Hayling lifesavers pledge their commitment to community

The Hayling Community First Responders increased their availability during the junior doctors’ strike last week.

The group normally aim to have a responder available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but during the strikes there were three teams ready to respond.

The team has responded so far to more than 300 calls during 2016.

They say they will be there to support the community in any future strikes.

Peter Halkyard, the Hayling CFR co-ordinator, said: ‘We are very conscious of the ongoing support we receive from the island, its residents and businesses, that enable our voluntary work to continue throughout the year.

‘By maximising our emergency cover over this potentially difficult period for the ambulance service should there be significant delays at A&E, we are seeking to ensure that residents and visitors alike will receive a rapid response in event of a life-threatening medical emergency.’

South Central Ambulance Service has welcomed the group’s initiative to have extra resources as a back-up to the main response of front line, paramedics, ambulances and rapid response vehicles.

Mr Halkyard added that additional responders are needed and any people living on Hayling, who holds a current driving licence, and is in good health can apply to become one.

Anyone interested can call 07855 558082 or 07876 597194 or email Mr Halkyard at [email protected].