Mayfield & Ellastone
Community First Responders

Welcome to the Mayfield and Ellastone Community First Responders’ website!

Who are we?

The group was first formed in 2002 and is now part of the West Midlands Ambulance Service. If a 999 call is made in our area, we are contacted and are usually first on scene, often while the 999 call handler is still on the line. Our trained responders can start treatment straight away but are always backed up by a professional paramedic and/or ambulance crew.

Our latest vehicle is a Freelander, which was bought with funds raised by the local community.

All responders are local villagers who know their area well. Although we may be neighbours, rest assured that all details of any call-out remain totally confidential.

This episode of BBC Countryfile (from about 14 minutes) shows some of the things we do other than responding to 999 call-outs.

If you are interested in becoming a First Responder email the Coordinator.

If you would like more information about Heartstart training click on the logo or email us.

 If you would like to make a donation to the Ellastone & Mayfield First Responders please email.

Mayfield & Ellastone have defibrillators

A defibrillator is a machine that delivers an electric shock to the heart when someone is in cardiac arrest. These machines can also be called AEDs (Automated external Defibrillators). Anyone calling 999 will be given the code required to remove the kit if someone is in cardiac arrest. No training is needed to use the machine, which will electronically ‘talk’ the user through the step by step process of administering an electric shock if it detects an abnormal heart rhythm.

There is are defibrillators for local people to use in both villages.

• Mayfield: 1 Conygree Lane Memorial Hall wall  2 At the Pavilion.
• Ellastone: 1 In the porch at Ellastone Parish Hall  2 Outside Roston Castings in Mill Lane, Lower Ellastone.

If someone has a heart attack, or you suspect that is the case, you should phone 999. If you live within 200 metres of a defib 999 they will provide the code for the nearest box. Someone should commence CPR if possible and another person should go to fetch the defibrillator. Never leave a patient alone.

Once back with the patient, the defibrillator lid should be opened and the box will give easy to follow verbal instructions. Basically look at the picture on the sticky pads and it shows you where the pads need to be fixed on the chest. The defib analyses the patient automatically and if there is what is known as a shockable rhythm, the defibrillator will instruct you to press the shock button. The instructions are very loud, very clear and very easy to follow. The operator on the end of the phone will not ring off until a paramedic arrives so you will be supported throughout.

Watch the video clip on the Heartstart video clip to find out more. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces their chances of survival by 10%.

Our local First Responders are willing to provide basic Heartstart training. Get in touch (see above).

Press here to read the latest news about the group