Local MP Karen Bradley has written to the Health Secretary, together with other Staffordshire MPs, in support of the Community First Responders (CFR) that operate across Staffordshire.
In Staffordshire, approximately 10% of CFR are classed as “enhanced” which means they are trained to use vehicles fitted with blue lights which enable them to get to locations more quickly.
CFR are equipped with and trained to administer drugs including Salbutamol which helps people with breathing problems and they can assist people who have suffered serious medical conditions such as cardiac arrest.
The MPs were therefore very disappointed to learn that these volunteers have been told they cannot use the blue lights or administer these drugs from April 2020.
Karen commented,
“Given that these proposed changes are likely to come into force next month, we have asked the Health Secretary to investigate urgently on behalf of our constituents.
“I would be happy to raise individual cases and ask any local residents who have specific concerns on the issue to email me with details.”