Community First Responder celebrates 20 Years of lifesaving service with EEAST
Date: 27 November 2024Stuart Little, a dedicated Community First Responder (CFR) from Essex, is celebrating an incredible 20 years of volunteering with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) this month.
Since beginning his volunteer journey on November 27, 2004, Stuart has responded to around 4,000 emergency incidents and dedicated an astounding 27,000 hours of service to his community.
Stuart's introduction to the CFR role came while working as a radio engineer. A conversation in the control room about the importance of rapid response to cardiac arrests inspired him to explore becoming a CFR. In the two decades since, he has provided critical emergency care, often arriving ahead of ambulances to offer vital support.
Reflecting on his experience, Stuart shared his most memorable call, which occurred in 2015. After teaching basic life support (BLS) through the HeartStart program (now EEAST Heart), Stuart responded to a paediatric cardiac arrest involving a three-year-old girl. Her mother, who had attended one of Stuart’s BLS sessions just a week earlier, performed life-saving CPR on her daughter before Stuart arrived. Six months later, the young girl underwent a successful heart transplant and is now thriving with her family.
“Being a CFR has its rewards in knowing that doing the basics well can save lives,” Stuart said. “I’m proud to be a CFR team leader, mentor, and Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) practitioner for the Trust. I’m looking forward to celebrating 20 years of volunteering and have no intention of hanging the bag up yet!”
Claire Ruddy, Community Response Manager at EEAST, praised Stuart's contributions.
“Stuart has dedicated the past 20 years to supporting both the Trust and our patients," she said.
"He sets a high standard for all volunteers, constantly attending courses to enhance his skills and working closely with ambulance crews, HART, Helimed, and our engagement teams. His leadership as team leader for the mid Essex CFR car and Writtle CFR group has fostered strong relationships with local teams, and his passion for the role is clear. Stuart has undoubtedly saved countless lives and continues to raise the profile of CFRs.”
Community First Responders are called upon at any time, day or night, to reach patients in urgent need before an ambulance arrives. Their contribution can make the difference between life and death, offering reassurance and life-saving care when every second counts.
For anyone inspired by Stuart’s story and interested in joining the ranks of CFRs, more information is available on EEAST’s website.
