We all met up for a group celebratory dinner in November 2015,

without the need for high-viz jackets or special equipment . . . but more of that later.

The First Responder Network is a nationwide association of volunteers, who by living locally can respond quickly

to life saving emergencies, often in rural areas where the ambulances are physically too far a way to attend as promptly as required.

Our First Responder team at an information stall at the Loweswater Show 2010.

By introducing ourselves in this way local people can get to know of the Responder Service and its aims.

We were able to meet our friends, neighbours and visitors in a more social and less urgent environment.

We meet at least quarterly to keep up to date with new information to help us on callouts.

Ann was our trainer for the early years of our existence and was a fountain of medical knowledge for us all.  

Training also involves hands-on experience as part of the evening meetings.

Discussions and acting out basic scenarios are a great way to gain knowledge and confidence.

Margaret and then subsequently Yvette have taken on the position of trainer in recent years. 

They too have had extensive medical experience throughout their working lives.

Carol Priestley

Sometimes the Air Ambulance is able to attend incidents, in addition to any normal road ambulance or paramedic service.

They can provide quick response, especially when taking patients or casualties to hospital

but like the First Responders Service they are also funded by voluntary contributions, not government grants.

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There are interesting developments happening in respect of redundant phone boxes around the country.   With the improved coverage of the mobile phone service these boxes are no longer commercial and many of them are in danger of being discontinued. The iconic red phone box could disappear from our villages.   The Vale of Lorton First Responders will be instrumental in helping to transform of the use of one or more local boxes in our area.

A recent article in the Keswick Reminder explains the evolving use of old phone boxes which are being adopted and transformed into emergency centres.   Rather than disappear these boxes will transform into contact points for Fire, Police Ambulance or Mountain Rescue, with defibs at hand for quick effective intervention by any member of the public when a potential life-saving medical emergency occurs.

- - - o o o - - -   If you feel you or your group, be they friends or colleagues, would benefit from basic life support training   or you would like to join the First Responders locally please do contact me here by email then I will forward your request to the appropriate person.   - - - o o o - - -

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To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of our local First Responders Group

we recently arranged an evening celebration at the Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater.

She made a short but meaningful speech which included a letter from our current chairman Les

who was unfortunately unable to be present on the night due to a re-scheduling of a holiday booking by his travel company.

The 'top table' at the bottom end of the room.

We were joined by current and past members of the group.

No Names . . . no pack drill !

Deep in conversation over dessert.

Anyone for seconds, the buffet is still open !

Thanks to The Kirkstile Inn for a delicious meal, including this impressive cheese board.

which,when presented as a whole, created just the right impression

. . . and there was no need of a knife to cut the cake into portions !

A grand re-lighting and a group photo

of those current members who were able to make it to the celebrations tonight.

Myself (Roger), Ian, Sandra, Derek, Yvette, Andy, Chris and Carol. 

Those that couldn't be here tonight included Les, Kath, Jan, Dave and Tom.

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Here's to the next ten years serving our community and to enjoying it while we do.

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