SCAS joined 32 organisations at a Community Activity Day organised by Buckinghamshire Council, helping local residents learn lifesaving skills and find out more about their ambulance service.
The free event formed part of Opportunity Bucks, Buckinghamshire Council’s flagship programme, which aims to improve opportunities and outcomes for residents in targeted wards across High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Chesham. The programme focuses on addressing inequalities and supporting communities where additional investment and engagement can make the greatest difference.
The event attracted a steady flow of visitors throughout the day, with people arriving before the official 11.00 am start time. SCAS staff and volunteers welcomed members of the public of all ages, offering practical CPR demonstrations and opportunities to ask questions about emergency care and the work of the ambulance service.
The SCAS team included Community First Responders Richard Shackleton and Ruth Levitt, Student Paramedic Ibraheem Pir, and Team Leader and Paramedic Steve Nelson.
Ruth Levitt, Community First Responder, said:
“It was a fantastic event, with a steady stream of visitors and plenty of opportunities to engage with members of the public. It was encouraging to see so much interest in our work and in learning lifesaving skills. A huge thank you to everyone involved for making the day such a success.”
Ibraheem, Paramedic, who led on organising SCAS’s attendance, said:
“It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the local community, with people of all ages, from young children to older adults, keen to learn CPR. We had some really valuable conversations, answering questions, dispelling common misconceptions and helping people understand more about what we do.
“Events like this are a great opportunity to raise awareness of lifesaving skills and give people the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.”
The event provided an opportunity for SCAS to strengthen relationships with local communities, promote CPR awareness and encourage more people to develop the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency.
Organisers reported positive feedback from participating organisations and were delighted with the success of the day.
Buckinghamshire Council is planning a further Community Activity Day in Aylesbury in February, with the date to be confirmed.
A huge thank you to Ibraheem for coordinating SCAS’s involvement, to the team for supporting the event, and to Buckinghamshire Council for organising such a successful day.