Saving Lives in the community
Why we do what we do?
First Response On Scene!
Kev and I logged on at 1730 hrs informing control of our availability. We were tasked to the city (Lincoln). After taking up station in the "up hill" area the following 3 hours passed without incident. Kev, as usual, was good value working through his endless repertoire of jokes, the problems of the world were righted, all seemed quiet.
he's in the garden!
The bleeper sounded so we were on, a male with chest pains in the Hykeam Road area. The cars moving and Kev knows the way, blue lights on they have a much better effect at night with the sirens to get attention. Down the hill, Tritton Road, traffic lights and we are moving well. Which end of the road to start, numbers fairly low. We hear our backup crew being tasked over the radio. Getting closer, gloves on and a hard right turn. Control informs us patient in cardiac arrest. The pulse quickens " I'll take the grab bag and go", people in the street "that's it", a lot of kids in the street so be careful. Out of the car, its still moving, pop the boot and get the bag that contains the defibrillator, oxygen and other kit. Front door and through the house "he's in the garden" someone shouts, to the garden to see a man on his side with 2 women and he's still breathing.
On his back, clear and establish an airway…mechanical now. Good ol' Kev he's right behind me… No breathing!!. Kev prepares the defib, a very weak pulse, bag and mask " let's get O2 in". Main ambulance crew arrive, known faces "all right lads". The following 40 minutes were frantic, with an intensity pen and paper cannot portray.
The Lincolnshire Response Car
This is why
We didn't save his life but our car guided others, we were there when he stopped breathing but importantly we were part of a team of dedicated individuals that came together that night just to do that. I don't believe in miracles, I have seen too many bad things to have faith in a god, but there was something special that happened there and we were part of it. It's why we put in the time; it's why we are members of First Response.
Written by a member of First Response