Norfolk Accident Rescue Service Reports Busiest Year on Record

Volunteers who support the ambulance service during critical incidents have experienced a record-breaking year in terms of call-outs. The Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (Nars) dispatches its first responders, paramedics, doctors, and nurses, who are based across the county, to emergencies such as cardiac arrests and road traffic accidents. As the organization approaches the busy Christmas period, it has responded to nearly 1,900 incidents since January, marking the highest number of call-outs since its establishment in 1970. First responder Steve Maddams stated he was “so proud” of the team, which expanded its volunteer base this year, enabling the charity to attend more emergencies. “It’s about the cover we can give, and the hours we can provide on-call,” he said. “We have teams on most nights and days, and that’s what gives us those stats.” An on-duty Nars vehicle or an off-duty first responder living near an incident is dispatched to emergencies as needed, with the team’s base located in Dereham. Mr. Maddams noted, “Our first responders – we have all sorts of people with different occupations.” He further explained, “I work in the renewable energy sector, we have a smallholding farmer, we have a British Transport Police officer.” He added, “All these people have full-time jobs and give us their spare time, so we are so proud of their dedication to patients.” He also highlighted that the charity receives no government funding, making the role of fundraisers critically important.