Providing critical help to our frontline

Providing critical help to our frontline

Across Rolls-Royce, we have been inspired by the dedication of our employees who have been volunteering in their local communities to help deal with the impact caused by COVID-19.

Colin Topping, who works in our Defence business, has been a military volunteer for the ambulance service for 14 years and dedicates over 40 evenings a year to helping respond to emergency call-outs. From dealing with wounds and falls, to helping those with breathing difficulties, suffering strokes or in cardiac arrest, Colin describes what it’s like working on the frontline during these unprecedented times.

“The protocol has changed quite a bit now for every job. We have to wear full PPE, not only to protect ourselves, but to protect our patients. It can be quite difficult and very warm, working in these conditions.

“The types of jobs we attend has also slightly changed. We are seeing more people with raised temperatures and breathing difficulties. But it’s not only the physical symptoms of COVID-19 we are dealing with, we recently visited a home of an 84-year old woman who had fallen and cut the back of her head. She was struggling with isolation and missed her family, so during our time with her, we were able to help set her up with a video conferencing app so she could speak to them.”

Colin first started volunteering during his time in the Royal Air Force where he joined a rapid-response group set up to help the emergency services with their efforts. After receiving an advanced level of first aid training, Colin, along with other serving members of the RAF, Army and Navy were able to attend to patients in need of emergency medical care across the South-Central region. After a few years he also trained to respond on “blues and twos” in an ambulance response car.

Colin said: “Although we do not provide the same level of medical care as paramedics, very often people relax straight away on the scene when they see our blue lights. We are able to deliver an enhanced level of first aid and do things like administer oxygen and Entonox, treat trauma injuries, and stay and reassure people until they can be taken to hospital, if necessary.”

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 across the UK, Colin has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from the British public.

“It has been great seeing everyone applauding the NHS and it was nice to see the video of the Rolls-Royce evening shift clapping.

“It’s a lovely thing to be able to help people and this job really puts things into perspective, particularly when you think you are having a bad day.

“I’m grateful to Rolls-Royce for releasing me for one day a week to support the efforts of the South Central Ambulance Service and the Ministry of Defence.”