Witham Community First Responders

20/07/2026

04/07/2026

Wondering what to do on this sunny Saturday?

Pop down to Holy Family School, Witham, where you can not only have fun with the school event but also learn some life saving skills!

We are here until 3pm.

Be good to see you there!

30/06/2026

🚨 We remain under significant pressure

We're continuing to experience very high demand, and many of our ambulance crews are delayed while waiting to hand over patients at hospitals.

☎️ Please only call 999 in a serious or life-threatening emergency.
For urgent health advice or medical help that is not life-threatening, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

If you are waiting for an ambulance, please only call us back if: the patient's condition changes or worsens; or you no longer need an ambulance

Every unnecessary call can delay help reaching someone in urgent need.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support as we work to help those who need us most.

29/06/2026

🚨 We are currently extremely busy

We're experiencing a high number of calls and many of our ambulances are waiting to hand over patients at hospital.

🤳 Please only call 999 for serious or life-threatening emergencies. For anything else use https://111.nhs.uk/ or call 111.

🕘 If waiting for an ambulance, only call back if the patient's condition changes, or you no longer need the ambulance.

Thank you for helping us ensure we get to those who need us.

22/05/2026

🌡️ HEATWAVE SAFETY – KNOW THE SIGNS OF SUN STROKE 🌡️

Hot weather can quickly become dangerous, especially for children, older adults, and vulnerable people. Sun stroke (heat stroke) is a medical emergency and needs fast action.

🚨 Signs of sun stroke:
• High temperature
• Hot, dry skin or excessive sweating
• Dizziness or confusion
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Collapse or unconsciousness

✅ What to do:
• Move them to a cool or shaded place
• Remove excess clothing
• Cool the body with wet cloths, cool water, or a fan
• Give small sips of water ONLY if fully conscious
• Call emergency services immediately if symptoms are severe or they become unresponsive

☀️ Prevention tips:
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid peak heat (11am–4pm)
• Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
• Check on elderly neighbours and vulnerable people

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and look after each other during the heatwave. 💛

21/05/2026

Patient assessment is one of the most important skills for any CFR.

A calm, structured assessment helps identify life-threatening conditions early, supports effective handovers, and ensures patients receive the right care quickly. From checking airway and breathing to observing skin colour, responsiveness, and vital signs — every detail matters.

Good assessment isn’t just about following a checklist; it’s about communication, reassurance, and clinical awareness under pressure.

As CFRs, we are often first on scene. The quality of our assessment can make a real difference in patient outcomes.

Stay calm. Stay observant. Trust your training. 🚑

(This was training not a real patient)

16/05/2026

Please only call us back on 999 if the patient's condition changes, or you no longer need an ambulance as you can make your own way to a hospital or treatment centre.

We know waiting can be worrying, but please be assured that we are prioritising the people who need us most.

If your emergency is not serious or life-threatening and requiring immediate treatment or urgent assessment, we usually aim to be with you in 2-3 hours but there may be times when that wait can be significantly longer.

30/04/2026

🚨 CPR Compressions Save Lives 🚨

Did you know that when someone goes into cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping blood? That means oxygen can’t reach the brain and vital organs — and every second counts.

💥 Chest compressions are the key to keeping blood flowing until help arrives.
💥 High-quality CPR can DOUBLE or even TRIPLE a person’s chance of survival.

Remember:
👉 Push HARD (at least 5cm deep)
👉 Push FAST (100–120 compressions per minute)
👉 Minimise interruptions

You don’t need to be a professional to make a difference — anyone can learn CPR.

❤️ Be prepared. Be confident. Be the reason someone survives.

23/04/2026

🚨 Allergic Reactions: Know What to Do 🚨

Allergies can happen to anyone, anywhere — and some reactions can be life-threatening. Knowing how to respond quickly can save a life. Here’s a simple guide based on NHS advice:

🌿 Mild to Moderate Symptoms
These may include itching, hives (rash), swelling of the lips/eyes/face, sneezing, or a runny nose.
✔️ Stay calm and remove the allergen if possible
✔️ Take an antihistamine if available
✔️ Monitor symptoms closely — they can change quickly

⚠️ Signs of a Severe Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
This is a medical emergency. Look out for:

- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the throat or tongue
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Feeling dizzy, faint, or collapsing

💉 What to Do in an Emergency
✔️ Use an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen) immediately if available
✔️ Call 999 for an ambulance — say “anaphylaxis”
✔️ Lie the person down with legs raised (unless breathing is difficult, then sit them up slightly)
✔️ If no improvement after 5–10 minutes, use a second injector if available

👶 For Children & Schools
Make sure caregivers, teachers, and friends know about the allergy and how to use an auto-injector. Always check food labels carefully.

💛 Remember:
Even if symptoms improve after using an injector, medical help is still essential.

Sharing this could help someone act fast in an emergency. Stay informed, stay safe.

21/04/2026

Sepsis: Know the signs. Act fast. Save a life.

As community first responders, we’re often the first point of contact—and with sepsis, minutes matter.

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to infection. It can affect anyone, but the very young, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. It doesn’t always look dramatic at first, which is why early recognition is critical.

Think: “Could this be sepsis?” if someone has an infection or feels unwell and shows:

- Confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty staying awake
- Fast breathing or breathlessness
- A high or very low temperature, or feeling unusually cold
- Mottled, pale, or bluish skin, lips, or tongue
- Severe shivering or muscle pain
- Not passing urine (or very little)
- A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed

In children, also watch for:

- Floppy, unresponsive, or difficult to wake
- Fast breathing, grunting, or pauses in breathing
- A weak, high-pitched cry
- No interest in feeding
- Fewer wet nappies

What to do (following NHS guidance):

- Treat it as a medical emergency
- Call 999 immediately if you suspect sepsis
- Clearly state: “I’m concerned this could be sepsis”
- Stay with the person, keep them warm and comfortable, and monitor breathing and responsiveness until help arrives

Why this matters

Sepsis can progress rapidly, but early treatment—especially prompt antibiotics and fluids—saves lives. Trust your judgment. If something feels seriously wrong, it’s always better to escalate.

Community responders make the difference.
Recognise it early. Speak up clearly. Act without delay.