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Volunteering Alderney residents will be trained as community first responders, ambulance reserve and guardians of public defibrillators to help support the islands’ new St John ambulance service.
The scheme has been dubbed St John Lifesavers, and residents are invited to register their interest at the Mignot Hospital on June 17 between 10:00 and 16:00.
Community first responders are equipped to provide life-saving skills prior to ambulance arrival. Research shows that prompt CPR and defibrillator use improve a patients chance of survival.
When someone dials 999 for a life-threatening condition the volunteers will be alerted and, if nearby, can respond to the immediate care needs while more robust help is dispatched.
Ambulance reserves also help during major incidents, times of high demand, and in inclement weather. They help to set up major incident equipment and provide transport and logistical assistance.
Defibrillator guardians meanwhile carry out regular checks and maintenance on AED’s to ensure all are in working order.
Pictured: St John provides the ambulance service on behalf of the States of Alderney, as a satellite operation of St John Guernsey.
St John Head of Quality and Patient Safety, Aimee Lihou said there is a long tradition of volunteering in the island, and this scheme would continue to “help meet the unique needs of the island and provide additional resilience for the ambulance service.
“Volunteers will gain valuable life skills and will be giving back to their community. St John will provide training and education, equipment, support and uniforms.
“Although distances are relatively small in Alderney, having a trained volunteer with the right equipment available to give immediate care in the minutes before the ambulance arrives can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved."
Similar schemes have been successful in Guernsey and those experiences will be moulded to benefit Alderney, she added.
An assessment day will take place in Alderney on Saturday 9 September to evaluate applicants’ teamwork, fitness, and communication skills.
Pictured (top): A training exercise being undertaken in Alderney. Credit: St John Ambulance & Rescue.
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