Minutes of meeting 05/03/07

Pennard Community First Responders

Minutes of the meeting held on 5 March 2007 at Pennard school

Present: Betty, Howard, Dem, Eleanor, Laurie, Helen, Bill, Frances, Allan, Pauline, Jeremy, David, Jane, Emma and Jan

Apologies: Margaret and Wendy (Garry on holiday).


1	Minutes of previous meeting
	These were accepted as a true record.

2	Matters arising
	None

3	Financial Report
	Allan distributed up-to-date details of our account which show an apparently healthy balance. However, when it was realised that we will require approximately £1,000 within the next eighteen months or so to replace the aging LifePak 500 AED things don't seem so rosy. Although our kit was initially funded by the BHF it's up to us to replace it when the time comes. This prompted a discussion about fundraising: Emma suggested contacting the GP surgery and ask that mention be made in the practice leaflet - ACTION: EMMA. We could approach the golf club and request that we be the nominated charity for the charity golf day next year - ACTION: BETTY TO TALK TO JOHN DIXON. We have a collection box and sell bric-a-brac items on our stall in Pennard Carnival on 14 July, though this will mean we will have to pay for the stall - ACTION: HELEN. There followed a discussion about whether we should register as a charity. The consensus was that it would be beneficial, so long as the work involved was not too arduous or costly - ACTION: ALLAN & FRAN.

4	Calls since the last meeting
	Betty ran through the calls and those involved gave details about them.

5	Review of training session (5 February)
	The possibility of future single manning had been raised by Steve Roberts. This worries quite a few members of the group for a variety of reasons and, although we can see why it would appeal to Alan Murray, we feel that it would not be acceptable in our case. Emma also felt that some of Steve's comments about administering drugs, even aspirin, were inappropriate and that we should concentrate on oxygen therapy and CPR/defibrillation (should that be required). Emma suggested that we consider purchasing a pulse oximeter, which would be more beneficial to us than the BP monitor we currently have (cost: £150-£200). An oximeter would show the oxygen saturation level in the blood and therefore indicate whether apparent breathing difficulties were indeed causing anoxia (lack of oxygen in the blood).

6	Upcoming events
	Betty collected names for the visit to ambulance control in Carmarthen this coming Sunday (11th). It was agreed to meet in the school car park at 1:30pm and sort out cars etc then. Uniforms and ID badges to be worn. Also bring cameras! Betty will liaise with members about the visit to the air ambulance facility on Saturday 24 March by email. She asked that uniforms also be worn for that visit. Bishopston May Fayre: It was agreed that we have a stall (Emma to provide gazebo) to raise profile and funds - ACTION: BETTY TO CONTACT ORGANISERS. Gower Bike Ride: It was agreed that we contact the BHF to see if they require our services on 1st July - ACTION: HELEN TO CONTACT THE BHF. Pennard Carnival: It was agreed that we have a stall as usual, but this year also try to raise funds (see above in Financial Report)..

7	New members & training
	Betty has 3 volunteers ready for training. Vince Baglole (Welsh Ambulance Trust) has indicated that this number can't justify a training session. Jeremy also has between 2 and 4 volunteers awaiting training in the university so if we combine both groups then maybe the trust will put on a course - ACTION: BETTY TO CONTACT VINCE/STEVE.

8	AOB
	It was agreed that the new bag was a great improvement over the big green bag. It was also agreed that when attended a casualty only the new bag and the AED need be taken from the car - as long as the bag contains a 28% mask, a 100% mask, a paediatric mask, the bag and mask, a selection of airways, a scissors and a face cloth (ACTION: BILL TO SUPPLY). [Will the aspirator also fit in, as that should also be on site?]. A razor should also be in the AED case. It was further agreed that we don't need another bag. Helen offered to write a short article for the "In and around Pennard" publication - ACTION HELEN.

	JGC 06/03/07