MP congratulates volunteer CPR training scheme on hitting key milestone

Canvey Island Community First Responders (CFRs) have reached a total of 2,000 pupils trained in basic life support at Castle View School.

During four sessions in October the group of 11 volunteers trained over 240 pupils of the school's new intake of Year 7 pupils. Since first going into the school in May 2023, the CFRs have now trained 2,000 pupils.

All pupils at the school have access to the training which covers CPR, how to use a defibrillator, manage choking and anaphylaxis.

October was a busy month for the first responders with increased sessions around Restart a Heart Day - an initiative led by Resuscitation Council UK and held each year on 16 October.

Over 500 people were trained in these life-saving skills. This supported the campaign's objective of equipping people with the knowledge and confidence to perform CPR and use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in an emergency.

The first responders' achievements in supporting their community were recognised at an event in the Fountain Bar in Kings Park Village in Canvey Island, which Dame Rebecca Harris MP attended.

Also in attendance were Castle Point Mayor Lynsey McCarthy-Calvert; Canvey Town Council Mayor Cllr Peter May; Deputy Canvey Town Council Mayor Sheridan Sayes and Reverend Marion from St Nicholas Parish Church.

Representatives from Castle View School were also present with head teacher of Steve Durkin and his colleague Kelly Harrington, as well as Toyah McHiggins from Leigh Beck Junior School.

As well as saying thank you, it also provided an opportunity for Dame Rebecca and guests to have refresher sessions on how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator.

As well providing training sessions for the local community, the Canvey Island Community First Responders respond to 999 calls for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).

They also manage, audit and maintain 28 community AEDs and two public access bleed kits in Canvey Island.

Dame Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, said: "Our community is very lucky to have such a dedicated team of community first responders. The hours they volunteer to make the people of Canvey Island safer is truly inspirational.

"The programme of basic life support training with Castle View School is excellent and will keep increasing the number of people trained in these life-saving skills year on year."

Diane Gonzalez, team leader of the Canvey Island Community First Responders said: "It's a real honour to lead such a dedicated team of community first responders whose passion is supporting their local community. Reaching the milestone with our training programme with Castle View School is real boost to the team. Knowing that we are making a difference by increasing the number who know these life-saving skills is really rewarding and make all the hard work worthwhile."

Steve Durkin, Headteacher of Castle View School, said: "We're very proud of the work that the CFRs are doing here at Castle View School. The team work brilliantly with our students who find their work inspiring and exceptionally interesting.

"Castle View puts personal development first, and to work with the community on an area this important really does fill the team with pride. Thank you to everyone involved."

Photo caption: Dame Rebecca Harris MP (centre) with the Canvey Island CFRs and guests at the Fountain Bar in King's Park Village.