Ambulance bosses in the East are thanking the almost 1000-strong team of volunteers who provide care, transport and support to patients across the region.
The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) is highlighting their work to tie in with Volunteers Week which runs until Thursday June 7.
Around 9000 are community first responders who leap into action to tackle medical emergencies in their area, and can often be first on the scene for incidents like heart attacks or a stroke. Their aim is to help stabilise a patient in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives.
In addition, there are 34 volunteer car drivers who support patients travelling to hospital or healthcare appointments, four chaplains who give pastoral support to staff, and 19 community engagement volunteers, who make sure the views of patients and the public are communicated to bosses when services are planned.
The Trust also works with around 90 RAF co-responders, who have responded to more than 950 calls this year, and the BASICS (British Association for Immediate Care) charities, which are made up of healthcare staff who volunteer to help with pre-hospital care.
Lorna Hayes, Head of Community Response with EEAST, said: “The commitment and support all of our volunteers provide is second to none. We would like to thank each and every one of them for the valuable service they provide and the selfless dedication they show towards their communities.”
To find out more about volunteering with EEAST, click here