Banff and Macduff Community First Responders

23/12/2025

Responders Unwrapped:
Day 6- Community Resilience Team Volunteers

We support two types of volunteer responders:

First up, our Community First Responders (CFRs). Dispatched by ambulance control, CFRs often arrive before an ambulance to provide life-saving care in the first critical minutes. From cardiac arrests and strokes to breathing difficulties and severe allergic reactions, they act fast with the right skills and equipment. They also update ambulance control on patient condition, helping prioritise urgent responses. Quick thinking, skilled care, and local knowledge- CFRs make a real difference every day.

Next we have our Community Cardiac Responders (CCRs).
CCRs respond to cardiac arrest calls within a 10km radius, delivering rapid CPR and defibrillation when available. What began as a small group of ‘Wildcat’ responders is now growing into a Scotland-wide network, recently expanding into Dumfries & Galloway. Every local response increases someone’s chance of survival.

Our volunteers go above and beyond to keep communities safe.

22/12/2025

Responders Unwrapped:
Day 5- Kit Bags at the Ready

For our Community Responders, preparation goes beyond the call.

Every shift starts with a fully checked kit bag- AED, oxygen, PPE, and essential supplies.
Many kits are possible thanks to the extra efforts of responders who fundraise and rally local support within communities. Every raffle ticket sold, every donation collected, and every conversation about the importance of Community Responders, helps turn community support into potentially saving a life.

It’s not expected, but it shows the dedication and care that define our Community Responders. Thank you to those who go the extra mile to make sure everything is ready when someone needs help most.

21/12/2025

Responders Unwrapped:
Day 4 – Public Access Defibrillators

Alongside responding to emergencies, some of our Community Responders choose to support their communities by fundraising for, installing, and maintaining Public Access Defibrillators (PADs).

From checking that they are emergency ready, reporting faults, and updating The Circuit (National Defibrillator Network), their extra effort ensures these devices are ready when seconds count. It’s not expected as part of their Community Responder role, but it can make a real difference.

Find out more about The Circuit: https://www.thecircuit.uk/

(Photo by Sarah Allan)

21/12/2025

20/12/2025

Responders Unwrapped:
Day 3- Local Awareness Sessions

Community Responders aren’t just answering calls – they’re supporting Scotland to save lives.

Every CPR session, defib demo, and awareness event builds confidence and skills so that if the worst happens, someone nearby knows what to do – because of them.

From schools to sports clubs, and community groups, they give people the tools to act in those critical first minutes before help arrives.

✅ Immediate bystander CPR can double or triple the chance of survival
✅ Every person who learns these skills is another potential lifesaver

Thank you to everyone who gives up their time to share their lifesaving skills and knowledge.

19/12/2025

Responders Unwrapped:
Day 2- Ready to Respond

Community Responders check their kit, put on their hi-vis, and stand ready to give their communities reassurance and safety, attending a variety of medical emergencies.
When the radio goes off, they bring calm to chaos and life-saving care- in urban streets, rural glens, remote islands across Scotland.

Our Community Responders go the extra mile to make sure help gets there when it matters most.

18/12/2025

Responders Unwrapped:
Day 1- Supporting Local Communities

From checking in on neighbours to answering 999 calls, they bring comfort, reassurance, and life-saving care- especially during the festive season.

Here’s what they do:

✅ Respond to emergencies, often arriving before an ambulance
✅ Maintain Public Access Defibrillators (PADs)
✅ Deliver CPR and defib awareness sessions
✅ Support local health and resilience projects

Every action strengthens the bond between SAS and the communities we serve. This Christmas, we celebrate their dedication and compassion that truly make a difference.

13/12/2025

We would like to thank Mosso's Crafty Things, The Market Arms, Happy Haddock, The Garret Home Furnishings, Malwa Hair & Beauty Therapy, Annies Cakery, John Stewart Butchers, Karen at Haven Beauty & Nails, Donna Maurice, Isobel Robson and Caroline Goodridge for all their kinds donations towards our hampers. Also thank you to everyone that bought tickets to help towards our fundraising ☺️.
We have raised a fantastic £335! 💙

12/12/2025

Our winners are
1st large hamper Nicola Leask
2nd medium hamper Shona Riddell
3rd mozzos hamper Karen Ritchie
4th small hamper Claire Macdonald
5th gift bag Catriona Masson
6th butcher voucher Dawn Christie
Well done 😁

12/12/2025

Live charity r4ffle ☺️

09/12/2025

Last chance to buy any last minute tickets 🎅🏻 will be drawn tonight live on our page ☺️

01/12/2025

Our next training night is on Tuesday 2nd December, 7-9pm, at Macduff Community & Sports Centre.
We welcome anyone who is interested in becoming a responder to come along and find out more information and meet some of our volunteers. If you have any queries then drop us a message via our page.

Our Christmas raffle is still on sale. We are raising funds to aid in maintaining the 22 public access defibrillators across our local communities and our community first responders kit bags. Find out more about how to purchase tickets via our page.