A special presentation evening was held on Tuesday at Narberth Fire Station to pay tribute to the support of the town's firefighters to the First Responder Scheme, a vital life-saving community service.
After a welcome by Richard Brock, station manager, and introduction to Nick Webley, area manager, MC for the evening, Tom Thomas, chairman of the Narberth branch of the British Heart Foundation, explained the charity's part in the scheme.
"The Narberth branch of the British Heart Foundation pride themselves as pioneers in Wales as far as the First Responder Scheme is concerned," said Mr. Thomas.
"The scheme had been under consideration for some time before being adopted by the BHF. The committee pressed for the new type defibrillators to be distributed in Pembrokeshire, with Narberth being nominated for the first," he explained.
The town's firefighters kindly volunteered to take on the task of manning the unit as an extension of their nomal duties.
With the Ambulance Trust, the firefighters underwent considerable training with the ambulance trust in cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation, prior to the defibrillators arriving in 2001.
"Since then, the equipment has been used many times and saved many lives," continued Mr. Thomas. "The emergency crews have carried out their duties in a highly efficient and professional manner, without a thought of recognition."
The skills resource that the Fire and Rescue Service already have acts as a valuable additional facility for the community in providing swift emergency help before the arrival of an ambulance.
The calls that the First Responder team attend range from Category A life-threatening incidents to other medical emergencies requiring an ambulance. The variety of calls attended in the community have included cardiac arrest situations, strokes, trauma injuries, sporting injuries and a number of incidents involving babies. There are over 30 call categories that they attend which gives some indication of the scope and skill provided by the teams.
"Undoubtedly there are many people living in and around the district of Narberth who are blissfully unaware of this wonderful service," added Mr. Thomas.
Members of the British Heart Foundation showed their appreciation by presenting the station with an engraved shield.
Julie George, community fund-raising and volunteer manager with the British Heart Foundation, was called upon to make the presentation to Paul Morris, watch manager at Narberth Fire Station. "The British Heart Foundation is extremely grateful to the firefighters of Narberth Fire Station for their generous support and dedication to the First Responder Scheme," said Mrs. George.
"Having a defibrillator in the local community has proven to be a life-saving piece of equipment and this would not be possible without the willingness of the firefighters of Narberth Fire Station. Our sincere thanks go to all those people involved in the First Responder Scheme."
Also attending the presentation evening was Mayor of Narberth, Clr. Eric Feetham, who gave a vote of thanks to the firefighters, before presenting a Narberth Shield on behalf of the citizens of Narberth and District to watch manager Paul Morris. Firefighters Bryn Etchells and Martin Perkins gave a talk on the First Responder equipment,before members of the Narberth and Whitland Round Table, presented of the British Heart Foundation, with a cheque for £250.
The evening was rounded off with refreshments and a talk by members of the station about the equipment carried on the fire engine.
Anyone wishing to know more about the Narberth First Responder Unit is welcome to contact the fire station through the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.