Press release: new volunteers flock to Norfolk roadshow

Press release issued this week on the CFR roadshows in Norfolk in September: to see all of the news published by the Trust, please visit the news page of the website.

The vital work of ambulance volunteers has been under the spotlight thanks to a month-long campaign across Norfolk.

Community first responders (CFRs) at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) embarked on a roadshow during September to encourage more people to join the worthwhile schemes.

Locations included North Walsham, Cromer, Acle, Harleston, Hunstanton, Brundall, Fakenham, and more than 200 people dropped by to talk to local volunteers about their role.

Volunteers on call attend seriously ill 999 patients in their communities, such as those in cardiac arrest, whilst an ambulance is dispatched. There are more than 60 groups alone in Norfolk, with around 200 volunteers.

The Trust's Norfolk Community Partnership Manager Andrew Barlow said: "This is the first time we've done a major campaign like this to highlight just how important our volunteers are and what benefits they can bring to our most seriously ill cases.

“We wanted to try something different by visiting people in their communities and it’s been a real success. Of the people we’ve spoken to, 30 are looking to apply for the important roles and we’re planning more roadshows later this year.

“I can’t thank the groups enough for getting behind this campaign, but also the members of the public who took the time to learn more about what these fantastic volunteers do and how to get involved.”

For more information about community first responders visit http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/get-involved/community-first-responders.htm

You can also contact EEAST directly on responderadmin@eastamb.nhs.uk

Published 2nd October 2014