One of our amazing volunteers, Derbyshire based Community First Responder (CFR) Keith Sykes, has amassed an incredible 10,000 hours of service – equivalent to five full time working years, supporting patients across Erewash and surrounding areas.
Keith, 77, who has been a CFR for nine years with the Amber Community First Responders Scheme, started after retiring as a Mental Health Nurse.
He said: "After retiring, I got bored and was looking for volunteering opportunities when I saw local news about CFRs. I attended a meeting to find out more, and it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for."
With his dedication to his volunteer role, a supportive family is paramount, and Keith has that in the form of his wife Sue, who is also a CFR with Amber CFRs.
Surpassing 10,000 hours as a volunteer is an astonishing achievement and for Keith, the commitment is driven by the purpose that volunteering gives him. Not only does he respond to patients in his local community, but across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
He said: "I tend to go where I’m asked as I assume I’m the nearest resource. Hopefully this reduces the time crews spend on scene and helps patients get treated faster.
"Volunteering helps me feel useful and gives me a role within the community. The response from patients and ambulance crews keeps me going as well as knowing that I can make a difference and help individuals and families."
Reflecting on the past nine years as a volunteer, Keith looks back at the moments where he realised just how important the role of CFRs and community response schemes are.
"The first cardiac arrest I attended as the person first on scene made me realise how important this role is. It wasn’t many minutes before an ambulance arrived, but that gave the individual a better chance of surviving.
"I also often get people in the street stop and talk to me because they remember my help. I recently had a lady stop me and say, ‘thank you, you came to my mum five years ago'. That shows the positive impact CFRs have."
Keith credits his background in mental health and the Armed Forces for helping him with some of the challenging situations he faces as a community first responder, however he encourages anyone of any background to give it a go if they are interested.
"My advice would be to be prepared for the unexpected. Every shift is different and everyone is an individual. There is a lot of knowledge and support at EMAS for community first responders and I would encourage anyone to give it a go."
When Keith isn’t busy responding, he is out in his community raising awareness for the CFRs, fundraising for the scheme and teaching local adults and children how to do CPR and save a life.
Will Blurton, Amber Community First Responders coordinator said:
"In dedicating 10,000 voluntary hours to the ambulance service, Keith has shown unwavering courage and compassion, embodying the very spirit of service.
"His tireless commitment has saved lives, helped many others and stands as an enduring inspiration to us all."
James Hornby, Service Delivery Manager for Community Response said:
"Keith’s huge contribution to volunteering in the CFR role has undoubtedly had a massive impact in his community and beyond, with over 4,000 patients attended in that time.
"From his initial training course over nine years ago, he has always gone far above and beyond what is asked and this level of commitment is truly outstanding. On behalf of EMAS and your patients - Thank you!"
Could you be a Community First Responder?
Find out more and apply on our website.