A SHORTAGE of lifesaving volunteer responders in the Dengie is threatening their ability to provide the 24-hour cover needed.
Community first responders in the peninsula, who often arrive at emergencies before trained paramedics, are struggling to recruit more members to their team, leaving just four volunteers to attend 999 calls in the rural area.
"We tell people that they can help people in their own community," said Matt Hine, who co-ordinates the responders in the North Dengie area.
"It has been shown that a collapsed patient's chances of survival will increase by ten per cent for every minute that the community first responder is there prior to the arrival of the ambulance crew.
"The problem is we receive no funding. We have to raise the money for all our own equipment and fuel, so as soon as people hear that they aren't interested.
"Our group provides as much cover as possible but we're really struggling to find people in the area."
The 30-year-old, who works as a communications supervisor for Essex Police, became involved with community responders after coming across an emergency where he was helpless to assist.
"I came across a fatal road traffic accident and I just didn't have a clue what to do," he said.
"I just ran straight to the person making the most noise, which I now know was completely the wrong thing to do.
"I decided to enrol in a first aid course and my involvement went from there," he added.
Volunteers will be put on call and respond to life-threatening emergencies in the Dengie using their own vehicles. The incidents they can be called to vary from cardiac arrest, to diabetics going into shock to those suffering chest pains.
But Matt, who lives in St Lawrence Bay, believes with the proper training anyone can help to save their neighbour's life.
"I've worked with people from all walks of life, the opportunity is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 70.
"I was at a cardiac arrest just the other day and we were there for a while before the ambulance arrived but the patient survived – there are patients all over Essex that wouldn't have survived were it not for us," said Matt.
If you feel you could become a community first responder or a supporter, contact the team on 01954 712400 (9am to 5pm) or 01603 481220 out of hours, or e-mail responderadmin@eastamb.nhs. uk
