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On the back of the company's record safety year (2009) for the UK; and  Cauldon Works surpassing one year without a ‘lost time injury' on site, Lafarge has made a major donation (£1,750) to cover the major running costs of the First Responders' emergency vehicle.

In rural areas like the Moorlands it is especially challenging for the ambulance service to reach a patient in minutes. In the period of time between the 999 call being made and the ambulance arriving (known as the 'therapeutic vacuum') the First Responders are able to provide essential simple treatment.

First Responder Tim Batey comments:  "We are extremely grateful that Lafarge has been able to continue with its substantial support for the Waterhouses First Responders.  At a time of economic downturn it is even more difficult for us to find sponsorship and without it we cannot continue to offer a full service. 

"We aim to get to a patient within four minutes of a call from ambulance control.  This Lafarge donation will help cover the costs of insurance, servicing and other essentials to keep our vehicle on the road."

Cauldon Works manager Allan Ruxton comments:  "The First Responders do an amazing job and often without the recognition they deserve.  Last year they attended 128 incidents, that's one every three days on average.  In many cases they can make the difference between life and death. 

"As the construction materials market is going through a very challenging time and our business is inevitably keeping a close eye on costs, we have had to reduce the number of community projects we are able to support across the year.  However, we are very pleased to be able to continue with our partnership with the First Responders who, I am sure, will continue to make a huge difference, working closely with the ambulance service to provide a seamless chain of medical support."

The First Responders are able to deal with heart attacks, chest pains, strokes, breathing difficulties, fits and panic attacks.  The team is also invaluable in offering reassurance and encouraging patients to be calm until the ambulance crew arrives.

If you are interested in finding out more or in becoming a Waterhouses First Responder, please call on 07545 501895 or via email responder1@o2.co.uk.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With 78,000 employees in 78 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 15.8 billion in 2009. In 2010 and for the sixth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the "Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World". With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity. Additional information is available on the web site at www.lafarge.com
•  Cauldon Works has capacity to make up to one million tonnes of cement a year and distributes it to customers in the Midlands and as far South as the Northern home counties.
• Cauldon Works contributes around £11 million to the local community through, for example, rates and wages, use of local contractors and community donations.
• Lafarge Cement UK is the country's largest cement maker, supplying around 50 per cent of the market.
• The company has six cement works, complemented by a network of depots and terminals around the country.
• Lafarge Cement Cauldon Works is one of only a few local companies to have Gold Membership of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.