The Call Out Procedure.

1. North East Ambulance Emergency Control Centre at Newcastle process the 999 call, using their advanced computer mapping and control system. This can also be used to "talk" the Ambulance or Responder to a particular unknown location. (We can also be alerted by the two Medical Practices based in Seahouses, if no qualified staff are available to answer an emergency call).

2. The nearest available emergency ambulance is mobilised, and the Air Ambulance might be alerted.

3. If in the opinion of the Controller, an ambulance cannot reach the patient within 8 minutes, and the call meets the criteria for deployment of a First Responder, the Responder is alerted and tasked by Ambulance Control. In Seahouses, this is done by a dedicated mobile phone, carried by the Duty Responder, who will have the Automatic Electronic Defibrillator, oxygen and other equipment in their possession.

4. The Responder will then proceed immediately to the patient, to treat their condition. Being in the local community, the average time to reach the patient should not normally exceed 3-4 minutes, depending on location. Our phone even has a dedicated unmistakable Ring tone. Click to Listen
After attending the incident, and handing over to the ambulance crew, the responder must call Ambulance Control, quoting the  Case number, to clear from the incident, and to pass on our attendance times, and advise of their safe return.

5. First Responders do not have authority to use blue lights/sirens etc. This would involve a driver training programme, for which there is no current funding. The cost would be prohibitive, and not all responders may be able to meet the high required driving standards for "blue light" driving. In any event, as most calls are very local to the Responder, the use of emergency vehicle warning devices would have a very marginal benefit. To identify our vehicles when attending Call-Outs, we do display a windscreen sun visor sign ( we have two, one reflective, and one illuminated). We also now have reflective magnetic vehicle door signs. The purpose of these is to identify our vehicles at locations such as caravan sites, and to assist the oncoming ambulance crew to visually locate us at unusual or difficult locations. They are NOT fitted to our vehicles, unless dispatched by Ambulance Control to a Call-Out. They are used at the discretion of the individual responder, as they may not be necessary on every call. These signs are NOT intended to provide any priority while travelling to a call - their purpose is primarily informative to boost the Group's profile within the community when on service.

PLEASE NOTE : MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MUST NOT ATTEMPT TO CALL OUT A FIRST RESPONDER BY CONTACTING HIM / HER DIRECTLY, YOU MUST DIAL 999 AND ASK FOR AMBULANCE. Unless mobilised by NE Ambulance Control, we are NOT covered by NEAS Insurance. However, this does not prevent us from assisting at an incident that we may come across, providing Ambulance Control are informed as soon as practicable. Attempting to contact a local Responder directly, may waste valuable time and delay the dispatch of a Paramedic Ambulance. That responder may not be on call, in which case he/she will not have the lifesaving equipment. Although trained in BASIC Life Saving procedures - WE ARE NOT PARAMEDICS !

The Sun Visor Sign   
(From SP Services www.sp-services.co.uk )                                      

Magnetic Door Panel Signs (Available from www.autographicdesign.co.uk )

The above signs were too large for some of the group's saloon cars, and a smaller sign was sourced from Volksignia, which was 70% of the size of the above. Very effective in raising the Group's Profile in the Community, while on service, these are part reflective also. Further information from volksignia@aol.com or visit www.stores.ebay.co.uk/volksignia . Both manufacturers are recommended by us.

The Volksignia sign.








 

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