Friday 2nd May 2014 – 4pm – Steve Parry.
Award winning actor, Hugh Grant, today unveiled a volunteer lifesaving community car.
Burntwood and District Community First Responders launched their new response vehicle at a showbiz ceremony which was held at Burntwood Rugby Club this afternoon.
Hugh, the schemes ambassador, carried out the honour in front of a specially invited audience which included West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Marsh and Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum alongside many of the business representatives who have helped to raise vital funds for the Charity.
Community First Responders (CFRs) are groups of volunteers that respond to emergencies on behalf of West Midlands Ambulance Service, prior to the arrival of an ambulance. CFRs help reach people suffering from medical emergencies in more rural communities fast. They are trained by the ambulance service to a nationally recognised level and maybe requested to attend to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, chest pain and breathing problems.
The Burntwood and District CFR scheme was established in June 2013 and currently has five active responders with an additional three members undertaking training.
The scheme has recently managed to raise approximately £25,000 which has been used to purchase a brand new ŠKODA Octavia Scout response vehicle. The money was partially made up of grants from the National Lottery and Staffordshire County Council alongside donations from the local community.
The vehicle, which was purchased from Staffordshire-based Autosales Group, has been converted by VCS Limited to accommodate a whole host of lifesaving equipment as well as having green friendly, roof-mounted solar panels to assist charging the vehicle.
Emma Wilkins, WMAS’ Head of Community Response said: “West Midlands Ambulance Service prides itself on having many excellent community schemes in place around the region.In many illnesses or injuries the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability. Therefore in remote areas CFRs really can make a difference to a patient’s outcome.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers for their hard work and dedication; they have undoubtedly helped to save lives within their communities.”
Paul Dadge Burntwood & District CFR Chairman said “Replacing the car would not have been possible without the generous contributions from our local community, parish, county councils and businesses. Today is a thank you to all those who have helped us in the last few months”.
Finally, the Hollywood actor Hugh Grant said: “ The least I can do is unveil this car. The CFR scheme is clearly a brilliant thing and it’s amazing to think the car can save someone’s life.”
Ends