LIVES (Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Services) community first responder is encouraging more people to help
A retired social worker who has received the King’s Coronation Medal in recognition of her voluntary services says it is a ‘privilege’ to provide assistance to frontline medical emergencies.
Annie Wakeford, 65, from Surfleet, says people skills are a a fundamental part of her role as a community first responder for LIVES (Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Services).
Over the last nine years, Annie has helped to support people during difficult circumstances as she attends critical medical situations including cardiac arrests.
Last year, LIVES Volunteer Community First Responders attended 2,578 emergencies and were often the first on the scene before the ambulance.
Annie was prompted to volunteer for the charity - dedicated to providing emergency care in critical medical situations - after helping a paramedic at the scene of a car crash.
She said: “I can remember what made me start very clearly when I saw a road traffic collision.
“A young paramedic was there and it was her first time so I stayed and helped.
“Funnily enough a few days later LIVES were recruiting at my local supermarket and I decided I wanted to learn a bit more.”
She went onto undergo extensive training in which she gained life-saving skills.
Last year, the charity trained 1,548 people, including individuals, professionals and businesses, which gave them the confidence to respond confidently in critical situations.
Annie, who is now a coordinator for the South Holland Area, supports the vital work of EMAS (East Midlands Ambulance Service) and provides immediate assistance to the community in which she lives.
She said: “Minutes really do matter.
“I am a great believer in payback - who would look after me in my hour of need?
“I can be dispatched to a cardiac arrest that is a short distance away in my street so I am already local.”
Annie, who underwent extensive training and also helps with fundraising, hopes that others will consider volunteering for LIVES.
She said: “We live in quite a large county and one of my aims is to get more responders into the outline villages.
“LIVES is one of the best kept secrets to people who are not familiar with the area.
“We have some amazing people and feedback is always positive - people are grateful for what we do.”
Annie, who is widowed and has a son, says it is a privilege to be a volunteer.
She added: “We are not here to replace the ambulance service, but to support them.
“We have to respond for a total of 16 hours over a month.
“I feel it is a privilege to be let into people’s lives at their most vulnerable.”
For further information about the charity visit https://www.lives.org.uk/
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