Fabrice Muamba meets Edmonton paramedic lifesaver

A paramedic who was one of the first medical staff to treat Fabrice Muamba after he collapsed and stopped breathing has said it was a 'privilege' to meet him again.

Pete Fisher, who is based at Edmonton ambulance station, Windmill Road, was off-duty from the London Ambulance Service but working as part of Tottenham Hotspur’s pitch side rescue team at the match with Bolton Wanderers in March.

He met with him for the first time at the recording of the BBC’s 999 Awards programme, which was broadcast on Thursday night (16 August).

Pete, who was among the medical team to receive a special award from Fabrice for their actions in saving his life, attended the ceremony on behalf of all the ambulance staff involved on the day of the incident.
They included London Ambulance Service colleagues who were on duty in the stadium and carried out the ambulance journey to hospital.

Pete, pictured holding the award, said: “It was a privilege to meet Fabrice again. It was a magnificent team effort on the day to save his life, and I believe that it wasn’t for the training we received from the Service then none of this would have happened.”

Fabrice, who has this week announced his retirement from professional football, said of all the people who treated him: “They did an unbelievable job. They never gave up on me and they never stopped treating me. I thank every one of them every single day.

“I truly carry them in my heart everywhere I go. I told them they are special people - those are my heroes.”

CHEADLE RESIDENT SKYDIVES FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE 

Sixty year old John Dean will be jumping 10,000ft from an aeroplane in a bid to raise money for Cheadle First Responders.Mr Dean, who has lived in Cheadle for 30 years, will be taking on a tandem skydive for charity in Whitchurch today. 

Talking about the parachute jump Mr Dean said: “Unfortunately I lost my wife, Carol earlier this year, and it was decided that donations made at the funeral would be given to West Midlands Ambulance Service for the Cheadle First Responders.

“Following the donation I received a lovely thank you letter from the service and it has encouraged me to think about raising more money.

“I decided to do a skydive as it is something I have always thought about doing but have never got round to. Following the events of this year, I have really been driven on to do it and raise some money for a good cause.”

The Cheadle community first responders are volunteers that respond to emergencies on behalf of West Midlands Ambulance Service, prior to the arrival of an ambulance. CFRs are trained by the Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised level and help reach those people suffering from medical emergencies in the remote rural communities fast. 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.

Duncan Parsonage, Community Response Manager said: “Community First Responder Schemes are entirely funded by charitable donations, so any donations from the local community are greatly received.

“CFRs help reach those people, suffering from medical emergencies, in the remote rural communities fast. 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.

“I would like to say a huge thank you Mr Dean on behalf of the Service and the CFR group. His previous donation and future fundraising efforts really could help to save more lives within Cheadle.”

The local community in Cheadle have really supported the CFR group and earlier this year the responder group were able to purchase a new 4x4 response vehicle thanks to the communities generosity. 

Vinnie Jones Becomes A First Aider

The latest appearance from Hollywood hard man Vinnie Jones sees him gain a first aid qualification. However there is more to the story as he has come up with a completely new method of CPR.

August 06, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Vinnie Jones latest television commercial sees him tell all on the subject of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The former pro footballer even went on a first aid at work course in preparation for the ad in which he reveals a new technique in delivering CPR. Train Aid however has joined a number of training providers who are calling for clarity on what is the correct protocol. The advert kicks off when a non-breathing body is dramatically thrown across the floor. First on the scene is Vinnie who explains to his peers a new way of delivering "Hands Only CPR". This new concept means that you no longer need to worry about blowing oxygen into the lungs, and instead just need to focus on artificially pumping the heart. The advert was created by the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness of this new form of CPR. However controversy exists owing to the thousands of first aid courses that teach candidates to perform full CPR. No one questions that chest compressions are a life saver, but the body does require a constant stream of oxygen. Vinnie wraps the commercial up by telling everyone that there "should be no kissing as you only kiss your missus on the lips". First aid at work training teaches candidates that if you have the confidence to blow air into someone's lungs then there is no time to hesitate. The full CPR protocol instructs to keep a flow of oxygen into the lungs, and then circulate it via chest compressions. Who knows one day you might be called upon to touch the lips of your work colleague, golfing partner or best mate. Train Aid Ltd deliver both affordable and enjoyable training courses that place a strong emphasis on teaching practical skills that are relevant to real life. Website: http://www.train-aid.co.uk

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/825476#ixzz22m0Sx23T

Medals for Penicuik lifesavers 

Penicuik volunteers providing support to ambulance teams have been congratulated for their lifesaving contributions.

A group of Community First Responders received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for spending five years or more assisting the Scottish Ambulance Service during emergency calls.

The medals were presented by Bryan Finlay, the community resuscitation development officer for the Scottish Ambulance Service (south-east division), and Shirley Rogers, the deputy director for health, workforce and performance with the Scottish Government, during a recent ceremony at the Craigiebield House Hotel in Penicuik.

 

Air Ambulance Lottery reaches new heights!

Lottery membership reaches 22,000

The lottery run by Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) which contributes over £729,000 each year to the Charity’s fundraising effort, has attracted its 22,000th member.

DAAT Lottery, established in September 2001 last year  raised in excess of £1 million and today, in addition to one full time lottery supervisor and two part time administrators, has over 130 agents across the county ranging from newsagents to hairdressers.

Caroline Creer, DAAT’s Director of Fundraising, said: “The Lottery is one of DAAT’s biggest successes and the secret behind it is it only costs £1 per lucky number a week to play. 79% of members currently pay by standing order so it is very easy for them to support us through the Lottery and this also greatly reduces administrative costs.”

The Lottery draw takes place each Friday with winning numbers randomly drawn via specialised computer software.  The weekly prizes range from a jackpot of £1,350, to £135 second and third prizes and a further 10 prizes of £50.  An average of 70p goes straight back to the Charity.

Caroline Creer added: “Lottery membership is maintained and increased through our specially authorised team of canvassers who never collect cash, only standing order forms and cheques from members at the doorstep. 

“This is very important for us as it provides members with confidence that the system cannot be abused because of its transparency and our ability to review paper trails.

“We are very grateful to all our Lottery members who with just a small weekly commitment do so much to support our work.  We hope many more will take the opportunity of supporting us in this way and they can do so in the first instance by visiting www.daat.org ; or ringing 01392 469886 for an entry form or to find out where your local agent is.”

DAAT Lottery are registered with the Gambling Commission and are also members of and regulated by the Lottery Council, as well as the Great Foundation and Gambling Aware.

AMBULANCE CALL ASSESSOR TO WALK 100 MILES FOR CHARITY

A West Midlands Ambulance Service call assessor is walking 100 miles to raise money for Huntingtons Disease Association.

Leah Church who works in the Emergency Control Room in Tollgate, Staffordshire is all set to take on the challenge this week.

The walk is taking place in Nijmegen, Holland and will see participants walking over a four day period from 17^th – 20^th July, covering a massive 25 miles each day.

Talking about the challenge Leah said: “Huntingtons Disease is a hereditary disorder of the central nervous system. It usually develops in adulthood causing a very wide range of symptoms.

“Unfortunately the disease has affected a number of my family members, so this charity is extremely close to my heart. I am hoping to raise as much money as possible, allowing the charity to continue their excellent work supporting families affected by the illness as well as raising further awareness of the disease.”

Leah hopes to raise £1,000 for the association and is has almost hit her target already, raising a total of £942 so far.

Anyone wishing to give Leah a helping hand in achieving her goal please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Leah-Church. Every little bit helps.

What are you doing between 24 and 30 September?

Why not support your local Air Ambulance and make a difference to the community you live in, especially during National Air Ambulance Week (‘NAAW’)?  Every penny really goes a long way in helping save lives.

NAAW is an initiative put together by the Association of Air Ambulances (‘AAA’), the organisation which unites not only Air Ambulance charities from across the country, but also operators and ambulance services. The Association gives a national voice to a local service.

Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director of Devon Air Ambulance Trust said “We’re joining together with other local Air Ambulances across the country, to ask everyone to get involved during National Air Ambulance Week.”

Caroline added “Why not hold a mufti or a dress up/dress down day at your school, college or work place?  We believe fundraising should be fun and an event like this is easy to organise and takes very little pre planning.  We can also help with posters and wristbands for those taking part.”

You may wish to organise your own event – maybe you want to hold a cake sale, fete, or do something more daring like a parachute jump or sponsored swim. Whatever you decide to do, rest assured that all monies raised will stay locally, helping to keep your local Air Ambulance flying.

To register your event or find out more about how you can help contact Devon Air Ambulance Trust on 01392 466666 or email info@daat.org