Our Team :: Penicuik Community First Responders

Mark

Chairman / Responder

Hi, I became a Community First Responder in 2016 after being first on scene to a serious RTC and wanted to improve my emergency medical knowledge.

As well as responding to critical 999 calls, I have also had the pleasure of holding the position of chairperson of Penicuik CFR's since Jan 2018.

Volunteering as a CFR gave me a fantastic opportunity to enhance my practical knowledge, skillset, and the confidence to help and support someone at their most vulnerable time.

I'm surrounded by a superb and dedicated group of responders and committee members, who all give up a huge amount of their time to assist and support the local community.

Yvonne

Coordinator / Responder

Hi, I'm Yvonne the group's Co-ordinator. I became a volunteer with PCFRs in November 2011 as my way of saying thank you to the group for the care and compassion shown to my friend. I work as a Rehabilitation Fitness Instructor, working with older adults who have wide ranging medical conditions. In my spare time I like to exercise and watch my boys play rugby

Sandy

Responder & Committee Member

I have been a Community First Responder (CFR) for 10 yrs.

I decided to undertake training as a CFR after witnessing the care provided by both CFR's and Ambulance crews as they managed to calm patients down in stressful situations.

John

Responder

Kerstin

Responder

"I've been a First Responder with the Penicuik team since 2022, having moved to Penicuik the previous year after living in Spain for over 30 years. I enjoyed helping out in my local community whilst in Spain and wanted to do something similar here. As I decided to retrain as a paramedic, being a First Responder seemed the perfect choice and I love being part of a supportive and friendly team whilst also being able to help people in the community".

Ryan

Responder

I qualified as a Community First Responder (CFR) in June 2024, building on my medical qualifications and experience within the military. My goal as a CFR is to provide essential, life-saving support to our community members when they need it most. Alongside being a CFR, I am passionate about teaching first aid and volunteer with St John Scotland as a CPR Champion, offering training to the public in CPR techniques and defibrillator use.

Fiona

Treasurer

Hi,

I'm Fiona Hall. Being a qualified Life Guard, and Trainer for the Royal Life Saving Society, I was interested on hearing of the creation of the Penicuik Community First Responders, and was involved in the setting up in 2004 - 2005, as Secretary. After the initial training by the Scottish Ambulance Service staff, and passing their subsequent exams, I volunteered to be an active responder from 2005 – 2012. I have continued to be a member of the management committee throughout, and after being secretary, became the Treasurer. Since retiring from my job in 2016, I continue to help promote the group and have more time post Covid to offer training courses to various groups (for example cubs, scouts, brownies. guides, restaurants, pubs, sports clubs, or businesses etc) interested in learning emergency Basic Life Support. It's better to do something, if someone becomes seriously unwell, than do nothing at all.

Sheena

Secretary

Bill

Committee

My name is Bill Lawson and I have been involved with the Penicuik Community First Responders (PCFR) since their inception. I am currently a Committee Member which works to provide support for the First Responders and the service they provide. The Committee also works to develop and promote the role of the PCFR charity in supporting the local community in areas such as CPR education and the provision of Public Access Defibrillators.

The role of First Responder and / or being a Committee Member gives a real sense of involvement with your community and fellow townsfolk in the giving of care and support and that is why I choose to undertake the role.

Pam

Committee

Hi, I became a community first responder around 2009/10 after moving to Penicuik. I enjoyed giving back to the community I was living in and helping in any way I could. I got diagnosed with Breast Cancer in December 2012 which unfortunately put a stop to me being a community first responder. I then decided to joined the committee once I had finished all my treatment. I am glad to still be able help the in the community where I live.