Always call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk.
A 999 call should only be made in a genuine emergency. To ensure seriously ill and injured patients are treated as quickly as possible, people whose call is not serious should consider other healthcare options rather than calling 999. These could include:
- self-care at home
- talking to your local pharmacist
- visiting or calling your GP
- calling NHS 111
- going to a local NHS walk-in centre
- attending a minor injuries unit (there is one in Sevenoaks)
- making your own way to your local A&E department (arriving in an ambulance does not mean you will be seen any quicker). Click here to see current waiting times at our local A&E departments.
Community First Responder
Plaxtol now has its own Community First Responder, James Crawley, based in Plaxtol and covering the surrounding areas.
CFR’s are volunteers trained by South East Coast Ambulance Service, who respond to 999 emergency calls in their local area. They are equipped with essential life saving skills and equipment including some drugs, oxygen and an Automatic Defibrillator (A.E.D).
The primary role of a Community First Responder (CFR) is to provide life-saving emergency treatment to prevent deterioration, promote recovery, preserve life. Each day, approximately 170 people in the UK suffer a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Early defibrillation within the first few minutes can save up to 75% of all SCA’s.
Whilst South East Coast Ambulance Service performs very well, we have to recognise that there are some communities that are extremely difficult to reach. Even if we significantly increased our ambulance resources, we would still not be able to deliver the speed of response necessary to get to some patients with life threatening conditions. This is where the role of the community first responder is vital. Members of the public access the service in the usual manner by dialling 999 ( or 111 in less urgent cases) and asking for an ambulance.
James is part of a team of 11 volunteer responders based in the Sevenoaks District. The responders have a red rather than green uniform, and they all carry SECAMB identification badges, and they use their own vehicles rather than liveried ambulances.
Further information can be found on their website – http://www.sevenoakscfrs.org
Whilst SECAMB provide the training, the emergency lifesaving equipment is purchased from charitable donations the group receives. It costs about £1500 to fully equip a new responder, and several hundred pounds a year to keep them on the road. They do regular collections in the main shopping areas and stations. Additionally in Plaxtol there is a yellow collection tin in the Papermakers Arms. In addition the CFR’s raise money by giving demonstrations and talks to local groups. We are very happy to do this for free, but any donation however small is greatly appreciated and every single penny donated is spent on lifesaving equipment.
If your local group would like one of us to do a talk on basic lifesaving techniques, or basic first aid (James is a qualified trainer with the British Red Cross) then please contact him at sev05@sevenoakscfrs.org
If you are a local business and you would be interested in sponsoring us or hosting a collection tin, please let James know.
Automatic External Defibrillator outside Memorial Hall
Plaxtol Parish Council have funded the placement of an Automatic External Defibrillator for use by the general public in the event of a Cardiac Arrest. It is located on the external wall of the Village Hall. If needed residents should remove it from the clear plastic case, switch it on and follow the voice instructions. You do not need any training to be able to use the device, although regular courses are run by Sevenoaks Community First Responders. If you would like to arrange a training session for a community group or even a group of friends, then please contact the CFRs via the “contact” page on their website. The courses are free, but donations to the scheme which is entirely funded by charitable means are of course welcome
Healthwatch Kent
A FREE information service is now available for all Kent residents to help them find which health and social care services are available for them.
The service is part of Healthwatch Kent, a new independent consumer champion for people who use Kent’s many health and social care services. Healthwatch’s Information and Signposting dedicated service is available to everyone and will help people to find the services that they require within the complex NHS system in Kent. You can call them anytime on Freephone 0808 801 0102, alternatively email your enquiry to info@healthwatchkent.co.uk.
Age Concern Malling
Footcare- Our trained and dedicated foot care specialists offer various treatments from nail clipping to foot massage at our clinic for £13.00 or in the home for just £17.00 and £30.00 for couples. Click here for more information.
Dementia Day Care- living with dementia or know someone who is?
Feeling alone and need support?
Let us help!
Our days are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 – 14:30.
Click here for further information.
