South Western Ambulance Service

1
South Western Ambulance Service
NHS Trust
2
The Challenge
480 seconds
3
National Perspective

• 11 Ambulance Services nationally
• Respond to, on average, 500 incidents each
  day.and still counting!

4
Visitors to three of our counties(Millions)
UK Overseas Cornwall Scilly Isles
4.8 0.2 Devon 7.4 0.4 Somerset
2.9 0.2
5
Annual Performance Standards

• Criteria Based Dispatch Cat A - Immediately life
  threatening Response on scene within 8 minutes in
  75 of calls
• Criteria Based Dispatch Cat B/C Not immediately
  life threatening Response on scene within 19
  minutes in 95 of calls
• Why 8 minutes for immediately life threatening
  calls?
• Because government says so!
• Why is this?
• Because research shows defibrillation within 8
  minutes provides best patient outcome.

6
So, why the need for Responders?
The Chain Of Survival

• In highly populated areas, with ample available
  Emergency resources this is achievable. However,
  you know just how long it takes to travel from
  one village to the next!

7
The Role of the Responder

• Voluntarily attend cases of Cardiac, Respiratory
  and Medical illnesses, as directed by Ambulance
  Control (Exeter)
• Treat life-threatening conditions prior to
  Ambulance arrival
• Act as liaison between the Patient, the patients
  family and the Ambulance Crew.

8
Your Responsibilities

• Participate in a rota system within your area
• Ensure equipment is well maintained
• Attend third-manning sessions with local
  Ambulance Stations
• Attend regular monthly training sessions
  organised by your Responder Team Leader
• Conduct yourself only within the limits of your
  training

9
Training

• Multi-session course, covering Introduction to
  the Human Body, Basic Life Support, First Aid and
  use of AED
• Assessments held additionally following
  completion of course
• Youre all here now, so please ENJOY!

10
(No Transcript)