It is a genuine pleasure to propose and speak to the motion in my name. I am delighted to be able to do so, because the work to which it pays tribute is vital and the support of other organisations for that work has been generous, spontaneous and heartfelt, and especially because the volunteers who have made possible all that has been achieved represent the very best of Scotland.
I know that there will be members who will equally be familiar with community first responder groups in their areas—indeed, some 100 schemes operate throughout Scotland, with some 1,200 volunteer responders—but for those who are not, let me explain that community first responders are asked to attend serious and life-threatening emergencies, such as when a person has breathing difficulties or chest pains, experiences cardiac arrest or becomes unconscious. It should be noted that they are not sent to road traffic collisions, traumatic injuries or anything outwith their training. They are trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service in basic first aid and life-saving skills so that they can deliver a speedy, reassuring response to patients while an ambulance is on the way. They are deployed to appropriate calls by the Scottish Ambulance Service control centre. An emergency ambulance is always dispatched first, and the role of the responder is to support the patient while the ambulance is on its way, providing an important service that benefits the community and that the community recognises and appreciates is of benefit.
I am afraid that my motion is already somewhat out of date. It recognises the 100th call-out of Neilston & Uplawmoor First Responders, as was the case when I lodged the motion on 1 September. However, by Tuesday this week, that figure had increased dramatically to 147 call-outs. Perhaps, with the assistance of any willing member suitably overcome by excitement at remarks during the next few minutes, we might even push it over the 150 mark during the course of the debate.
That is all quite remarkable. However, the success of voluntary projects and initiatives is never guaranteed. It depends on leadership and the commitment and support of a great many people. In the case of Neilston and Uplawmoor, that leadership has been ably provided by Stuart McLellan and Ross Nelson, both of whom are in the Parliament again today. I say again, as I had the pleasure earlier this year of welcoming and thanking personally a more extended team from the group here at Holyrood.
Stuart McLellan gave the spark of life to the responder group in April last year when, like others across Scotland, he approached the Scottish Ambulance Service. The service then convened a meeting to test public interest and support, to which 15 people turned up, willing to participate. Stuart recruited constantly throughout the year and, by November, a team was being trained. In January, with the appropriate approval secured, the group went live.
I have mentioned the support of others in the community, which includes the local hotel in Uplawmoor, which cheerfully allowed meetings to take place free of charge on its premises; St John Scotland, which has supported the project in a number of ways, to which I will return; and Arnold Clark, which has given such a boost to the responders with the donation of a vehicle at the start, since renewed, and an even more appropriate vehicle last month. I am grateful to the managing director of Arnold Clark, Eddie Hawthorne, for his support and engagement.
I pay tribute to Sir Arnold Clark himself, and I am happy that that will find its place in the Official Report. I have known Sir Arnold for many years. Such is his reach, depth and length of service to the retail motor industry in Scotland and the UK over several generations that I can add that I know him, as my father and my grandfather did before. He has built one of Scotland’s most successful businesses and has been content not to posture on the wider stage. However, I know that many community groups throughout Scotland are indebted to him for the generous support that he has offered personally and for the assistance that has been offered by his organisation, a branch of which cannot now be far removed from any Scottish community.
I mentioned a moment ago the support of St John Scotland. Less well known generally in Scotland than it deserves, St John Scotland was formed in 1947 and has, as one of its main objects, the encouragement and promotion of all work of humanity and charity for the relief of people in sickness, distress, suffering or danger. It is a perfect fit with the first responders. What I have most enjoyed about St John Scotland’s involvement is the enthusiasm that the project has generated among its members—an infectious enthusiasm achieved by Stuart McLellan and Ross Nelson on the now several visits made to secure further funding, which has, to date, paid for a defibrillator, extensive training equipment and, most recently, the refurbishment of the former police station in Neilston as a permanent base after the group grew out of the generous provision of space offered by the Neilston Development Trust—yet another successful locally based project.
I should note that that facility will be lost as a consequence of a change of ownership but I am in no doubt that Stuart McLellan and his team will identify and set about securing and equipping an alternative base—that is, if the acquisition cost of £55,000 can be raised. Knowing Stuart, I will not rule it out.
It is easy to talk in abstract terms about the mechanics of a voluntary group. What can sometimes get lost is the character, dynamic and public worth. When I have met up with the responders, as I have done on several occasions, they have been full of buzz, fizz and enthusiasm, which is there for everyone to see—all the more so now, as the group has gone from being a theoretical organisation to attending call-outs throughout the community and helping to save lives. We can see the response of the community itself, as it begins to understand just what an advantage the group represents.
The initiative does not in any way seek to ameliorate ambulance arrival delays—far from it. It is a recognition that, for most people, basic life-saving skills are simply not understood or practised. None of the individuals and families who have experienced it will forget the support of someone who can act immediately and ensure that the attendance of the Scottish Ambulance Service is all the more effective, efficient and successful.
In Neilston and Uplawmoor, the appreciation of the public is palpable. Throughout Scotland, that will also be true. I also hope that, elsewhere, communities will be fortunate enough to identify and enlist committed individuals and leadership and establish a first responder group with similar success.
I am sure that the Government and members of all parties will join me in congratulating the Neilston & Uplawmoor First Responders, which is one of several first responder groups in the West Scotland region that I represent, and the groups that are established elsewhere in Scotland. All equally deserve our congratulations and support.
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