The Media Communications Officer (MCO) from RAF Waddington recently had the opportunity to join Lincolnshire Emergency Medical Response (LEMR) for an observational shift, gaining first-hand insight into the extraordinary work carried out by the charity’s dedicated volunteers.
LEMR, a Lincolnshire-based emergency medical charity, was originally part of the national First Response organisation founded in 1998 by Scott Bateman MBE. After the loss of his father to cardiac arrest, Scott committed himself to improving access to advanced life support across rural areas. When the national scheme dissolved due to limited resources, a new Lincolnshire-focused charity was established on 19 April 2011, launching officially later that year as LEMR.
Today, LEMR is powered by around 45 volunteers, all of whom are serving or former Armed Forces personnel from RAF stations across the county, including RAF Waddington, RAF Cranwell, RAF Coningsby and RAF Digby. Together, they commit more than 18 hours each month to support East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) by responding rapidly to 999 calls when critical minutes matter most.
Operating from RAF Cranwell, the charity deploys two fully equipped Rapid Response Vehicles, both funded through public donations, grants, and Armed Forces Covenant support. On arrival at incidents, responders assess patients, provide immediate care, and stabilise life-threatening conditions before handing over to EMAS frontline crews. Volunteers also continue to train to frontline standards, undertaking regular EMAS-delivered courses to maintain their clinical competencies.
“ I have been Co-Responding for nearly 13 years, joining LEMR in 2013. 10 years of this with LEMR, 3 years with Co-Response at RAF Benson in the middle. I saw LEMR advertised on my station, and it drew my interest as something I may enjoy. From my very first shift observing with LEMR, I was hooked. I always enjoyed helping people in the community, but this went beyond that, I was making a true difference in people’s lives and the sense of wellbeing I gained from that was immeasurable. As I have continued with the scheme I have helped countless people in their greatest time of need, but not only that, this has been an adjunct for developing vital life skills as well as maintaining my own wellbeing.”
Sgt Kai
LEMR Responder
Beyond emergency response, LEMR members devote additional time to community outreach, ranging from CPR demonstrations in schools to fundraising activities across the county. As a non-profit organisation, LEMR relies entirely on public donations and community support to maintain its lifesaving capability.
During the observational shift, the RAF Waddington MCO witnessed first-hand the professionalism, skill and community dedication that underpin LEMR’s mission. The experience highlighted the charity’s vital role in enhancing emergency medical provision across Lincolnshire, as well as the significant contribution of Armed Forces personnel who volunteer their expertise beyond their military duties.
“After spending time on shift and seeing the incredible work the team delivers to the community, I felt inspired to join the scheme myself. I have now completed the initial five‑day clinical course and am looking forward to starting my first mentored shifts. It is a privilege to contribute to such a dedicated organisation and help support the essential care LEMR provides across Lincolnshire.”
Fg Off Charlotte
MCO
LEMR continues to embody its ethos of serving the community beyond the uniform, delivering rapid, compassionate, and highly skilled care to those who need it most.
