Canvey first responders train more than 1,000 students in lifesaving first aid

Together with Canvey Island Community First Responders (CFR), Lee Umpleby and Jack Broomfield have successfully taught 1,200 students at Castle View School how to use a defibrillator and manage choking and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

The pair are the first from outside the school community to receive the highly regarded Platinum Headteacher’s Recognition Award.

Jack said: “The students are the perfect demographic for training as they are regularly out with friends around Canvey Island so will possibly witness a medical emergency first hand.

“The sessions went so well, and we managed to get years eight, nine, ten and 11 trained over the space of the year, with year seven being trained in February. That will be over 1,500 students.

“The award we received from Castle View School was just outstanding. It was so lovely to be acknowledged for the work the CFRs and ourselves put into the sessions. We also received some really amazing comments from the students.”

As well as volunteering, Lee and Jack work for East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) full time.

Lee, a senior paramedic, has worked with EEAST for 19 years and has been the Canvey Island CFR clinical link manager for ten years.

Jack began his EEAST journey six years ago as a volunteer community first responder, before joining full time as an emergency care support worker five years ago.

Headteacher Steve Durkin said: “We’re very proud of the work that the CFRs are doing here at Castle View School. The team have been working brilliantly with our students, who find their work inspiring and exceptionally interesting.

“Castle View puts personal development first, and to work with the community on an area this important really does fill the team with pride. Thank you to everyone involved.”

In 2023, Canvey Island CFRs held 30 school sessions, five scout sessions and ten sessions for the general public. Each session is two hours long and involves learning the recovery position, use of CPR, using an automated external defibrillator (AED), and how to manage choking and anaphylaxis.