Five Villages First Responders

Isle of Axholme WI Members Join in Life-Saving Skills Sessions

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:14:04 GMT

John, Community First Responder from our team has been out and about on the Isle of Axholme during the last couple of weeks of January showing the members of both Owston Ferry and Haxey WIs some important life-saving skills, including CPR and using a Defibrillator.

A big thank you to both groups for the very warm welcome given to John and for taking part; plus a big well done to John for his continued great work across our community.

Whittons Mill Residents Raise Funds For FVFR

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:10:58 GMT

A massive thank you to all of the team (including our very own Jess) and all the residents at Whittons Mill, Gainsborough, who chose Five Villlages First Responders as their charity of the year and have raised and donated an amazing £1,100 to our organisation. Thank you all for your hard work and fundraising efforts and for choosing FVFR, it is very much appreciated./

Pictured are Whittons Mill residents with FVFR Community First Responders George, Mary and Mick, with Jess who is an FVFR team member and the Centre Manager at Whittons Mill.

First Responders Pass Life-Saving Skills To Local Residents

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:23:05 GMT

Community awareness sessions on CPR & Defibrillation to help improve cardiac arrest survival

The Five Villages First Responders (FVFR) team have been busy over recent weeks delivering life-saving skills awareness sessions to residents of our local villages. Volunteer Community First Responders have led sessions in West Stockwith, Walkeringham and Belton so far, where they have shown attendees vital skills including how to recognise a cardiac arrest and how to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The sessions have also included information about where our local Community Public Access Defibrillators are located and how to use one, as well as a chance to practice these potentially life-saving skills.

Martyn Johnson, FVFR Coordinator said: "Our team have done a fantastic job demonstrating to our community these skills including CPR and using a defibrillator. In the case of a sudden cardiac arrest, someone knowing what to do and acting quickly to start chest compressions and use a defibrillator if one is available can significantly improve the patients chance of survival. As most cardiac arrests happen in the home, it could be a family member that needs help, and therefore as many people as possible who know what to do can be truly life-saving. Thank you to all of our team who have been involved in these sessions and to all the members of the community who have taken time to attend and learn or refresh these skills."

Further CPR & Defibrillator sessions will be running and full details will be shared on our website and social media.

Holiday Park Residents Raise Funds for First Responders

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:37:37 GMT

Annual Watford Cup raises funds for First Responders

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 16:02:38 GMT

Party on the Field Raises Funds for Good Causes

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:58:36 GMT

Music event at White House Farm raises over £10,000

Learn life saving skills with CPR & Defibrillator awareness sessions

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:05:09 GMT

First Responders run free sessions for local community

Gringley Open Gardens & Classic Car Event Donate To FVFR

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:50:42 GMT

Local event supports Five Villages First Responders

The organisers of the popular Gringley on the Hill Open Gardens & Classic Car day have given a donation to Five Villages First Responders from the proceeds raised at this years event.

Party on the Field raises money for First Responders

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:18:42 GMT

White House Farm music event supports FVFR once again

First Responders Celebrate 20 Year Anniversary

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 15:47:11 GMT

20 years looking after the heart of the community for Five Villages First Responders

The volunteer Five Villages First Responders (FVFR) group who respond to medical emergencies in the local villages across North Nottinghamshire and North Lincolnshire have celebrated their 20 ^th year of operation with an event held in Misterton.

The Community First Responders (CFRs) who work in partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) celebrated on Saturday 27 ^th April by inviting members of the public along for free tea, coffee and cake and to see the work of their local responder team.

FVFR founder and group coordinator Martyn Johnson said:

“Our 20 ^th anniversary event was a real success and I’d like to thank all those who attended to celebrate with us. We had a great day and were able to say thank you to our current and past volunteers for their huge contribution to the local community. We also ran a public CPR & AED awareness session which was well attended and rounded the day off with lots of cake!”.

Five Villages First Responders Celebrate 20 Year Anniversary

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 12:19:29 GMT

Public invited to join First Responders for event on 27th April in Misterton

Busy Year in 2023 for First Responder Team

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:49:04 GMT

Over two hundred emergency medical calls attended in 2023

Our team were busy in 2023. A very big thank you to all of our volunteer Community First Responders and to all those who help behind the scenes. During 2023 members of the Five Villages First Responders team were called to 236 medical emergencies in the local area in support of East Midlands Ambulance Service. This included 39 breathing problems, 12 seizures, 16 cardiac arrests, 24 chest pains, 38 falls, 7 traumatic injuries, 8 strokes and 19 unconscious/collapse calls.

Thank you also to local residents, organisations and businesses - without their support we could not continue the work that we do in the local community.

Misterton Cricket Club Donation

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 17:29:09 GMT

Thank you to the defunct Misterton CC

A very big thank you to the sadly now defunct Misterton Cricket Club for their very kind donation of £470 to Five Villages First Responders.

Donations to our team help us to continue our work in the community by providing life saving equipment to our volunteer Community First Responders and to support our other projects such as Community Public Access Defibrillators.

Christmas Quiz Raises Funds for FVFR

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 17:36:52 GMT

Blue Bell at Gringley on the Hill raise funds with Christmas Quiz

A very big thank you to everyone at The Blue Bell Inn Gringley for choosing us to benefit from proceeds raised at their annual Christmas Quiz.

A brilliant £380 was raised for Five Villages First Responders. Thank you for your on-going support from all the staff and customers at The Blue Bell.

Annual Watford Cup Donates To First Responders

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 13:28:32 GMT

Memorial match for Adam Pearce supports FVFR

This years annual ‘Watford Cup’ football match held in memory of Adam Pearce, was held on 28th August. Proceeds raised at the match, a huge £480, have been kindly donated to Five Villages First Responders once again this year.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Roy, Sue, Dan, Rachel and all of Adams family and friends, Steve Lee for all his work, plus all the players, supporters and all those who bought raffle tickets and donated prizes.

Such kind donations to FVFR go towards helping to equip our volunteer Community First Responders. Thank you all.

FVFR Team Keeping Busy

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 15:52:39 GMT

Our volunteers are working hard across the local area

It's been another busy couple of months for our team of volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs). 28 emergency calls attended in September & 16 call outs across the local community in October, totalling 205 so far this year. We’ve also continued supporting local Community Public Access Defib sites, plus 3 of our team attended the regional East Midlands Ambulance Service CFR conference in Leicestershire at the end of September, as well as more training sessions to refresh skills and knowledge.

Party on the Field 2023

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:49:52 GMT

Thank you to Phil & Chris for their continued support

A massive thank you once again to Chris & Phil Clay and all the team at White House Farm, Misterton , for their very kind donation of £1716.62p from this years party on the field! Thank you to everyone involved including all the bands and artists, the technical team, helpers, sponsors, supporters and all those who attended and donated raffle prizes. Such donations help to keep our team of volunteer Community First Responders on the road and pays for vital life saving equipment.

Misterton Gala 2023

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:43:51 GMT

Thank you to the Gala Committee for their continued support

A huge thank you to Misterton Gala Committee for their very kind donation of £750 to Five Villages First Responders . Thank you to all the Gala team for their hard work in organising and running another brilliant Gala day this year and for choosing us to benefit from the money raised. Also thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event. Our team attended on the day (Sat 1st July 2023) and showed members of the public how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator, including lots of young budding life savers! We also talked to many people about the voluntary work that we do across the local area.

Responders Attended Coronation Picnic in Misterton

Sun, 07 May 2023 14:38:51 GMT

Celebrating the Kings Coronation!

Misterton Coronation Picnic (Sun 7 May 2023) at the Old School Field was attended by Community First Responders from Five Villages First Responders and supported by colleagues from North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders . The team provided first aid cover for the event and also showed members of the public the equipment that we carry and also demonstrated CPR and how to use a defibrillator. The event was very well attended and lots of fun was had by everyone!

Volunteer Community First Responders Thanked

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 14:33:32 GMT

CFR's receive a random act of kindness to say "thank you"

Two of our volunteer Community First Responders, Jennifer & Michael, have just finished caring for a patient and returned to their vehicle to find that they and the Ambulance crew who backed them up have both been left a lovely random act of kindness! It has absolutely made their day, a big thank you to Julie & Lucas!

Misterton Coffee Club Support First Responders

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 21:21:48 GMT

Tuesday coffee goers raise funds for volunteer team

Organisers and attendees at the monthly Tuesday morning Coffee Club, held at All Saints' Church Hall in Misterton, have kindly donated £150 to Five Villages First Responders and a further £150 towards All Saints' Church funds.

Dorothy Richardson, one of the organisers of the Coffee Club, presented our Community First Responder Samantha Deakin with the fantastic donation at their March gathering. Rick Brand also received the donation for All Saints' Church.

Samantha talked to the coffee club about the role of our Community First Responders and how funds are used to help keep the scheme operational and enable the purchase of new and replacement equipment and uniform for our volunteers.

Five Villages First Responders would like to thank Dorothy and all the helpers and those who attend for their generosity and their continued support.

Watford Cup Donates to FVFR

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 14:54:27 GMT

Annual memorial match supports First Responders

Sunday 28th Aug 2022 was the annual ‘Watford Cup’ football match held in Walkeringham in memory of Adam Pearce, with this year being the 27th anniversary match. Proceeds raised at the match have been kindly donated to Five Villages First Responders once again this year.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Roy, Sue and all of Adams family and friends, plus all the players, supporters and all those who bought raffle tickets and donated prizes.

Such kind donations to FVFR go towards helping to equip our volunteer Community First Responders, keeping the team operational and towards maintaining and installing public defibrillators across the local area. Thank you all.

Party on the Field '22 Supports FVFR

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 15:21:31 GMT

White House Farm rocked for annual event

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Phil & Chris Clay and everyone that took part in the Party on the Field 2022 at White House Farm, Misterton. Crowds enjoyed the warm weather and danced to the music into the evening.

Special thanks to all the musicians, sponsors, all those who donated prizes and to everyone who attended and enjoyed the amazing day!

A massive £1,835 was raised for Five Villages First Responders - this will help to keep our team responding in the local community and support the purchase of equipment for our responders and our community defibrillator project. The event organisers have supported FVFR and many other good causes for several years with this amazing event. Thank you all.

Jubilee Beer & Music Festival Raises Funds For FVFR

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 17:36:01 GMT

Local businesses support Jubilee fun at The Red Hart

A huge thank you to everyone at the Red Hart, Inn, Misterton, including all the team, customers, sponsors, local businesses and musicians involved in the Jubilee Beer & Music Festival held over the bank holiday weekend. A total of £500 was raised for Five Villages First Responders.

New Public Defibrillator in Misterton

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 17:25:34 GMT

Red Hart Inn Defibrillator goes live

Another public access defibrillator supported by Five Villages First Responders has been installed in Misterton (that’s 6 in total now spread across the village of Misterton) - this one is outside The Red Hart on Church Street and is available 24x7.

A big thanks goes to Misterton Parish Council & The Red Hart who have funded the defibrillator, cabinet and installation.

If needed in an emergency where someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, the 999 Ambulance operator will advise the caller of the nearest public access defibrillator, will give the access code and instructions on how to perform CPR and how to use the defibrillator (which is very easy and safe). Chest compressions and rapid defibrillation can drastically improve the chance of survival while further help is on the way

FVFR have now helped to install 24 public defibs across local villages.

Pub Funds New Defibrillator at Gringley on the Hill

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 17:45:07 GMT

The Blue Bell supports replacement public defibrillator for village

A big thank you to Adam and all the customers and supporters at The Blue Bell in Gringley on the Hill, and to Paddy who is the guardian of the public defibrillator located outside the pub.

They’ve fund raised for a new defibrillator to replace the one which was first installed back in 2014 by Five Villages First Responders. As always we continue to support the network of community defibrillators across the local villages, which in turn are supported by many local people, businesses and organisations.

If required in an emergency when someone has suffered a cardiac arrest, call 999 for an Ambulance and the call taker will give details and access code to the nearest defibrillator, as well as potential life saving instructions on how to perform CPR and use the defibrillator. The Blue Bell have continued to be big supporters of FVFR and of the community public access defibrillator.

New Public Defibrillator for West Stockwith

Sat, 09 Apr 2022 17:53:31 GMT

Parish Council and White Hart Inn support further defibrillator for village

A big thank you to Claire and the team at the White Hart Inn at West Stockwith & West Stockwith Parish Council - along with support from us at Five Villages First Responders - a further community public access defibrillator is now available in the village of West Stockwith, located outside the White Hart Inn and available is 24/7.

In an emergency dial 999 for ambulance and if the defibrillator is required the ambulance call handler will provide details of the access code to the cabinet and instructions of how to perform CPR and use the defibrillator.

New Public Defibrillator at Beckingham Village Hall

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 18:13:06 GMT

Awareness raised after footballer suffers Cardiac Arrest in Euro 2020

After the sudden cardiac arrest of Denmark footballer Christian Eriksen during a Euro 2020 match, awareness of how a cardiac arrest can strike anyone, at anytime in any place, has never been so much in the public eye. Thankfully Eriksen received prompt treatment on the pitch which included chest compressions and a shock administered from a defibrillator and survived his terrifying ordeal.

The Beckingham-cum-Saundby Village Hall Committee were keen to install a defibrillator on site and in conjunction with Five Villages First Responders this was quickly made possible. A Community Public Access Defibrillator (CPAD) is now in-situ and available 24x7 mounted on the exterior wall of the Village Hall.

In an emergency if someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, where they will be unconscious and not breathing normally/or not breathing at all, every second counts. If 999 is called quickly, chest compressions are started and a defibrillator is used the chances of survival can be vastly increased. The defibrillator is held in a locked cabinet and the access code will be given by the 999 Ambulance operator along with help and instructions of how to help the patient.

The Beckingham-cum-Saundby Village Hall is home to many groups and clubs as well as hosting touring caravan rallies, sporting matches and other events, therefore having a defibrillator on hand should it be needed could be life saving. Another CPAD is also available 24x7 outside the Beckingham Recreation Room on The Green.

First Responder gets a surprise "One Big Thank You" on BBC1

Sun, 09 May 2021 09:07:05 GMT

The co-ordinator of the Misterton based Five Villages First Responder scheme has received praise and recognition from the local community and TV celebrities after being nominated for a surprise "One Big Thank You" as part of BBC1's The One Show.

Martyn Johnson got more than he was expecting when he arrived for a recent team training evening. Little did he know that Community First Responder Karen Hibbert had nominated him to receive the accolade for his voluntary dedication to the team and his local community. Karen said: "I nominated Martyn because he has been leading our responding group since 2004, he manages the team, he leads our training, organises all our equipment and raises funds too. I think he will be very modest when he receives the surprise but I hope he will be really pleased too."

The surprise thank you aired on The One Show on BBC1 on Thursday 6th May 2021. Viewers saw Martyn arrive at what he thought was a routine training session at Misterton's Fire Station. The evening started with the First Responder team watching what Martyn was led to believe was a training DVD, but he soon realised all was not as it seemed when TV presenter and former Police Officer, Rav Wilding, sprang the surprise over a live video link. Hidden cameras and microphones had been planted in the room and Rav shocked Martyn by suddenly thanking him for all his work saying: "Martyn you have been providing life saving treatment for the last 17 years and on behalf of everyone at the The One Show I just want to thank you for all your amazing work."

The surprise was then continued as Martyn was led outside to find a small socially distanced crowd of friends, family and team members. A big screen then began to play heart felt messages of thanks from fellow colleagues, patients who he has helped over the years and some of Martyn's favourite celebrities too, including comedian Matt Lucas, former football player and Match of the Day host Gary Linker and radio DJ Dave Pearce.

The messages of thanks came thick and fast including from friends and long standing members of the FVFR team Libby Stennett and Mary Riches, as well as from Mick Barnett-Connolly Head of Community Response for East Midlands Ambulance who thanked Martyn on behalf of the service for everything he has done. There was hardly a dry eye in the house when Misterton resident Rebecca Ford then thanked Martyn on behalf of her family for the time when he responded to her baby nephew. She said: "6 years ago my beautiful baby nephew was lifeless and in distress, but without you being so selfless and responding and giving him the vital oxygen that he needed, that night could have been completely different." Rebecca went on to say that he is now a fit and active 6 year old boy and was in fact that night busy enjoying playing a football match.

Former Misterton resident and Martyn's friend since childhood, Peter Potter, also appeared on the show to give his thanks too. Peter described how he'd been injured when he returned to Misterton to play in a sporting match last August and had experienced Martyn's care first hand at the scene of the accident. "I landed head first and had broken my neck and fractured my skull, without Martyn being there I don't know how much differently things may have turned out" said Peter in an emotional message. The hosts of The One Show, Alex Jones and Rylan Clark-Neal, both thanked Martyn for his outstanding work and confessed that they'd both shed a tear after seeing the video messages.

Martyn was a founder member of the FVFR team and has continued to be the volunteer coordinator and a responder in his spare time, as well as working as a full time Paramedic and operations manager with East Midlands Ambulance Service. The voluntary group currently consists of 14 dedicated members and has gone from strength to strength over the last 17 years, attending hundreds of 999 calls annually in support of the ambulance service. The Community First Responders live in the community and are trained by the ambulance service to respond and begin care of a patient while the ambulance is on it's way following a 999 call. The team carry life saving defibrillators, oxygen and other vital medical equipment. The FVFR team cover the villages of Misterton, Beckingham, Walkeringham, Gringley on the Hill, West Stockwith and surrounding areas in North Nottinghamshire and North Lincolnshire as and when required. Martyn has spearheaded other local initiatives with the support of his team, including the installation of 19 Community Public Access Defibrillators as well as free to access CPR and defibrillator training for local schools and residents of the villages.

Of his "One Big Thank You", Martyn said: "I am absolutely shocked, overwhelmed and very very humbled to receive such as lovely surprise. I have enjoyed every minute of the last 17 years volunteering alongside such a fantastic and dedicated group of people. We are a close knit team and it is a pleasure to work with them all. Without all their hard work and devotion to the community and without all the support we receive locally, none of what we do could happen, so this thank you is for everyone." Martyn went on to say: "a huge thank you to Karen for nominating me , all the FVFR team, my family and friends for the work they have done behind the scenes to keep it all secret and to make this wonderful surprise happen, as well as Misterton Fire Station for their continued support and for hosting us on the night."

The Five Villages First Responder team are always on the look out for support and for new volunteers who would like to become Community First Responders. For more information see the website www.fvfr.co.uk or the teams page on Facebook.

Heartfelt Thanks To Our Volunteers For 2020

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 20:56:32 GMT

It was a challenging year for everyone - thank you to our team

2020 is a year most people will be pleased to see the back of. Our team of volunteer Community First Responders faced lots of extra challenges and worries this year, but still continued to serve the local community in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, donning PPE and offering hundreds of hours on call each month and responding to nearly 150 emergency medical calls in support of East Midlands Ambulance Service during the year.

Members of the team have also been supporting vulnerable members of the community through the pandemic and continue to do so as NHS Volunteers, others have put themselves forward to be part of the vaccination programme, plus others have continued to look after our network of community defibrillators across our villages.

A huge thank you to all of our team for their hard work and dedication during 2020 - here’s to a much brighter 2021!

Wishing all our team and those who support us, plus the whole community a happy and healthy one. A big thank you to all the emergency services, NHS and key workers for all your fantastic work.

Classic Car Day Donates To First Responder Scheme

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 13:21:27 GMT

Gringley on the Hill Event Supports Local Group

The organisers of the Gringley on the Hill Open Gardens and Classic Car event have donated some of the proceeds from the day to Five Villages First Responders (FVFR).

The event, which was held on Sunday 9 June, saw classic cars, motorbikes and tractors gather at the playing fields in Gringley on the Hill, as well as local residents opening their gardens to members of the public. The organisers chose FVFR to be one of the local good causes to receive a donation from the proceeds of this year’s event, and have donated £550 to the local life saving team.

Members of the FVFR team attended the day and demonstrated CPR and use of a defibrillator to the public and also talked about the role of a Community Responder and met some potential new volunteers, two of whom have since started the process of joining the team.

Group coordinator of FVFR, Martyn Johnson said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the organising team who worked so hard to put on such a great event at Gringley. Thank you for choosing to support FVFR with such a kind donation, it is very much appreciated.”

Misterton's Party On The Field Supports First Responders

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 12:14:33 GMT

Donations made to five charities

The Party on the Field event held at White House Farm, Misterton, has again kindly supported Five Villages First Responders with a fantastic donation from the proceeds of the day.

The event features a full day of music and fun and is attended by over 400 members of the public, including visitors of the White House Farm camping and caravan site. This year's Party on the Field was held on Saturday 13th July and raised a massive £6,880, which has been split between five good causes, each receiving £1,376.

Macmillan Cancer Support will also receive an extra £1,892.03 from Tom Bainbridge, the drummer from band Catch 23 who braved the shave to raise even more money for the charity.

The event is organised by Phil and Chris Clay, plus other helpers, and a variety of bands played to the crowds including Full Moon Freida, The Verrans, Big Wayne's Blues Experience, The Reach, Catch 23 and Blue Swans and Ben.

Martyn Johnson from Five Villages First Responders said: "A very big thank you goes to Chris, Phil and all those involved in organising the event, we know lots of hard work goes into making such a day happen. Also thank you to all the bands involved, those who supported and sponsored the day with toilets, sound equipment, the lorry and other logistics, to those who donated raffle prizes and to all those who attended the event and were so generous."

Gringley Event Supports FVFR

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 10:53:54 GMT

Open Gardens & Classic Car Day Supporting Responder Scheme

Gringley on the Hill Open Gardens and Classic Car event has chosen Five Villages First Responders to be on the organisations to receive donations from this years day.

The event is being held on Sunday 9th June from 12noon until 5pm. There will be seven gardens to visit, and over 150 classic cars and vehicles registered to attend. Lots of other things will be happening as well across the village of Gringley on the Hill.

Five Villages First Responders will be attending to give demos of CPR and use of defibrillators.

There's free parking, and a Routemaster bus will be on hand to transport visitors around the village to the various different locations.

Coffee Morning Raises Funds for FVFR & Air Ambulance

Sat, 10 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Local residents support life saving teams

Big thanks go to Dorothy and John Richardson and friends who raised £300 which was donated between Five Villages First Responders and Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at a coffee morning event on Saturday 10th November 2018 at Misterton Church Hall.

Some FVFR team members, Martyn, Melanie, Mary and Karen popped in for tea, cake and to support the event, along with Roy Pearce one of the Air Ambulance fund raisers. ‬They are pictured above with John and Dorothy.

Thank you to everyone involved and all who attended.

First Responders Train CPR at Local Schools

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Restart a heart day - children & staff taught life saving skills

Tuesday 16th October 2018 was a very busy day for Melanie, Martyn, Michael & Pete from the Five Villages First Responder (FVFR) team - they trained 80 year 6 children from Haxey Primary, Misterton Primary and Nursery School, Walkeringham Primary School and Beckingham Primary School in how to perform a range of life saving skills - from calling 999 to recognising a casualty who is unconscious, to performing CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation), including using an automated defibrillator.

They then finished the day with a session for 22 staff at Misterton including teachers, teaching assistants, office, dinner time and care taking teams, on CPR and using a defibrillator.

The day was part "Restart a Heart Day", where people all across the UK and Europe are trained in these vital life saving skills. Many Community Responder groups across the region took part in this event at local schools in partnership with the British Heart Foundation and East Midlands Ambulance Service.

FVFR coordinator Martyn Johnson said: "The children were so receptive and enthusiastic to learning these skills and they all really got stuck in and proved that even children can give vital help in an emergency situation. Hopefully they will remember these important skills and may one day help to save someone's life."

Fantastic Dontation from Party on the Field

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 17:11:25 GMT

White House Farm Event Raises Funds For Good Causes

The owners of White House Farm Camping & Caravan site in Misterton have given a fantastic donation to Five Villages First Responders (FVFR). Chris and Phil Clay, who organise the annual Party on the Field day at their venue, have given an £800 donation to our Misterton based First Responder team.

This years Party on the Field was held on Saturday 14th July and was attended by nearly 500 people, including camp site residents and local people, and featured live music and family fun. The event raises funds for charitable organisations and this year the organisers kindly choose FVFR to receive some of the proceeds.

FVFR Group Coordinator, Martyn Johnson, said: "We'd like to say a huge thank you to Chris, Phil and their family, along with all those involved in the day, those who gave support to help make it happen and to all those who attended. We are extremely thankful to receive such a kind donation and thank all of them for their hard work at the event and for choosing us."

More Residents CPR & AED Aware

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 20:24:50 GMT

Responder Team Give Life Saving Skills Lessons To Local Community

More local residents are now "CPR & AED" aware after attending sessions run by members of the Five Villages First Responders this week in Misterton.

The sessions held at Grove House Stables were free to attend and were open to members of the local community to come along and learn these skills. The sessions were led by Martyn Johnson (Paramedic & Five Villages First Responders Group Coordinator) and Mick Turner (Community First Responder).

Martyn said: "It's vitally important that as many people as possible have the skills and knowledge to be able to help someone who has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Every second counts and if members of the public can recognise a cardiac arrest and call for help, start chest compressions and rescue breaths and know where the local community defibrillators (AEDs) are located and how to use one, these actions can be potentially life saving."

He went on to say: "We'd like to thank all those members of the community who attended the sessions this week, we hope that should they now ever be faced with someone in such a life threatening condition that they would know what to do and act quickly. Thank you also to Judy and Andrew Stennett from Grove House Farm & Stables for allowing us to use their premises for the training sessions and to Misterton Adult Swimming Club."

Misterton Gala Present Donation to First Responders

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 10:49:36 GMT

Local organisations benefit from proceeds of village Gala day

£1000 from the proceeds of the Misterton 2017 Gala has been presented to four local organisations and good. The four each received a cheque for £250: Misterton Group Practice’s equipment fund, towards the cost of a new ECG machine; Five Villages First Responders (FVFR); Misterton Primary School’s welfare fund; and All Saints’ Parish Church, which provided the treasury service for the Gala organisers.

A new committee will take over the planning and running of the next Gala, which is on Saturday 7 July 2018.

Community Defibrillator in place at Waterfront Inn, West Stockwith

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 09:32:12 GMT

Second life saving defibrillator available in West Stockwith village

Another potentially life saving defibrillator is now in place in West Stockwith, located outside the front door of the Waterfront Inn on Canal Lane in the village.

The Public Access Defibrillator (PAD), which can be used to shock the heart of a cardiac arrest victim, was funded by donations and grants from North Notts Lions Club, West Stockwith Parish Council, Five Villages First Responders and Cllr Hazel Brand.

The local voluntary Five Villages First Responders (FVFR) team have been involved in installing seventeen such defibrillators within the local area over the 3 years, including one’s in Misterton, Beckingham, Walkeringham, Gringley on the Hill, Everton, Clayworth and other local villages.

Martyn Johnson, Coordinator of FVFR said: “The defibrillators are located in secure yellow cabinets on the outside of the buildings. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, should they be required in the case of someone nearby suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. When a cardiac arrests happens, the patient will suddenly collapse, will be unresponsive and either not be breathing at all, or only occasionally gasping. Rapid help in the form of calling immediately for an ambulance via 999, starting CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths) and the use of an automated defibrillator can vastly improve the chances of survival for the patient.”

All the defibrillators in the area are logged by East Midlands Ambulance Service on their Computer Dispatch system, and if a 999 call happens nearby and one of the defibrillators is required, the 999 ambulance operator will give instructions to the caller - telling them that there is a defib nearby and the code to open the cabinet. “If someone is then able to fetch it to the patients side, while another person performs CPR this will help improve the chance of survival”, said Martyn.

Once the defib is by the patients side the lid is opened and the user simply follows the audio and visual instructions to place the adhesive pads on the patients chest. The ambulance operator will also give instructions over the phone. The defibrillator will check to see if the patient’s heart is in a rhythm that requires a shock, and if it is the defibrillator will deliver one. They are simple and safe to use. While all of this is happening the ambulance service will still be sending emergency resources straight to the scene following the 999 call. But if CPR can be carried out and a defib can be used within the first minutes after a cardiac arrests occurs the chances of the patient being successfully resuscitated are much greater.

Martyn said: “We’d like to pass on our thanks to all the organisations who have come together to fund this defibrillator and to Karen and Stewart from the Waterfront Inn for all their help and assistance and for agreeing to host this potentially life saving piece of equipment for the community outside of their venue.”

The unit at Waterfront Inn is the second one to be placed in West Stockwith, with the other being located outside on the wall of the Gertrude Morris Village Hall on Main Street.

Further free to attend awareness sessions which include how to perform CPR and how to use a defibrillator run by FVFR will be held in Misterton and West Stockwith in the coming months, and these will be publicised locally.

If you are interested in finding out more information about Community Defibrillators or about FVFR, please visit the website www.fvfr.co.uk , Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fivevillagesfirstresponders or email contact@fvfr.co.uk .

Second Public Access Defibrillator in place at Gringley thanks to generous local donation

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 09:11:17 GMT

Residents train to use new Public Defibrillator at Community Centre

Another potentially life saving defibrillator is now in place at Gringley in the Hill, North Notts, located outside the front door of the Community Centre on West Wells Lane.

The device which can be used to shock the heart of a cardiac arrest victim was kindly purchased by a Gringley resident in memory of a family member. Along with the generous donation members of the Community Centre Committee and Five Villages First Responders have worked together to put the new Public Access Defibrillator in place. The yellow cabinet was installed by local electrician and Gringley resident David Foreman.

On Wednesday 15th March, 2017, an awareness session was held by members of East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and Five Villages First Responders (FVFR) to show members of the community how to recognise a cardiac arrest, how to perform CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths) and how to access and use a public defibrillator. Martyn Johnson of EMAS and FVFR said: "It was a great turn out, 27 members of the local community including residents of Gringley and Everton came along to the session. The aim was to give people confidence to quickly act if someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Prompt action can save lifes and increases the chance of survival if help is called quickly, CPR is performed and a defibrillator is used as soon as possible."

The unit outside the Community Centre is the second public access defibrillator in Gringley, the other is located outside of the The Blue Bell Inn on High Street. FVFR have been working with other local villages and groups to install the defibs at other locations including Misterton, Beckingham, Walkeringham, West Stockwith, Clayworth, Everton, Mattersey, Mattersey Thorpe and more.

When a sudden cardiac arrest occurs the patient will collapse, become unresponsive and stop breathing, often due to the heart going into a chaotic rhythm that requires correcting by a defibrillator. In the event that the Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) is required the ambulance control centre on receipt of a "999" call will instruct the caller of the location of the nearest PAD and give the access code to open the cabinet. The defibrillators are simple and safe to use, the lid is opened and then the machine has audio and visual prompts of how to use it. Pads are attached to the patients chest and the defibrillator assess the patients heart rhythm and only if a shock is required it will deliver one.

More information about all the Public Access Defibrillators within the local villages can be found on the FVFR website at www.fvfr.co.uk

Public Defibrillator Now Available in Sutton-cum-Lound

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 17:54:57 GMT

Community Public Access Defibrillator now live

Sutton-cum-Lound Parish Council have been assisted by Five Villages First Responders and East Midlands Ambulance to secure a potentially life saving Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADs) for the village.

The defibrillator is located on the outside wall next to the front entrance of the Sutton-cum-Lound Village Hall, 38 Town Street, Sutton-cum-Lound, DN22 8PT.

The life saving AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is located in secure yellow cabinet on the outside of the building. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, should they be required in the case of someone nearby suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest.

When a sudden cardiac arrests happens, the patient suddenly collapses and stops breathing. Rapid help in the form of calling immediately for an ambulance via 999, starting CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths) and the use of an AED can vastly improve the chances of survial for the patient.

The new AED is logged by East Midlands Ambulance Service on their Computer Dispatch system, and if a 999 call happens nearby and one of the defibrillators is required, the 999 ambulance operator will give instructions to the caller - telling them that there is an AED nearby and the code to open the cabinet to access it. If someone is then able to fetch the AED to the patients side, while another person performs CPR this will help improve the chance of survival.

Once the AED is by the patients side the lid is opened and the user simply follows the audio and visual instructions to place the pads on the patients chest. The machine will check to see if the patients heart is in a rhythm that requires a shock, and if it is the AED will deliver one. The AEDs are simple and safe to use. While of this is happening the ambulance service will still be sending emergency resources straight to the scene following the 999 call. But if CPR can be carried out and an AED can be used within the first 2 or 3 minutes after a cardiac arrests occurs the chances of the patient being successfully resuscitated are much greater.

An awareness session for local residents will be running shortly and will be advertised in the village and will be free for all to attend.

Misterton Swimming Club Learn CPR & Defibrillator

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 13:00:22 GMT

Members take part in live saving skills session with Five Villages First Responders

Fifteen members of the public, including members of Misterton's Swimming Club, took part in a life saving skills session held at Grove House Farm, Misterton, on Thursday 10th November 2016.

The session was led by Paramedic Martyn Johnson, who is the coordinator of the Five Villages First Responder team, and Community First Responder Mary Riches.

Those who attended learned how to identify when someone has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, how to perform CPR (chest compressions and rescue breathing) and how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

Martyn said: "These skills are vital and can be life saving in the event that someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, where they collapse and stop breathing. If CPR is started straight away and an AED is used, the patient's chances of survival are vastly increased. Thank you to all those who attended and took part in the session. More will be held over the coming months and will be advertised locally."

There are now Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADs) in many of the local villages, which can be used by anyone in the event of a cardiac arrest. Click here for more information about the CPADs.

Defibrillators Launched in Mattersey & Mattersey Thorpe

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 08:07:10 GMT

Community Public Access Defibrillators now live

A grant from the British Heart Foundation, as well as fund raising from local residents and support from the Parish Council and Five Villages First Responders means there are now Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADs) in place at Mattersey and Mattersey Thorpe.

Several members of the local Five Villages First Responders team have given assistance to the Parish Council and provided a free "Defibrillator and CPR" awareness session to local residents at the Mattersey Church Hall earlier in the year, which was very well attended. The team will also assist with on-going support and by carrying out regular checks on the new units. Thanks also go to Proviso-Systems Ltd and A1 Housing for their assistance in hosting the units on their buildings.

The defibrillators are located on the outside wall of Proviso-Systems Ltd, Everton Road, Mattersey, DN10 5DS and on the outside wall of the Community House, 3 Cunningham Close, Mattersey Thorpe, DN10 5EN.

The life saving AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are located in secure yellow cabinets on the outside of the buildings. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, should they be required in the case of someone nearby suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest.

When a sudden cardiac arrests happens, the patient suddenly collapses and stops breathing. Rapid help in the form of calling immediately for an ambulance via 999, starting CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths) and the use of an AED can vastly improve the chances of survial for the patient.

The new AEDs are logged by East Midlands Ambulance Service on their Computer Dispatch system, and if a 999 call happens nearby and one of the defibrillators is required, the 999 ambulance operator will give instructions to the caller - telling them that there is an AED nearby and the code to open the cabinet to access it. If someone is then able to fetch the AED to the patients side, while another person performs CPR this will help improve the chance of survival.

Once the AED is by the patients side the lid is opened and the user simply follows the audio and visual instructions to place the pads on the patients chest. The machine will check to see if the patients heart is in a rhythm that requires a shock, and if it is the AED will deliver one. The AEDs are simple and safe to use. While of this is happening the ambulance service will still be sending emergency resources straight to the scene following the 999 call. But if CPR can be carried out and an AED can be used within the first 2 or 3 minutes after a cardiac arrests occurs the chances of the patient being successfully resuscitated are much greater.

More Defibrillators in North Notts Villages

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sun, 22 May 2016 10:08:23 GMT

Sturton le Steeple & Wheatley Defibrillators now live

Thanks to the hard work of the Parish Councils and residents, the villages of Sturton le Steeple and North & South Wheatley now have Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADs) in place. Colin Gibson, the chair of Five Villages First Responders, has assisted the Parish Councils with advice and information to help them with their project to install the defibrillators.

The CPADs are located at Sturton Hall and Conference Centre, Brickings Way, Sturton Le Steeple and North & South Wheatley Village Hall, Sturton Road, South Wheatley .

The life saving defibrillators, or AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are located in secure yellow cabinets on the outside of the buildings. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, should they be required in the case of someone nearby suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest.

When a sudden cardiac arrests happens, the patient suddenly collapses and stops breathing. Rapid help in the form of calling immediately for an ambulance via 999, starting CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths) and the use of an AED can vastly improve the chances of survial for the patient.

The new AEDs are logged by East Midlands Ambulance Service on their Computer Dispatch system, and if a 999 call happens nearby and one of the defibrillators is required, the 999 ambulance operator will give instructions to the caller - telling them that there is an AED nearby and the code to open the cabinet. If someone is then able to fetch the AED to the patients side, while another person performs CPR this will help improve the chance of survival. Once the AED is by the patients side the lid is opened and the user simply follows the audio and visual instructions to place the pads on the patients chest. The machine will check to see if the patients heart is in a rhythm that requires a shock, and if it is the AED will deliver one. The AEDs are simple and safe to use. While of this is happening the ambulance service will still be sending emergency resources straight to the scene following the 999 call. But if CPR can be carried out and an AED can be used within the first 2 or 3 minutes after a cardiac arrests occurs the chances of the patient being successfully resuscitated are much greater.

Awareness sessions are being held in the villages to show members of the community how the system works and to give them chance to practice CPR and using an AED.

North Notts Lions Raise Funds for First Responders

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sun, 22 May 2016 09:23:48 GMT

Money raised for local voluntary group at Race Night

Five Villages First Responders have thanked the North Notts Lions Club after they raised £500 for them at a Race Night in March.

The Lions Club ran the event at Misterton Sports and Social Club on 5th March to raise funds for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and Five Villages First Responders. A great night was had by all who attended and £1,000 was raised, which split between the two organisations.

Five Villages First Responders said: "We would like to give a massive thank you to all the members of North Notts Lions Club and also to all those who attended and supported the Race Night. The Lions put in a huge amount of hard work raising funds for local, national and international charities and organisations. We really appreciate their on-going support and the money that they have raised for our team."

Gringley Residents Receive Life Saving Training

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 07:19:05 GMT

HeartStart course at Community Centre

Residents from Gringley on the Hill have taken part in a course to teach them life saving skills such as CPR. The course was part of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) HeartStart scheme which is run locally through a partnership between Five Villages First Responders and Misterton Fire Station.

Twenty three members of the local community attended the training on Wednesday 6th and Thurday 7th April at the Gringley on the Hill Community Centre.

The HeartStart training gives those who attend a chance to learn and practice skills including how to perform CPR and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), what to do if someone is choking, and how to deal with someone suffering a heart attack or a severe bleed.

These skills can save lifes in the first vital seconds and minutes after someone suffers a medical emergency. Community First Responders from the Five Villages First Responders team and Firefighters from Misterton Fire Station run these courses on a regular basis, free of charge and anyone is welcome to attend. See here for more information about HeartStart Misterton.

Misterton Couple's Festive Fund Raising

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 08:10:39 GMT

Christmas Lights Raise Money For First Responders

Two kind hearted local residents have yet again raised money for the local Five Villages First Responder team by lighting up their home with hundreds of festive lights over the Christmas period.

Sid and Sylvia Burgess of Grove Park, Misterton, decorate the outside of their home and front garden every year with a host of Christmas lights and decorations and collect donations for a nominated local charity or group.

Again this year they choose to donate the proceeds to the voluntary Five Villages First Responder group based in Misterton.

The responder group covers Misterton, West Stockwith, Beckingham, Walkeringham, Gringley on the Hill and surrounding villages and works in partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service. They can give care to patients suffering from medical emergency following a 999 call until the arrival of the ambulance.

The group is self funding and relies on fund raising and donations to pay for some of the equipment and running costs of this rural scheme. Coordinator Martyn Johnson said: “We are hugely grateful to Sid and Sylvia for their hard work and for choosing the proceeds of their festive fund raising to be donated to us again this year. The grand total was an amazing amount of £351.50, and we are very grateful to them both for their ongoing support and to all those who visited the lights and donated.”

Sid was recognised recently by Misterton Parish Council for his charity work and was presented with the “Citizen of the Year” award.

Donation from Misterton Gala

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Gala Commitee Continue Support of First Responders

Big thanks to Misterton Gala for their donation from funds raised at the 2015 Gala. Pictured is Colin from Five Villages First Responders, along with representatives from other local good causes receiving their cheques from members of the Gala Committee. Big thanks for your continued support.

Heroes Day at Red Hart Raises Funds For First Responders

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Fund raising day in memory of Cpl Andrew Kent Whitton at Red Hart Inn, Misterton.

A very kind donation was given to Five Villages First Responders by the Red Hart Inn, Misterton, who held a "Heroes Day" on Saturday 8th August in memory of the late Cpl Andrew Kent Whitton of Misterton. The day involved live music, pool and darts knockouts and lots more. Huge thanks go to Trevor, Julie and Trevor (Red Hart), pictured with Martyn Johnson (Five Villages First Responders). Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and Help For Heroes charities also received kind donations from the proceeds made at the event.

Community Defibrillator for West Stockwith

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

West Stockwith's first public defibrillator has been unveiled with a training session for local people.

West Stockwith’s first community defibrillator, outside the Village Hall, has been unveiled with a training session for local people. Pictured at the launch of the life-saving initiative in West Stockwith are representatives of the organisations that helped to fund it (from left) Peter Ray (West Stockwith Parish Council), June Ray (West Stockwith Players), Michael Bird (Village Hall Committee), Colin Gibson (Five Villages First Responders) and Martyn Johnson (Paramedic, East Midlands Ambulance Service & Five Villages First Responders), Hazel Brand (Bassetlaw District Council), and Jonathan Richardson (Village Hall Committee). A number of local residents have made donations in the recent past which have also been used towards funding of the defibrilator and the secure cabinet – thanks were given to everyone who contributed.

The defibrillator will be available 24 hours a day in the secure cabinet outside the Gertrude Morris Village Hall, on Main Street, West Stockwith. If the life saving piece of equipment is needed, the 999 ambulance operator will instruct any callers of where the device is located, the code to access the cabinet and will talk them through how to use it. The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is easy to use, safe and gives verbal prompts to the user to guide them through what to do in an emergency situation when a patient is in cardiac arrest.

Seventeen people were trained to use the defibrillator after the official launch. That’s over 100 people in the local villages trained in the last eight months.

North Notts Lions Fund Life Saving Defibrillator

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Defibrillator installed at Misterton Primary School Swimming Pool

The North Notts Lions have funded the installation of a life saving defibrillator which has now been installed at the Swimming Pool on the Misterton Primary School site on Grovewood Road.

The local voluntary Five Villages First Responder (FVFR) group started a project earlier in the year with the aim to provide community public access defibrillators (CPADs) within Misterton and other local villages. The North Notts Lions stepped forward and agreed to fund the cost of the defibrillator and cabinet which has been placed on the exterior wall of the Swimming Pool building next to the Misterton Primary School.

A further public defibrillator has recently been installed on the exterior wall of the Misterton Centre on High Street next to the Coop. This unit has been funded by public donations and support from Misterton Coop through their "Community Champions" scheme. Another one has been in place at the Haxey Gate Inn and golf course on Haxey Road, Misterton, for the last three years.

The simple to use Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can be potentially life saving when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, which is when the patient's heart stops beating correctly and they stop breathing. In such a situation every second counts. For every minute that goes by the chance of survival reduces by as much as 10 to 14%. But with fast and effective CPR and defibrillation the chances of survival increase hugely.

The FVFR team work in partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service and have already trained over 60 people in how to perform CPR and how to use an AED. This includes staff from the school and swimming teachers, along with staff from Misterton Coop, the Sure Start Centre, the Misterton Centre, Wayne Howe's butchers and the Haxey Gate Inn.

Jane Cappleman-Jackson, Head Teacher at Misterton Primary School said: "We would like to thank North Notts Lions for very kindly funding this defibrillator and to FVFR for their support and training. The swimming pool is used by school pupils from many local villages, as well as being open for public and private sessions to people young and old. Having an AED on site and people who have been trained in how to use it could be potentially life saving in the event of a cardiac arrest occurring."

AEDs are safe and easy to use, compact, portable and very effective. They are designed to be used by lay persons; the units guide the operator through the process by verbal instructions and visual prompts. They are safe and will not allow a shock to be given unless the heart's rhythm requires it.

Paramedic and Group Coordinator of FVFR, Martyn Johnson said: "You will now see AEDs in many public places such as shopping centres, leisure centres, airports and train stations and now also more and more in towns, villages and communities across the country. Our project has seen AEDs placed in the rural villages of Misterton, Beckingham and Gringley on the Hill already. With units soon to be installed in Walkeringham and West Stockwith too. Fund raising has also been taken place in Everton for an AED in the village too. We would like to thank all those organisations and individuals who have supported the project so far, including those who have provided donations and funding."

The AEDs at Misterton Primary School and the Misterton Centre are in external cabinets allowing for them to be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The details of the AED are stored on the ambulance control room dispatch system and if a 999 call is made nearby reporting a cardiac arrest or possible cardiac arrest, the caller is advised where the AED is located, is given the access code and advised to send someone to collect the AED.

Anyone can use an AED if a cardiac arrest occurs, prior training is not required as instructions are given by the ambulance 999 operator to the caller on how to use the AED, as well as there being visual and audible instructions given from the unit itself as soon as the lid is opened up. This all happens while the nearest ambulance resources are on route, but because the AED is nearby, the chances of survival are much greater.

First Responder Team Receive Community Award

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Citizen of the Year Award for local responders

The Five Villages First Responder team have received an award from Misterton Parish Council in recognition of the work they do within the local community.

The Community Responders have been presented with the Citizen of the Year award for the help they have given to people in Misterton and surrounding communities over the past 10 years. The award was presented to them by Pauline Tagg, the Chairman of East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), at the recent Misterton Annual Parish Meeting.

Group Coordinator, Martyn Johnson, said: "It was a big surprise for the team to win this award; we did not even know that a nomination had been made. So thank you to those who did nominate and vote for Five Villages First Responders for this fantastic award. The team of Community Responders put in hundreds of hours of their time each year on a voluntary basis to be on call, and to attend training and events, therefore it is very nice for Misterton Parish Council to recognise this and present the team as Citizens of the Year. Thank you very much, from all of the team."

The responders work in partnership with EMAS and are dispatched by them to certain 999 calls within the local area, where the on duty Community First Responder can arrive and give care until the arrival of the ambulance. They have attended over 1,800 call outs in total since 2004.

Speaking after the awards Mary Spier, EMAS North Division Community Response Manager said: "I am so proud of the Misterton Community Responders for winning this award and it is well deserved. The group are completely committed to delivering care to their community and the surrounding area and have done so for the last 10 years."

First Responder Team Celebrate 10 Years Serving Local Community

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Event held for 10 year anniversary

The "Five Villages First Responder" team who are based in Misterton celebrated their 10th Birthday on Saturday (29th March, 2014)
and saw a huge turn out from the local community to an event held to mark the occasion.

The celebration event was held to thank local individuals, organisations and businesses for their support over the last ten years, and offered complimentary cake and refreshments to all who attended.

"We have received massive support since the team launched in 2004 and the event was our way of saying thank you back to all those involved. The public turned out on mass to the event on Saturday and it was a real success" said Martyn Johnson, who is the coordinator of the First Responder unit. "People who have organised fund raising events in the past came along. Several patients that we have been called out to over the years also attended; seeing them and hearing their stories and words of praise for the care given to them by the team was very satisfying for everyone involved. Praise and a very big thanks also goes to all the dedicated volunteers who have given up hundreds of hours each year as part of their role as Community Responders."

The group also showed life saving techniques to the public including how to perform hands only CPR, as well as displays of Community First
Responder (CFR) equipment and information. A special cake in the shape of an automated defibrillator was cut as part of the celebration.

The CFR team work alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) in the local villages and since they launched have attended over 1,675
call outs. Because of their location within the local community they are called to potentially life threatening emergencies and can give care to
patients until the arrival of the ambulance.

Mick Barnett-Connolly (Head of EMAS Community Response) said: "The Five Villages First Responder team does a remarkable job. They give up their time to be on call to help save more lives in the community. We at EMAS would like to say congratulations on a fantastic achievement for the scheme and the people it has served in the local communities during the last ten years."

The team covers the villages of Misterton, Beckingham, Walkeringham, Gringley on the Hill, West Stockwith and surrounding areas.
A further CFR unit which is part of the same group has just launched to cover Mattersey, Clayworth and Everton, with more potential volunteers
required in all of these villages.

Life saving First Responders needed

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Volunteers required in Mattersey, Everton & Clayworth area

Would you like to be part of a team who helps local people when they suffer a life threatening medical problem? The local Five Villages First Responder team based in Misterton are now looking for additional volunteers who live or work in Clayworth, Everton, Mattersey or surrounding villages to extend the service provided. The group are looking for new recruits to join the team as Community First Responders (CFR) to introduce a new team specifically for these villages.

CFRs work in partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service and attend life threatening emergency calls such as collapses, cardiac arrests, chest pains, breathing problems and other similar call outs.

They receive full training in the use of oxygen therapy, resuscitation and heart defibrillation. The role is voluntary and each CFR can be "on call" from home or work within the local area. Because they are nearby they are despatched when required by the Ambulance Emergency Operations Centre following a 999 call, with the CFR being able to attend the scene of the emergency and begin care of the patient until the arrival of the emergency ambulance.

The team works on rota basis and responders can volunteer as little or as much time to being on call each week or month, as they wish. While a responder is on call they can continue with their normal day to day activities at home or at work, but must be ready to drop everything and attend a call should one arise while they are on duty.

The team currently has volunteer First Responders in Misterton, Walkeringham, Beckingham, West Stockwith and Gringley on the Hill, but are now looking for people who live or work within Clayworth, Everton, Mattersey or surrounding villages, and can give some time to train as a CFR and be on call. To find out more information please contact the CFR team.

Two Mattersey residents have already come forward and are due to commence their training shortly and will be available to be on call from the middle of March, but more people are needed.

Community First Responders come from all different walks of life and volunteer for many different reasons. Potential CFR's need to have a caring attitude, be aged over 18 years, with a full clean driving licence and access to a car and live within one of the villages mentioned. Full enhanced criminal records bureau checks are carried out on all CFR's prior to commencing training. Initial and on-going training and assessment is provided by East Midlands Ambulance Service.

In return First Responder volunteers get a great deal of satisfaction from the work they do. Being a CFR can be very rewarding and you can find yourself actually helping your friends, family, neighbours and other members of the local community in their hour of need. The current team have attended over 1,600 emergency calls in the local area since they were first set up in 2004.

For more information about becoming a CFR please click here or to contact the team click here .

Local Couple Light-up For First Responders

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Christmas lights display raises money for Five Villages First Responders

Two kind hearted local residents have raised over £170 for the volunteer Five Villages First Responder team by lighting up their home with hundreds of festive lights over the Christmas period.

Sid and Sylvia Burgess of Grove Park, Misterton, decorate the outside of their home and front garden every year with a host of Christmas lights and decorations and collect donations for a nominated local charity or group.

This year they choose to donate the proceeds to the Five Villages First Responder team based in Misterton.

The responder group covers Misterton, West Stockwith, Beckingham, Walkeringham, Gringley on the Hill and surrounding villages. The team works in partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service and they can give care to patients suffering from medical emergencies until the arrival of the ambulance.

The group is self funding and relies on fund raising and donations to pay for some of the equipment and running costs of this rural scheme. They said: "We are extremely grateful to Sid and Sylvia, along with their two helpers, for their hard work and for choosing the proceeds of their festive fund raising to be donated to us."

First Responders benefit from Co-op 'Community Champions' scheme

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Donation given to Five Villages First Responders

Misterton based Five Villages First Responder group have this week received a donation of £686.64 from the Lincolnshire Co-op as part of their 'Community Champion' scheme.

'Community Champions' is Lincolnshire Co-op's way of sharing profits with the community. Every time a member shopped at Misterton Co-op between June and September, a donation from the company went to the voluntary First Responder team.

Nominated Champions change every 3 months so hundreds of charities throughout the area can benefit.

The Community First Responders (CFR) give their time to be on call and are dispatched by the ambulance service following a 999 call involving a medical emergency in the local area. Because the CFR is nearby in the community, they can proceed straight to the scene and begin to give care to the patient until the arrival of the ambulance. The scheme is run on a voluntary basis and funded by local donations and fund raising events. Therefore the support of the Co-op will help to boost the funds of this vital local organisation, helping to ensure it is able to continue it's good work and purchase vital equipment.

CFR team members said they were "really delighted with the fantastic donation and would like to thank the Co-op for choosing them as 'Community Champions', with a special thanks to all the staff at the Misterton Store for their support."

Misterton Gala Proceeds Benefit Local Groups

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Donation presented to First Responders

Village organisations, including Five Villages First Responders, have benefitted from the proceeds of the annual Misterton Gala.

A total of £950 was distributed to local good causes.

Pictured receiving their donations are Libby Stennett (Five Villages First Responders) and Steve Lee (Misterton Junior Football Club) with members of the gala organising team, Pat Loveless (left) and Nikki Jaggard-Smith. Other donations went to Misterton Bowls Club and All Saints’ Church, which underwrites the event.

Misterton Horticultural Show Helps First Responders

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Volunteers receive donation

There was a bumper crop of entries for Misterton’s annual Horticultural, Arts & Crafts Show held at the end of September at Misterton Sports Social Club.

The award by Bassetlaw District Council for the Best-kept Allotment went to Peter Ray of West Stockwith.

Cheques totalling £400 from the proceeds of last year’s show were presented by Show Secretary, Brian Johnson, to (from left) Mary Riches and Libby Stennett (Five Villages First Responders) and Vera Millns (Bassetlaw Learning Disability Association).

Teenagers Raise Money For Five Villages First Responders

contact@fvfr.co.uk (Martyn Johnson) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT

First Responders & Air Ambulance benefit from August fun day

Two teenagers, who held a series of fundraising events during August, to raise money for Five Villages First Responders and the Air Ambulance, presented cheques to the ‘good causes’ this month.

Misterton girls, Jade Anderton and Abygayle Wood together took part in the Humberside Police Lifestyle project and together named their team, 'Make A Difference' (MAD).

They took part in a sponsored swim, attended Misterton Primary School Leavers’ BBQ, held a bake sale, organised a fun day, and had a stall at Epworth Show – and raised a fantastic grand total of £602.50p, including a ‘pump-priming’ donation of £200 from North Notts Lions. So Five Villages First Responders and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance received cheques for £301.25p each.

The Lifestyle project is designed to increase the amount of positive contact between Humberside Police and the young people of our area. Encouraged by police prompting, young people become involved in community projects during the long summer holidays.

A very big thank you to Jade and Abygayle, as well as Jade's Mum Hayley, for all their hard work and dedication. Thanks also to all those who supported the events and helped raise funds.