Our Volunteers

Here is a little about two of our volunteers who have found that being part of the Penicuik Community First Responders has enhanced their own lives, in so many ways. Volunteering a few hours a week or each month, they have become part of a scheme that over the past year has made a remarkable difference in our community. At the end of November 2006 we trained our third batch of new volunteers, some of whom come from other outlying villages, with the view to setting up their own Responders schemes. We will always be looking for people who live in Penicuik, no matter your background, for future training. So if you're aged between 18-70 years, physically fit, think you may have a few hours to spare and are willing to get the odd adrenalin rush - please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!

From Carolyn:
"Having heard about the Penicuik Community First Responders through a leaflet through the door I thought that I'd find out more. Having no first aid, nursing experience, etc but having some time free most weeks I wondered if I'd be suitable. I was able to do the training and now volunteer for a shift most weeks. It's very rewarding being able to help someone even if it is just talking to them until the ambulance gets there. It is a great group of people to work with and having just had our first anniversary I'm looking forward to the next year!"

From Sheena:
"I think the Penicuik Community First Responders Scheme is a fantastic idea and with my background in lifesaving, I was one of the first to volunteer. Having said that, I was terrified! There is a great difference between teaching resuscitation and actually using the skills for real. The first few times I was on call another responder shared the shift with me - but needless to say, the phone did not ring! Since then I have had every type of call - some easy and some really scary, but the training just kicks in. After the event other responders are willing to talk you through what you have done if you need it. You come away at the end of a shift with a sense of satisfaction having faced whatever comes your way. I still jump every time the phone rings and would say a good shift is when the phones stays silent and I have caught up with the housework, as then no one has needed us."