About East Durham Community Responders
 
East Durham Community Responder started in August 2001; we covered village and towns in County Durham in partnership with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS). We have worked very hard to make our group a very professional and dynamic organization.
 
In the early days we were all trained to the Basic level. This was a 10 hour course designed to teach us how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and assess and treat an unconscious patient.
 
In 2003 our group started to undertake the IHCD First Person on Scene (FPOS) intermediate award. This was a 5 day course which taught us many more skills. This course gave us the skills and knowledge to use and administer oxygen thought methods of bag and mask (BVM) and through various percentage masks. We were tough the skills of using suction units and other medical equipment.
 
Over the years we have set up a database (thanks to my friend Andy) which has helped us keep all our groups information and equipment up to date. We have spent a lot of time and effort in writing our own policies and procedures. These are available to see on out Documents page which is accessible through the link on the left hand side. If you require a copy of  any of these document please feel free to contact me.
 
In December 2006 East Durham Community Responders became a registered Charity.
North East Ambulance Service has continued to help over the last few years by delivering training sessions. This helps us to maintain a very high standard of knowledge and skills needed for us to respond. We have designed our own training manual, which works alongside that of the NEAS. This allows us to keep all our members skills up to date and fresh in their minds.
We go through an assessment every 60 days to make sure we are up to date with correct procedures.  If further training is needed this is arranged.
 
East Durham Community Responders have also helped other responding groups with their training and assessments.
 
In May 2009 the North East Ambulance Service has agreed to replace all the disposable equipment that we need or use. There help is greatly appreciated.