Two years of Virginia Community First Responders

The Community First Responder group in Virginia have been established in the community for nearly two years.

The group of around 15 members provide first response services to Virginia and the surrounding area within a five-kilometre radius.

Chairperson Rolf McLaughlin had “goosebumps” when the Celt rang to tell him the group had been nominated for the community group of the year award. While it’s very welcome recognition, the group chair said people do not join the group “for praise”.

“People want to give back to the community,” he said, describing how most members have needed emergency services themselves or has had a family member in this situation.

A CFR can be on the scene within minutes, before the ambulance, and can provide first response to patients in stroke, chest pain, cardiac arrest and choking situations among others.

When a call is made to the ambulance service, CFRs are notified if it’s believed their assistance can improve patient outcomes.

So far, the group have received 240 calls and have a 50% call response rate. Two thirds of these calls have been chest pain calls, 16% were stroke and six per cent were cardiac arrest calls.

Calls can come in at anytime, day or night. As the work is fully voluntary there is no roster involved; CFR’s attend where possible. Virginia CFR receives two to three calls weekly, when Rolf said they “drop” everything, “grab” their CFR kit and “scramble”.

All group members receive first response training, and each member is garda vetted.

“You cannot believe how rewarding it is,” Rolf told the Celt, describing the “relief” they see on people’s faces when they see “help is coming” within minutes of calling the ambulance.

They aim to go out in groups of three, allowing them to not only provide care for the patient but also support to family members who may feel panicked or scared. Normally one CFR tends to the patient, one reports information to hand over to paramedics, while the other might be speaking with a family member, packing a bag, ensuring the ambulance has access to the patient, etc.

Rolf described being involved as “very thrilling” voluntary work, and said the group is “honoured” to be selected as finalists in this category.