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About Moray First Response
Who is our controlling authority?
We are all unpaid volunteers working for the Scottish ambulance Service. They provide all training, equipment and insurance. We are a not charity organization as the Scottish Ambulance Service fund us in full. We are not part of the First Response Charity organization , how ever we do fully respect and support their other schemes.
Why do we exist
For every 1000 people in this area, one person will die of a heart attack this year. Less than 5% will survive without resuscitation and defibrillation in the first 8 minutes (British Heart Foundation statistic). The Morayshire region is a geographically large and rural area with a dispersed population. For some rural communities the geography means that the ambulance may be 15-20 minutes away, so to have local volunteers who can deliver those basic life saving skills can make a real difference.
Moray First Responders create an even faster response for patients and is coordinated with existing ambulance service resources. In a medical emergency it is often the simple first aid skills, like making sure an airway is clear, that save a life. The programme is an enhancement to existing ambulance resources and we work locally with ambulance service staff to ensure ongoing refresher training in basic life saving skills and the use of medical equipment
The Team.
Moray First Responders is manned qualified medics/drivers, all of who are volunteers, and because of their previous training, are usually drawn from serving members of the Royal Air Force. The vehicle can be seen out around the roads of Moray most evenings and weekends. Since we became operational in July 2004, we have responded to over 300 emergency 999 calls.
Training and Courses
All Team members undergo medical training undertaken by Scottish Ambulance Service. An intensive week of theory and practical training takes place allowing the volunteers to professionally and confidently deal with all medical emergencies.
After 6 months or so on the road all medics have the opportunity to apply for driver training. The 1 week driver training course is run by instructors from the Scottish Ambulance Service.
What happens on a normal shift
The crew book on with Ambulance Control based in Inverness at the start of the shift via the vehicle radio system. The Control Dispatcher looks at the overall picture and decides where best to position the vehicle. If there is cover across the region they will have the vehicle sit at strategic standby points.
On receipt of a life-threatening emergency "999" call, the call taker in Scottish Ambulance Service Control room starts to take down all the information about what has happened, the address etc. The dispatcher will ensure an emergency ambulance is sent immediately followed by the First Responder vehicle if it is in the area. If the First Responder vehicle arrives before the ambulance they initiate immediate medical care until the Scottish Ambulance crew arrive. They will then assist the crew, if required. As the ambulance crew to that area is now tasked with taking the patient to hospital as soon as possible the First Responders will get back on the road so there is cover in the area on receipt of any further calls.
Operational Area
The team operates within the Moray area and has so far attended some wide and varied medical emergencies across the area .
Insurance
The Scottish Ambulance Service provides all of the insurance for the schemes' activities. This cover includes Employers Liability, Clinical Negligence and Motor Insurance.
Service Considerations
The scheme is considered to be a voluntary activity that is undertaken in the individuals own time. All training for the scheme must take place 'off duty', this requires the completion of an 'Authority for Authorized Absence' covering the period of training. The days used on this form to make up the period of absence may be, annual leave, not required for duty or stand down days as appropriate. It should be stressed that although the MoD approves of the activities of First Responders, it is important that individuals understand that they are not on duty whilst engaged in any activities.
Operational Safety
All of the safety equipment required to carry out your operational work to a high level of safety will be provided by the host NHS Trust. This will include a uniform, fluorescent garments and safety helmet, to name a few, all of which are to be worn, when required to do so, in line with local procedures. It is the individuals' responsibility to ensure that the equipment provided is worn when required, to minimize the risk of injury and communication of infectious diseases.
Conclusion
It must be emphasized that this is not a military organization and as such military rank has no relevance. Regardless of appointment within the scheme we are all working towards improving the pre-hospital care provided to patients in your area. The scheme has proven itself on a number of occasions saving lives that may have otherwise been lost. You can be proud to be part of an organization that is playing a pivotal role in helping Ambulance Services meet the new response standards that were implemented in April 2001. The above information is based on a number of questions that have been asked in the past and is by no means comprehensive, should you have any further information that you require then please contact the Team Leader Deputy Team leader (see contacts ) in the first instance.
