer Jean to quickly go through the procedures in aiding someone choking - backslaps and the Heimlich manoeuvre. This type of training can prove lifesaving in real life situations.
Steve, who has been a first responder for more than 12 years, said he decided he wanted to volunteer after attending a call-out with his wife who gave up some of her time for LIVES.
“My background really is in veterinary work. My wife joined our local group, and I went out on a call with her.
“There was an elderly gentleman at his window looking out for us and he looked really concerned.
“I carried the responder bag in for my wife, and as soon as she walked in and started assisting his wife you could feel the tension in the air disappear. They settled down very quickly.”
Both trainers mentioned the main reason members of the public want to volunteer for LIVES is “to give something back to the community.”
LIVES was initially set up in the 1970’s after a traffic accident on the A1 at Catterick.
A voluntary group of doctors began to attend RTAs to provide assistance to the emergency services and this was developed by Dr Ken Easton, and doctors from Tetford.
Dr Michael Cooper and Dr Richard Harper-Smith held an open meeting, which was attended by more than 100 local doctors, to discuss the development of this service and LIVES was born.
LIVES has relied on donations and support to continue their work for more than four decades and they are still an integral part of the health service across.
Steve said: “It really is one of the most rewarding jobs.
“I operate out of Market Rasen and I see people walking down the street who have, technically, died but I have brought back to life.”
LIVES marketing and fundraising officer Stephen Hyde said: “We give our volunteers proper equipment to train with, and the full kit packs we use to train our volunteers can cost up to £2,000.
“The ‘Annie’ respirator dolls we use can cost between £400 and £500 and setting a community group will cost around £3,500.
“When someone gets in touch we send them a welcome pack and go through the necessary checks.
“Then they are invited to their local group and they can take part in some sessions and introduce themselves, then we get them trained up. The process usually takes between six and eight weeks.”
If you are interested in becoming a first responder call LIVES HQ on 01507 525999 or visit www.lives.org.uk.
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Tuesday 18 June 2013
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