Community first responder expands to help more patients in west Suffolk

A community first responder group has expanded to help more patients in west Suffolk.

Kedington and Hundon CFRs began responding just before Christmas and are part of the Haverhill group which has been running for 15 years.

There are five active volunteers in Kedington and Hundon who are available to attend medical emergencies in their communities.
David Halsey, co-ordinator, said: “We now have two kit bags and this will allow us to cover a big area and look after more people. During 2016 we have grown to 23 active responders to make sure cover as many hours as possible.

This is a great achievement and we couldn't have done without the support of the community, local councillors and parish councillors.”
The Haverhill group also received a funding boost from Saffron Building Society after £610 from its Christmas raffle was donated to the community first responders.

Community first responders are trained by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) to respond to medical emergencies where they live or work such as cardiac arrests, chokings, allergic reactions, diabetic emergencies and patients with chest pain or breathing difficulties.

For more information, visit http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-the-team/community-first-responders