1^st YEAR CELEBRATION

Where has the past year gone... we all ask ourselves? 

From all the initial meetings deciding how we would go about setting up the scheme; to standing in the staffroom sipping wine at Beeslack Community High School after our first AGM, enjoying the company of people from our small town and many other supporters who had come along to celebrate with us. The air full of chatter, smiling faces, part of our community coming  together... 

Our AGM was an occasion where the gathered First Responders heard that they had covered 83% of the past year with their availability. The National Guideline for the arrival of an ambulance after the initial emergency 999 call is around 8 minutes. Responders in Penicuik if they are called by the dispatcher at control are arriving at the emergency on average in 5.3 minutes. Responders attended 233 emergency calls in the past year - quite an achievement for a group of 29 committed volunteers. 

People from all walks of life who perhaps wondered, could they rise to such a monumental task...? Well, they have.

With a team of expert trainers, always on hand for extra support and updates whenever necessary, and a management committee helping to make things run smoothly... none of which would have been possible had there not been our volunteers, willing to do something a little bit different. At times undertaking tasks that they have possibly not experienced in their own lives... with compassion, professionalism, using their newly acquired skills, and above all - dedication. 

Making such a welcomed difference in our own community.

We would also like to mention the Scottish Ambulance Service, Beeslack Community High School, Lifesavers, British Heart Foundation, local groups and individuals of Penicuik - the list is endless... THANK YOU TO EVERYONE….who has made the scheme possible, without a doubt, A VERY BIG SUCCESS.

OUR FUTURE

Penicuik First Responders have now gained Charitable Status, so the panic is slightly over on how we are going to raise funds!  Albeit that we have been able to “acquire” an awful lot of the necessary equipment, clothing, etc through the generosity of various organisations. 

At the end of November 2006 the third group of volunteers will begin their training... good luck to them! And as part of the ongoing training programme, existing volunteers will contribute with their own knowledge and skills. This will only enhance the scheme as a whole, inputting all of their experience over the past year.

The importance of being able to reach a person in crisis in those vital first few minutes is crucial for the expectation of survival. The Responder is able to initiate really fast intervention, while the ambulance is en route. Whether it be using CPR, DEFIBRILLATION or in some cases maybe simply putting a person's mind at rest, comforting and supporting them. The essence of the Penicuik First Responder Scheme, is that we can and do provide this life saving service.

It is the intention in the coming year to train Penicuik Responders as trainers themselves. Bryan Finlay, our Training & Development Coordinator, is a Paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service. He is at present working alongside the British Heart Foundation, heading up an exceptionally innovative scheme.

This scheme over the next two years, will be targeting every school child in the south east of Scotland. In total 415 schools... which include primary, secondary and community schools, also schools that provide special needs. They will receive expert training in their school environment, in the life saving technique of CPR. It is hoped that Penicuik First Responders will come on board as trainers, in this new and exciting venture. 

Lastly but not least, Mr Ian Grieve very kindly cut our 1^st Anniversary cake. Ian and his wife Ellie were going about their daily lives, when Ian was taken extremely unwell. To this day Ellie still feels very emotional about that day, a day that they will never forget. An emergency 999 call had to be made; a responder was dispatched to their home while the ambulance was en route.

Ian’s words as he cut the cake were... “Thank you, thank you all. I’m here, I can’t say anymore than that... thank you”.

It says it all for us too.  

Louise Hurley