Bucknell man becomes community first responder after saving his sister's life (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Bucknell man becomes community first responder after saving his sister's life

11:24am Wednesday 25th April 2012 in Ludlow

A BUCKNELL man has become a community first responder (CFR) a year after he helped save the life of his sister who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Ian Owen, who had been initially trained in using a defibrillator, put his skills to the test when his sister Mandy Owen had a heart attack Following Mandy’s recovery Ian decided to increase his medical knowledge and train as a CPR.

“After the experience of what happened with my sister I thought it was a good idea to go on to become a CFR,” said Ian, aged 51.

Ian’s initial training was part of the Clun Valley AED scheme, which has been introducing defibrillators to remote villages and training volunteers in how to use them.

But following his experience last year, Ian decided to progress further and began training to become a CFR.

He can now attend, assess and treat a wider range of medical issues while an ambulance is on route.

“The training was very good,” said Ian. “I learned a lot more than I expected.

We got to know more about how the body works. It’s a bit like a mechanic learning what all the bits of a car do.”

Ian is now one of two new CFRs in Bucknell.

The other is Nicky Edwards, 40, a parts administrator for a company making launch and recovery equipment for the RNLI. She was persuaded by Ian to join him in being trained as a CFR.

Both Ian and Nicky can now make themselves available to respond to medical emergencies while an ambulance is on its way.

But Ian said: “We do need more volunteers to train as CFRs.”

For more information, call Cliff Medlicott on 07884 050 877.