Burnley pub boss leads new life-saving emergency team

A FLEDGLING first aid team is getting off the ground in rural areas of Burnley thanks to a publican.
Patrick O’Reilly, manager at the New Waggoners in Dunnockshaw, is leading the first Burnley community first responders team.

Formerly a member of a similar outfit in Clitheroe, Patrick started to make inquiries about establishing a team based around the Manchester Road hostelry.

North West Ambulance Service bosses have now fitted a community defibrillator at the pub, for immediate casualties in areas such as Clowbridge to Rosehill.

Patrick, who is a field trainer and instructor under the Heartstart scheme, is now set to head-up a three-strong team.

Jane Atkinson, NWAS community resuscitation development manager, said the team would play a vital role in attending life-threatening incidents.

“Their role is important in providing care and support to patients, until the ambulance crew arrives on site. NWAS trains and equips first responders with defibrillators, oxygen and first aid kits,” she added.
The team at Padiham has also recently expanded with the additional of two new community responders and a further pair in training.

Several new schemes have also sprung up in Rossendale and defibrillators are in place in Haslingden, Crawshawbooth, Rawtenstall, Bacup and Waterfoot.

Mark Evans, Lancashire’s community resuscitation manager, added: “With a patient in a life-threatening condition, it is the simple things that save lives, including the type of assistance and the speed of response, which is why we use first responders.”

Potential new recruits in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale areas can become involved by visiting the scheme’s website at www.nwas-responders. info.

 Peter Magill, Chief reporter, Lancashire Telegraph