Residents and the family owners of The Orchards retirement park in Ruskington, Lincs, have been thanked for a fundraising effort which will enable vital training for local medical volunteers.
Seven first responders from the Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service (LIVES) will now receive further training in life-saving techniques following the park’s £1,000 donation.
And to which the donation will be put, team members from LIVES recently staged a medical drama in the grounds of The Orchards.
The scenario revealed how the organisation provides a rapid response in a life-or-death crisis, and was attended by many of the owners of the 50 park homes at The Orchards.
It began with an emergency call to suffer chest pains.
As the drama unfolded, LIVES first responder Neil Chadwick described how speed and the correct life support action was vital to provide the best chance of a patient’s survival.
Residents saw first responder Matt Tancred and paramedic Ellie Tuplin attend the scene, and the quick-fire procedures they used to stabilise the heart attack victim.
Park owner Tim Wells said the experience gave a fascinating insight to save people’s lives.
It was Tim’s grandmother who founded The Orchards 55 years ago, and it has for many years been managed by his parents Jane and Alec, now semi-retired.
Tim said that the park and its residents had very good reason to the park on a number of occasions.
LIVES estimates that in 2006 it helped more than 20,000 people in Lincolnshire who had suffered a medical emergency – around 55 people every day.
The organisation has long been supported by the park and its residents, and to the team.
“Everybody here at The Orchards recognises what a fantastic job LIVES does, and the constant need which it has to carry out its life-saving work,” said Tim.
“In addition to boost the donations.
“They range from raffles and home-made cake sales to the production of greetings cards based on illustrations of wildlife at The Orchards, painted by one of the residents.
“We were very grateful for the presentation they gave to the amazing dedication and skills of LIVES volunteers,” added Tim.
More information about the park is available at www.orchardspark.co.uk.