LIVES: ‘We are still here for you’ during coronavirus crisis

LIVES First Responders will continue to attend emergency calls across Lincolnshire during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
LIVES First RespondersLIVES First Responders
LIVES First Responders

Today, a spokesman for the charity said: “Medical emergencies don’t stop and we know that communities and other services rely on the support and care LIVES provides.

“Therefore, at this current time, our army of Community First Responders are still volunteering their time and attending those in need when they call 999.

“It is important for us that you know we are still there for you if you need us.”

LIVES volunteers and staff working the community will be issued with additional Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and have been provided with additional guidance.

Meanwhile, all ‘non-essential’ work carried out by LIVES - such as community engagement events - have been postponed, and visitors are asked not to attend their Horncastle headquarters.

The charity’s spokesman said: “At this challenging time, LIVES would like to provide an update on how we are managing and coping with the COVID-19 situation, otherwise known as Coronavirus.

“The last few weeks have been an unsettling time and we wish those who may be suffering from the effects of this virus a speedy recovery.

“LIVES is following guidance from the government, NHS and World Health Organisation (WHO) on COVID-19. We are treating this with the respect and urgency it deserves at this time.

“The health and safety of all LIVES members, including our Community First Responders, medics, fundraisers and staff is a priority and something we are taking very seriously.

“We are providing all members with clear guidance on how to keep themselves and others protected from the virus.”

The spokesman continued: “We will still have volunteers on call, ready to respond to 999 medical emergencies and we will also be advising and supporting those who are self-isolating or choosing not to respond.

“Our Medic First Responders, who are doctors, nurses and paramedics, will still be on call and attending the most serious and life-threatening cases.

“Our training team will still be working, offering advice and first aid/medical support to businesses, organisations and individuals who need extra guidance at this time.

“We are still delivering training courses such Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and Basic Life Support, as well as Mental Health First Aid to businesses, schools and individuals. We can deliver this on site.

“If you need advice with regards to courses and how you proceed with re-qualification or re-validation, please contact the training team at [email protected]

“It is a concerning and uncertain time for all of the world right now, but as a charity that relies on public support in order to maintain the work we are doing, we hope that we can continue to be there for you as we currently are and as we have been serving Lincolnshire for the last 50 years.

“How can you help? We are working hard to provide the vital care needed in this changing and challenging times your donations to LIVES at this time will support this.

“The easiest and safest way to donate to LIVES at this time is through our website at www.lives.org.uk/donate.

“A significant part of our fundraising is through events, challenges and activities.

“While the cancellation and postponement of many of these in the coming months is absolutely necessary, this will have an impact on our fundraising income.

“If you would like to help support us throughout the year, you can set up a small regular donation to LIVES which will help us manage and plan for the future.

“You can do this on our website at www.lives.org.uk/donate or paper forms are available to be posted upon request. If you need any support with raising money, please contact [email protected].”

• Anyone with a query relating to Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADS) is asked to contact [email protected].