With over 450 volunteers across SECAmb, this Volunteers Week we’re shining a light on our incredible volunteer community.
From community first responders (CFRs), emergency responders (ERs), chaplains and support volunteers, these incredible individuals are crucial to helping us save lives and better serve our communities.
Head of Community Resilience, Danny Dixon, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers as well as our community resilience colleagues who support them. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to achieve all that we do, and I think it is important to celebrate your commitment and outstanding contributions to the Trust.”
To celebrate the week, we heard from a few of our volunteers to find out more about their journey supporting the Trust. Read on to hear their experiences.
If you are interested in finding out more about our volunteering opportunities and how you can make a difference in your local community, click here.
Jody – CFR and ER
A volunteer at SECAmb for three years, Jody originally joined as a community first responder (CFR) and has recently taken on the role of an emergency responder (ER). This involves responding to a variety of emergency incidents from falls, trauma to cardiac arrests within the community on blue lights.
Outside of her volunteer role, Jody is a registered veterinary nurse having qualified in 2010 and a proud mother to three daughters.
When asked why she became a volunteer, Jody said: “I wanted to give something back to the community and help others in need. I enjoy meeting people too and I’ve made some great friends with my team members. I would 100% advise anyone wanting to become a volunteer for SECAmb to 100% go for it. It is extremely rewarding, and volunteers really do make a difference.”
Lewis – Community Resilience Volunteer
A college lecturer in engineering and construction, Lewis joined SECAmb this year as a community resilience volunteer (CRV) to support our frontline staff.
Lewis said: “One of my favourite things about volunteering is meeting the crews outside hospitals and when they see you on arrival to A&E, the big smiles they have as they know the welfare truck is there to provide for them on the road between calls.”
Also, somewhat an adventurer, Lewis shared he completed his Duke of Edinburgh Gold award by completing an expedition in South Africa.
Joshua – CFR
Joshua is one of SECAmb’s CFRs based in Brighton and has been volunteering with the Trust for four years. As a CFR, Joshua responds to C1 and C2 calls, helping patients in need before ambulance crews arrive.
When asked what he does outside of work, Joshua said: “I am a professional pianist and conductor. I started playing piano at eight years old and then did a classical conducting degree and am very lucky to make it my job. I also used to be a tabletop magician.”
James – CFR
Having dealt with a choking incident in a public place, James was inspired to become a CFR and has been with SECAmb for just over two years.
He enjoys meeting people from all walks of life, learning and being part of the SECAmb team.
Day to day, James works in his family’s horticultural business as a grower and shared he is now one of the fourth generation in the business. Originally, James studied software engineering before working as a mechanical engineer.
His advice for someone wanting to become a volunteer: “Go for it! It can be challenging at times, but you will be well supported by SECAmb. It's extremely rewarding knowing that you've made a difference to people at one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Paul – CFR and ER
Paul has been with the Trust for two and half years as a CFR and is now a new ER having recently completed his training.
When his dad sadly became ill, Paul realised he didn’t know what to do in an emergency and so began looking into additional training and came across an advert for a CFR role with SECAmb and has been with us since.
Paul said: “I realised I could not only be there for my dad but others in my local community in an emergency. I actively take part in community engagement at schools, scout groups and local events where I’m able to transfer my skills I’ve learned to show others what to do in an emergency. It’s a great feeling knowing that all it takes is just one person to use the skills I’ve shown them has made a difference in someone’s life.”
Sharran – CFR
A retired nurse, Sharran is one of the Trust’s CFRs and has been responding to emergencies for two years.
Sharran said: “As a CFR, this involves being on call for a minimum of 20 hours each month. When on call, I respond to emergencies within a five-mile radius of where I live frequently arriving before the ambulance. I then assess the patient and treat within set protocols, handing over to the ambulance crew when they arrive. The incident could be anything from a cardiac arrest, stroke, fall, allergic reaction to laceration.”
Alongside her CFR role, Sharran is enjoying her retirement – spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and looking after her two rescue donkeys and dog.
She will also be completing her third year of walking the South West Coast Path from Padstow to St Ives this year.
Marc – CFR Senior Team Leader
Sussex based CFR Senior Team Leader, Marc, is one of our long-standing volunteers working with the Trust for 18 years.
Alongside his day job as a general manager for a farrier supplies company, Marc supports our volunteer team leaders to run their team’s, offering advice and support for our CFRs. He also helps train and assess new and existing CFRs, delivering training modules and completing annual basic life support assessments.
When asked what his favourite thing about being a volunteer is, Marc said: “The unpredictability of the calls, helping train and develop new CFRs and meeting people in our local community.”
A huge thank you to all SECAmb volunteers for all that you do and helping us continue to better serve our local communities.