A group of dedicated Fife volunteers have been credited with saving dozens of lives after being called to more than 200 “life threatening emergencies” in the last year alone.
First Responders in the East Neuk have routinely arrived on the scene within six minutes of the alarm being raised filling the often critical gap before professional medical teams can reach the scene.
The volunteer life-saving group attended 203 emergencies in the last year, up from the 115 in their first 12 months of operation.
Chairwoman Gillian Duncan said: “We are delighted with the figures. The first responders have arrived on the scene in less than six minutes in the majority of cases and are providing on-call cover more than 80% of the time.”
The volunteers, who are dispatched by the Scottish Ambulance Service along with an emergency ambulance, “fill the gap” until the ambulance arrives. All live locally and are trained to deliver life-saving treatment if required.
“The latest figures are something to be very proud of,” Gillian continued. “I have to thank the 22 volunteer responders who regularly give up their free time to cover shifts, raise funds and attend training sessions.
“Lives have definitely been saved and we want to continue to develop a sustainable scheme which will further improve patient outcome in these emergencies within the East Neuk of Fife.”
The public are also being thanked for the vital assistance they have provided.
“None of this could be achieved without the tremendous support we get from the local community at our fundraising events and while attending emergency calls,” Gillian said.
Anyone who would like more information about volunteering with the group, or would like to make a donation, can do so by contacting Anstruther Medical Practice on 01333 310 352 or emailing eastneukfirstresponders@nhs.net.