First responders speak about serving Harwich and north Essex

Every breath we take is a gift but sometimes we get so caught up in its injustices we forget to realise it.

Anthony Johnson, 56, who is the new leader of the Harwich and District Community First Aid Responders knows first hand just how precious life is.

The dedicated volunteer, who has lived in Dovercourt since 2000, joined the team in 2005 after spending 23 years as a Royal Army Medical Corps Combat medic.

His service included postings in Norway, Iraq and Kenya, but the highlight of his life in the past 15 years has been attending emergency calls in Harwich.

In total, 11 volunteers, who all live in the area, can be the ones who arrive first on the scene of an emergency call.

Although not a substitute for qualified paramedics, they respond to calls though the 999 system together with the East of England Ambulance Service.

Their early intervention increases the patients’ chance of survival or provides the simple reassurance that help is in on the way.

Antony is beyond proud to be called leader of the group.

Strong - Anthony Johnson,56 is the new leader of the Harwich and District Community First Responders and his wife Dayle Johnson,49 is his biggest support

He said: “Our professional CPR and resuscitation skills make the difference between life or death.

“We are trained on this monthly so we keep our skills up and go to lots of courses.

“I love helping people. It makes me feel better when I help somebody.”

Each volunteer is expected to cover 12 hours a month and their input in a crisis can be both challenging and rewarding.

The hardest part for Anthony is the heart-wrenching moments with families.

“It breaks your heart when you see them when we cannot save a life,” he said.

“When you are doing CPR, the families are desperate for you to help.”

Accepting you cannot save everyone is the hardest lesson to learn as a first aid responder.

But it is a feeling like no other for Anthony when he successfully places someone back on the road to recovery.

He said: “The most enjoyable bit is when you see people you have assisted and supported doing better.

“Seeing families together that might not have been together is the reward. You cannot pay for that kind of things.”

Another motivation for Anthony is his wife Dayle Johnson, 49, who is also a Harwich first aid responder.

The couple have been living in the area for more than 20 years but making a difference everywhere around the country with their business TJ Training Limited.

Anthony said: “Dayle is a fantastic lady, strong and confident and she is a super first responder.

“With all my crazy ideas, she just jumps at them. She is brilliant.

“We teach first aid in universities and colleges.

“There is a lot of hands-on, interactive and mannequins experience.

“People go away being entertained as well as educated.”

Managing their busy every day schedule is no easy thing, but luckily, they have found how to get some time out.

Anthony has recently joined the Dovercourt Ukulele Club and they both enjoy taking part in historical re-enactments.

But the best joy of it all is making the difference between life and death.

Anthony said: “The Harwich responders do a great job and I am proud of them.

“Be confident in your skills and feel pride every time you book on duty and wear your well earned blue uniform.

“Our simple actions of compassion and care to those who we attend really do make a difference to their lives.”

Visit Harwich and District Community First Responders on Facebook.