Lochs group is driven by local Councillor Annie MacDonald, with a good cross section of the community as members, with both local Councillors, Community Councils, GPs and local faith communities represented. New members are always welcomed.

The group recently had a presentation from the Scottish Ambulance Service on First Responders - members of the community who receive training in order to provide a vital local emergency service. This means that in an emergency, patients could receive care much more quickly, thus enhancing their chance of survival.

A number of volunteers are being sought to receive this training - it has been suggested that perhaps six to ten members of the Lochs community get together to hear a further presentation from the Scottish Ambulance Service on how this could be taken forward. The British Heart Foundation fund 50% of the training costs. Volunteers must be aged 18 - 70 and would receive two day intensive training plus refresher courses. Volunteers are never asked to attend Road Traffic Accidents, Obstetric emergencies or violent and domestic incidents.

Pictured above are Ann Moqbel - CHaSCP Representative, Don Alasdair Smith - Treasurer, Cllr. Annie Macdonald - Chair, and Maggie Smith - Secretary.

See notes of previous meetings here: 03 June 2008, 18 November 2008,

25 March 2009, 6 May 2009 1 October 2009 4 November 2009 16 February 2010

If you would like to receive further details or join the group then please contact Robert Macaskill, on 01851 703545, or email robert.macaskill@cne-siar.gov.uk.

You can access the group's constitution here.