LIVES: ‘Minutes really do matter’

For nearly 80 per cent of emergencies LIVES responders are mobilised to, they arrive on scene first.

LIVES Community First Responders are members of the public who give up their time for free to respond for LIVES.

They are trained and equipped to deal with a range of serious 999 medical emergencies.

This week, we are shining a light on a LIVES Community First Responder who last month was praised for having attended 2,000 medical emergencies for LIVES.

Bill Barber from Lincoln, first joined LIVES more than 10 years ago.

Bill is a dedicated volunteer who is dispatched to some of the most serious medical emergencies, including those involving children and infants.

A decade on, Bill tells us why he first decided to join LIVES after an incident with a friend.

Bill said: “A good friend of mine had two mini strokes on the same day in October 2010.

“As I had always been interested in the medical world, this was the push that started my LIVES career.

“After applying in November 2010, I qualified as a Community First Responder a few months later in January 2011.”

Bill has expressed his pride on hitting the incredible milestone.

He said: “To do 2,000 jobs for LIVES is a great honour and achievement.

“It is a great feeling to have had the opportunity to meet all of these people in their time of need.

“Along this journey, I have met so many fantastic pre-hospital colleagues, including our own LIVES medics and Community First Responders.”

Bill understands how difficult it can be for an ambulance to reach a patient quickly when they live in a rural area, like many Lincolnshire villages, which is why he continues to be part of LIVES.

He explained: “I think the most rewarding aspect of being a responder is making a difference and being there for the people in your community in their time of need.

“Living in a more rural area, where ambulances can take longer to get to patients, a fast response by LIVES is vital. Minutes really do matter.”

Nikki Cooke, CEO at LIVES, said: “Bill is the ultimate LIVES responder.

“He’s someone who’s always there to help.

“We’ve received so many messages of praise and thanks for Bill from patients, families and colleagues that we’ve lost count!

“Bill has been there for so many people over the years and it is only right that we recognise this and the incredible achievement of attending 2,000 emergencies on behalf of LIVES.

“Thank you, Bill. We hope you’ll be responding for many more years.”

The charity, which turned 50 last year, has continued to support its communities in Lincolnshire by responding to medical emergencies when a 999 call is made.

LIVES relies on the support and generosity of the public to help them provide sector leading training and equipment to ensure they can be there for communities across Lincolnshire.

All donations go directly to funding the training and equipment for the responders.

• To donate, visit www.lives.org.uk/donate/