Lanark Community First Responders Group Marks its 15th Anniversary

The group, which currently has 10 members, covers Lanark, Biggar, Lesmahagow, and surrounding communities, and is based at Carluke Fire Station.

They undertake monthly training provided by the Scottish Ambulance Service often alongside other local CFR groups, including Forth, Clydesdale, Stonehouse, and Strathaven. They also take part in community events, fundraising, and assisting with public access defibrillators with the other groups.

Ross McMillan, Lanark Community First Responder Group Co-ordinator, said: “We are immensely proud to mark our 15th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the support from our community.

“We train as CFRs to help others who live in our area, whether it is being first on scene at a cardiac arrest or providing a listening ear and holding someone’s hand while the ambulance crew is on route.

“We look forward to many more years of serving our community and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need, I personally want to thank previous responders and coordinators who started and helped grow the group.”

Michael Dickson, Chief Executive, said: “I want to thank and commend our Lanark Community First Responders Group for their hard work and dedication to their local community for the past 15 years.

“Our Community First Responders play a vital role in their communities, starting treatment while an ambulance is on route as every second counts, particularly when a person suffers a cardiac arrest. We are thankful to every single one of them.”

To find out more about becoming a CFR, please visit: https://www.scottishambulance.com/your-community/community-first-responders/