BASICS Devon volunteer responders have received a grant of £5,000 from Devon Community Foundation to invest in robust training and demonstration kits, to be used by their volunteers across Devon to promote and teach basic life support skills in the most remote and disadvantaged communities. It will also support volunteers with equipment, prehospital training and education and help towards a new initiative, their Community Defibrillator Programme.
In rural Devon, access to immediate pre-hospital emergency care remains a critical challenge, and many people in the community are unsure of how to respond during emergencies before medical responders or an ambulance arrive. This delay in action can significantly affect survival rates. BASICS Devon is dedicated to tackling this issue by offering specialised emergency response services along with comprehensive training and education, ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live, their background, or status, feels prepared and confident to act quickly in critical situations, resulting in improved outcomes and saving lives.
Conor, Operations Manager & Volunteer at BASICS Devon said ‘We have pinpointed areas in Devon that have a longer response time than other communities, and we are focused on resolving this. We've also found that many of the most disadvantaged areas across Devon have limited or no access at all to defibrillators, an issue we are committed to help addressing.’
‘We want to thank the Devon Community Foundation for this amazing funding as it will empower communities to help in emergencies, share knowledge and skills between voluntary organisations, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn lifesaving skills, therefore improving outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Devon.’
These emergency volunteer responders play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals living in remote and underserved areas.
Cardiac arrests remain one of the highest callouts. In 2024, BASICS Devon volunteers attended 371 callouts,105 at night, first on scene at 35%, 55 of these were cardiac arrests.
Katrin had a cardiac arrest, BASICS Devon arrived in less than 10 minutes. ‘Without the quick
response, and lifesaving defibrillator things could have been so different. I am lucky to be alive and as well as I am now.’
BASICS Devon volunteers’ contributions help bridge gaps in services and resources, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of the people of Devon.
Laura Cameron Long, Head of Development and Philanthropy at Devon Community Foundation, said: “BASICS Devon’s volunteer responders are providing a vital service in remote and underserved areas and we are very pleased to be able to support them. Grants like these are only possible thanks to our donors. Our donors choose to give through us because they know we will make sure their money reaches groups making a real difference at the heart of their communities, just like BASICS Devon. We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to find out more about supporting our work.”
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Notes to editors: ·
Interview Opportunity:
Interview available with volunteers on request
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About BASICS Devon
BASICS Devon is a network of 20 emergency volunteer medics providing immediate access to specialist medical care at the scene of an accident or illness. Making themselves available around the clock throughout the year, responding to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. The charity relies solely on donations.
BASICS Devon doctors aim to provide a fast response to incidents in rural areas and use their extensive skills to support patient care.
For further information, to donate or get involved please visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk
For further information please contact Amie Bull, Fundraising Manager amie.bull@basics-devon.org.uk T: 01752 936299 or visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk
About Devon Community Foundation
Devon Community Foundation works with donors and funding partners who care about Devon and want their money to strengthen communities and tackle inequalities in the county. It uses its knowledge of the community and voluntary sector in Devon to turn donations into grants that go to grassroots organisations creating change in the heart of their communities.
For information about Devon Community Foundation visit devoncf.com or contact Alice Davis, Communications and Marketing Manager – adavis@devoncf.com.
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