BOATERS at Mercia Marina have created their own group of life savers, equipped to act as 'first responders' in the event of medical emergencies.
The volunteers are trained to tackle emergency situations within the Trent & Mersey Canal marina, including CPR and the use of on-site defibrillators.
Need for emergency healthcare
The initial idea for the first response group came from moorer Terry Evans, a self-employed chiropodist, who has been involved in the medical profession for most of his life. Terry had witnessed the growing number of boaters at the popular marina, near Willington, and felt there was a need for some form of emergency healthcare on site.
Together with fellow boater Nigel Hunt he put the idea to the marina management. The marina immediately agreed to fund raising and the purchase of two defibrillators. The British Heart Foundation has supplied a third defibrillator and 10 CPR training dummies as a result of the volunteers' commitment.
Many people
Terry explained:
"Given the number of people at the marina every day, medical emergencies are inevitable. We felt that if we had a team of people trained to get to those emergencies quickly, we could potentially save lives."
The group has established a very good working relationship with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS). In the event that an ambulance is called out to the marina, EMAS immediately texts the first responders, who are typically able to get to the scene first.
Medical assistance cards
The group has also produced printed medical assistance cards for every boater and lodge owner at Mercia Marina, informing them what to do in the event of an emergency and providing a contact number for the 'on duty' volunteer.
Terry added:
"We've been called out quite a few times and, thankfully, the situation has turned out well each time."Aside from our training and the fact we are usually able to identify the nature of the emergency before the ambulance arrives, the greatest effect we probably have is the ability to calm a situation. Usually a relative can be quite panicked when a loved one suddenly requires treatment. We can quickly assess a situation and can normally provide some reassurance or calming presence."
Yet to use defibrillators
The team has yet to need the use of any of the on-site defibrillators, though they have dealt with a suspected heart attack, as well as people with breathing difficulties, asthma attacks and an overheated child.
Robert Neff, General Manager of Mercia Marina, Europe's largest inland marina, pointed out:
"This is all about community. We have a thriving community at Mercia, and we are always keen to support initiatives that bring our boaters, lodge owners and visitors closer together."