Bedfordshire life-saving volunteers get time with PM

A group of ambulance volunteers received an invite behind the famous 10 Downing Street door in a recent reception for NHS staff.

The Leighton Buzzard Community First Responders (CFRs) received the invite as thanks from local MP and fellow CFR Andrew Selous. They were able to talk directly with Prime Minister David Cameron about the roles of CFRs in the community and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), as well as a chance to meet NHS colleagues from various teams across the service on the 23^rd November.

Coordinator Stephen Bennett who started the group said: “It was an extremely enjoyable evening and I felt very privileged to have the opportunity to promote the CFR role to leading figures in Government.”

He added: “The team have worked so hard over the last few years and it is fantastic to receive recognition for what we do; my thanks go to Andrew Selous for supporting our invite.”

Steve Catley, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Community Partnership Manager also attended and said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for the group to be recognised for their hard work; a great event which provided the CFRs to talk about their role within EEAST.”

CFRs are trained in basic life support which allows them to attend medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest in their communities. Their aim is to reach a potential life threatening emergency in the first vital minutes of a life-threatening emergency.

For more information on becoming a CFR, visit: http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/get-involved/community-first-responders.htm