Latest news with #NEAS
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Meet the North East dad and daughter duo saving lives on the job
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has praised a father and daughter who are volunteering side by side to help save lives in their community. Andrew and Jade Park, who live in Seahouses, are trained community first responders (CFRs) with the NEAS, and deliver lifesaving care in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive. Their work is being celebrated as part of National Volunteers' Week, which runs from June 2 to 8. Mr Park was inspired to volunteer after seeing a post on Facebook shared by the widow of a respected CFR who had helped his family. He said: "Having experienced the care of community first responders first hand, I was aware of the vital role they can play with early intervention, especially in a more rural community. "Having witnessed a serious car accident a few months earlier, I wanted to be more helpful than I had felt in that situation. "Also, if I could help to get the Seahouses kit operational again, it would be great for the community." Since becoming a CFR, Mr Park has decided to change careers and will begin training as an apprentice ambulance support practitioner next month, with hopes of one day joining his daughter on shift. He said: "I've had the opportunity to attend multiple calls with my daughter who is the other community first responder in Seahouses. "It fills me with pride to watch her interact with the patients and crews that we meet." Miss Park became a CFR after finishing sixth form, hoping to gain experience before applying to university. She said: "Having just finished sixth form and going on to apply to university after a gap year, becoming a CFR fit in perfectly with my desire for more experience towards my course. "On top of this, past experiences where a first responder had come into my home to help a family member has greatly influenced my choice. "Seeing the importance of a CFR up close made me realise how I could positively impact someone's health and wellbeing. "Being a volunteer within NEAS is something that I carry with great pride. "Being able to give back to the community that you were brought up in is the most amazing feeling." CFRs are trained volunteers who respond to 999 calls in their area, delivering immediate care such as CPR and defibrillation while ambulance crews are en route. They are particularly vital in rural areas, where response times may be longer due to distance. Paul Brolly, community resuscitation officer at NEAS, said: "Historically served by local volunteer responders, coastal areas have recently experienced a gap in CFR coverage. "We recognised the need for volunteers in these areas, particularly given the county's rural nature and tourism levels, which are high especially in the summer. Read more: County Durham shops warned of £200 fines if found selling disposable vapes after ban Fresh off the block, market place chippy latest in Echo's top ten Demolition plans lodged for County Durham primary school's swimming pool "Our service has worked proactively to reintroduce CFR volunteers, and the return of responders to Bamburgh and Seahouses in the shape of Andrew and Jade marks an important step in strengthening emergency response capabilities across Northumberland." In 2024/25, NEAS CFRs responded to more than 1,850 patients across the service's 3,200-square-mile patch. To find out more about becoming a community first responder, visit the NEAS website.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Charity offers free autism acceptance toolkits for schools and businesses
FREE 'toolkits' are on offer from a North East charity to help teachers and employers create more inclusive environments for autistic and neurodivergent children and adults. The North East Autism Society (NEAS) has launched a set of free toolkits designed to promote acceptance of autism by providing practical support for schools and businesses. John Phillipson, chief executive of NEAS, said: 'These toolkits are packed with valuable information about autism and neurodiversity, along with practical guidance on supporting autistic children and adults. 'Our goal is to ensure that autistic people have the best possible experience in both education and employment.' Available to download from the charity's website, the toolkits are carefully tailored for different settings. (Image: David Wood) As well as general information, the schools' toolkit includes classroom activities, quizzes, lesson plans, and guidance on optimal seating arrangements to support autistic pupils. The employers' toolkit provides insights into equality legislation, guidance to make reasonable adjustments, and tips on making workplaces more neurodiversity-friendly. Both resources have been released ahead of Autism Acceptance Week, an annual campaign to promote understanding and inclusion. This year, Autism Acceptance Week runs from Monday, March 31, to Sunday, April 6. (Image: David Wood) 'Autism Acceptance Week is a fantastic opportunity to move beyond awareness and promote real acceptance and inclusion,' Mr Phillipson added. 'The vast majority of us will spend practically all our lives at school or in a workplace. It's crucial that these environments are optimised to accommodate autistic people, and that we all have access to the best possible information. 'This is what we're trying to achieve with this initiative. We encourage as many schools and businesses as possible to get involved and join us on this vital mission.'
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Five injured in A167 early morning County Durham crash as one rushed to hospital
Five people have been injured after an early morning crash on the A167 in County Durham, as one person was taken to James Cook Hospital. Emergency services were called to the A-road at around 3.10am, following reports of a collision on the St Cuthbert's Way junction with the A167 in Newton Aycliffe. Police, ambulance crews, and a team from the Great North Air Ambulance, who attended by road, were all sent to the scene. Follow our live blog here. Five people were injured in the crash, with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) confirming that one person was taken to James Cook Hospital. The four other people injured during the incident were discharged at the scene, according to NEAS. The A167 in Newton Aycliffe remains closed at this time, with police still at the scene. Recommended reading: 5-year-old school girl diagnosed with rare bone cancer just weeks before Christmas Campaign to turn County Durham farm into autism training centre attracts £300k grant County Durham home with sunken gardens and original features on sale for £400,000 A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We received a call at 3.07am on Monday 24 February to reports of a road traffic incident. "We dispatched two ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by road. "Four patients were treated and discharged on-scene, and another was taken to James Cook hospital for further treatment.'
