Rutland Community First Responders are fundraising for new defibs
They weren't able to raise any funds in 2020 due to Covid and say its looking the same for 2021
Rutland Community First Responders attend emergency call outs alongside EMAS and have continued to do so throughout the pandemic.
But, despite their hard work, they've struggled to get any funding in 2020, as the pandemic resulted in events being cancelled, where they would normally make money.
They are completely self funded, except oxygen masks and dressing from EMAS.
Apart from that they have to fundraise to buy their uniform, their kit bags and everything else.
Barbra the coordinator said:
"Usually we would be providing first aid at village events, teaching basic life support and CPR to village groups and schools, but the pandemic means we haven't been able to raise any money and it's looking like it's going to be that way for some time."
The team have some new responders they need to kit out with uniform, which costs around Ā£220 each and to equip them with kit they need is another Ā£2,000 on top of that.
They also need to renew their kit and defibs, which are all around 7 to 8 years old, which they've been trying to raise money for the last 12 months, but haven't got anything.
Despite this they've put in endless hours responding to 999 calls, whilst some of them also support the Rutland Covid Clinic.
Now, the team are hoping to raise Ā£2,200, to replace the last 2 defibs.
The old defibs would then be offered to care homes or organisations that might need them.