A young businessman who has set up a new company providing first aid cover is encouraging organisers of forthcoming events to get in touch.
Josh Greer, 22, managing director of Milnthorpe-based Blueline Medical Service, believes many people will now be considering organising events as lockdown restrictions begin to be eased.
And he says it is vital they have appropriate first aid cover in place to meet legal requirements and to ensure everyone attending is kept safe and secure.
Blueline Medical Service also advises on what cover specific events are required to provide, as well as considering things like the most appropriate space for an air ambulance to land if that became necessary.
“It is about providing peace of mind and also showing you are an organiser who cares about the safety and well-being of people who will attend the event,” said Josh.
Born in Barrow, Josh has lived in Milnthorpe for around 15 years.
He attended Burton Morewood Primary School and Queen Elizabeth School at Kirkby Lonsdale.
His interest in first aid was sparked during his three years as a Kendal Sea Cadet, during which he completed levels one two and three first aid courses.
“I really enjoyed knowing that I could deal with CPR or could help if anyone fainted or collapsed,” he said.
A specific incident a few years ago also cemented his desire to work in the first aid profession.
“I came downstairs one day and saw an ambulance crew outside a neighbour’s house,” said Josh.
“She had had a cardiac arrest but the crew could not get in. I spotted a bedroom window open, got a ladder, managed to get into the house and let them in.
“They saved her life and seeing how quickly and efficiently they worked inspired me to do first aid work.”
Josh did a First Person On Scene (FPOS) first responder course at Colchester and worked for a time at a first aid company in Barrow before deciding to pursue his long-held dream of setting up his own company.
Blueline Medical Service was launched at the start of December at a time when it looked like the country was likely to be moving out of some of the lockdown restrictions. But as COVID infections grew the most recent lockdown was imposed, which meant no-one was planning events.
“It gave me the opportunity to do some networking,” said Josh. “I joined the business networking group Kendal BNI. I also did some more skills training and have just done my Oxygen Provider Level 2 and Entonox Awareness Level 2 qualifications.”