A dedicated local volunteer has reached an extraordinary milestone after clocking up 10,000 hours of service helping patients in medical emergencies across Erewash and surrounding areas.
Keith Sykes, 77, from Ilkeston, is a Community First Responder (CFR) with Amber Community First Responders, and has been volunteering for the past nine years. His contribution is equivalent to five full-time working years spent supporting patients in their most critical moments.
Keith joined the scheme after retiring as a Mental Health Nurse, looking for a way to continue giving back to his community.
“After retiring, I got bored and was looking for volunteering opportunities when I saw local news about CFRs,” he said. “I attended a meeting to find out more, and it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.”
Community First Responders are trained volunteers who attend 999 calls in their local area, often arriving before an ambulance to provide life-saving care. Keith responds not only across Erewash, but also throughout Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire when needed.
“I tend to go where I’m asked as I assume I’m the nearest resource,” he explained. “Hopefully this reduces the time crews spend on scene and helps patients get treated faster.”
Keith says the role has given him a strong sense of purpose and connection to the community.
“Volunteering helps me feel useful and gives me a role within the community. The response from patients and ambulance crews keeps me going, as well as knowing that I can make a difference and help individuals and families.”
Reflecting on his time as a CFR, Keith recalls moments that highlighted just how vital community responders are.
“The first cardiac arrest I attended as the person first on scene made me realise how important this role is. It wasn’t many minutes before an ambulance arrived, but that gave the individual a better chance of surviving.”
He also speaks about the lasting impact these interventions can have.
“I often get people stop and talk to me because they remember my help. Recently, a lady stopped me and said, ‘Thank you, you came to my mum five years ago.’ That shows the positive impact CFRs have.”
Keith credits his background in mental health nursing and the Armed Forces for helping him cope with challenging situations, but stresses that the role is open to people from all walks of life.
“My advice would be to be prepared for the unexpected. Every shift is different and everyone is an individual. There is a lot of knowledge and support available through East Midlands Ambulance Service, and I would encourage anyone to give it a go.”
Keith’s volunteering is supported by his wife Sue, who is also a Community First Responder with the Amber scheme. When not responding to emergencies, Keith is active in the community – fundraising, raising awareness of the CFR role, and teaching adults and children how to perform CPR and save lives.
Will Blurton, Amber Community First Responders coordinator, praised Keith’s dedication.
“In dedicating 10,000 voluntary hours to the ambulance service, Keith has shown unwavering courage and compassion, embodying the very spirit of service. His tireless commitment has saved lives and stands as an enduring inspiration to us all.”
James Hornby, Service Delivery Manager for Community Response, added:
“Keith’s huge contribution to volunteering in the CFR role has undoubtedly had a massive impact in his community and beyond, with over 4,000 patients attended in that time. From his initial training course over nine years ago, he has always gone far above and beyond what is asked.”
He added:
“On behalf of EMAS and your patients – thank you.”