The Village Emergency Telephone System (VETS)

Many people have made the observation that in a village such as ours, emergencies of every kind frequently occur when one is alone.  In that instance who will call the ambulance?  Who will fetch the defibrillator if it is needed? Who will assist with Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)? Who else will be available to help? And so on and so forth.

VETS  is a system that answers most of these questions, though l don’t think it is possible to account for every eventuality. If you are interested in becoming part of this scheme and are prepared to help a neighbour in an emergency, please contact me for further information and full details. Thank you. Extra training in CPR will be given.  Steve Bagby details are: 07840 367182 or email stevebagby8@gmail.com.   I look forward to hearing from you.

All too often a person finds him or herself on his/her own trying hard to help somebody and wishes that extra help could be on hand. Now that Gestingthorpe has its own VETS system extra help is possible, but it must be remembered that the FIRST CALL is to 999 in any emergency situation. 

Dialling 999 will give access either to the Ambulance Service, Fire or Police as necessary. Then, in the case of Ambulance, the caller will be able to remain on the line while being given spoken assistance as to how to proceed. If the defibrillator is appropriate and if there is another helper nearby he/she will be given the code number to open the cabinet and will be free to fetch the defibrillator. Alternatively, 01787 852850 can be re-dialled. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation is very tiring for one person to carry out for a prolonged period, so another helper is of the essence. 

The defibrillator itself provides clear instructions on its use and determines whether or not it is necessary to apply a shock.

Please make a note of the number and keep it next to your house phone in the case of an emergency where you need assistance with the defibrillator.