Volunteers at business estate could save lives

The Segensworth Business Forum formed in 2005 to represent the interests, concerns and issues of businesses based on the Segensworth Industrial Estates.

The forum sponsors the estate’s Community First Responder scheme.

The scheme helps local businesses by providing Community First Responders to attend incidents and deliver life-saving skills.

The SBF provided equipment for three first responders in the business district as part of its pledge to support firms in the area.

The responders are trained to use automated external defibrillators, can perform basic airway management and oxygen therapy and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Steve Morton, a CFR volunteer who works at Captec Limited, said: ‘SBF asked for volunteers and I was already a first aider, since the age of 14.

‘I’m also a police support volunteer and volunteer for the Blood Bike Group, so it felt like a natural progression.’

Rob Bartlett works at Marine & Industrial Plastics Ltd and also volunteers. He said: ‘I was looking into community support work and this looked like a good opportunity to help the community and meet new people.

‘It’s a good way to give something back and I love the training I have had. As a father to two young children, it’s reassuring to have the full kit at home as well.

‘I originally wanted to get to know first aid and it progressed from there. It’s a really flexible service. I can clock in during work or leisure time and it works well for me.’