Community first responders in Co Fermanagh have made an appeal for more volunteers for their life saving service.
Lower Erne Community First Responders coordinates local volunteers who can be the first on the scene to cardiac and other medical emergencies in and around Co Fermanagh, in many cases before the arrival of any emergency services.
The group operates in more rural areas around the county, with one section based out of Irvinestown for the northern part of the county and the other in Florencecourt covering the southern end of Fermanagh.
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While the first responder group was once run by the British Red Cross, it has now pulled its involvement and the remaining members have decided to continue independently.
Treasurer Keith Thompson said the first responders are relying on a small group of volunteers currently but hope to add more to its ranks in the coming months.
“We are small at the moment but we are in the process of growing and we have a number of applications we are working through at the minute,” Keith said.
“As first responders we are called out by the Ambulance Service who may not be able to attend immediately.
“We all live locally and can be alerted when there is a Category 1 or 2 call nearby.
“The idea is that most of our members will have access to a defibrillator and they can go straight to the address.
“These moments can be the difference for people when they are severely in need of help.”
Keith added that a drive to help local people in their own community is the main reason why people get involved with the first responders.
“Thankfully there are still a lot of good people out there,” he said.
“People want to help those in their local community, and many have actually witnessed incidents happening in their own area which has made them want to volunteer.
“It can definitely be a difficult job at times because very often you come across people at some of the worst times of their lives.
“It can also be very rewarding, assisting people and their families when it is most needed.
“The outcome isn’t always necessarily a good one, so people really appreciate your presence there as well.”
Keith has been a volunteer himself for the last five years, as well as many years supporting various other charities locally.
Anyone in the local area who is interested in joining the Lower Erne Community First Responders can get in touch through their Facebook page or email lowerernecfr@gmail.com.
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