Community First Responders (CFRs) provide an invaluable service in delivering fast responses to medical emergencies. The Freemasons of Kington are enthusiastic supporters of their local CFR team, and recently presented them with a donation totalling £2,500. Arrow Conclave of the Order of the Secret Monitor donated £1,000, matched by £1,000 from the Grand Conclave of that Order. £500 was donated by the Arrow Lodge Masonic Charity Trust.
The CFR scheme was originally set up to use defibrillators in cases of cardiac arrest, but they can now provide the first assistance in a wider range of medical emergencies. They deal with cases of collapse, falls, breathing difficulties and trauma amongst many other medical conditions. When they are alerted following a 999 call, an ambulance is also dispatched, but the CFRs are often able to get to the emergency first.
The Kington team cover an area of around 6 – 8 miles from Kington, extending into Powys as well as Herefordshire. The target is to arrive at the emergency within 10 minutes, depending on distance and availability.
The Ambulance Service provides the training and issues supplies like dressings and oxygen, but life-saving equipment has to be funded by CFRs themselves, through fundraising in their local communities. The £2,500 donation is being used to buy two of the most up-to-date defibrillators, which are suitable for use with small children as well as adults, and other items such as equipment carriers.
The two Kington CFRs who received the donation at Kington Masonic Hall, Chrissie Johnston and Alan Mills, expressed their thanks to local Freemasons for their support. There is a need for more volunteers for this vital and rewarding work. No medical background is required and full training is given by the Ambulance Service. Anyone interested can find out more via the NHS Jobs website, under the volunteer section.
The photo shows Kington Community First Responders Alan Mills and Chrissie Johnston with the Trustees of the Kington Masonic Charitable Trust David Joyce, Rodney Bowdler, Bryan Giddings and Peter Faulkner