© InfoDressing wounds at a Premiership match? Training people in first aid? Turning out in the early hours to help a family following a house fire? Welcome to a typical week in the life of super volunteer Liz Fruer.
Liz (64), who is originally from Kent but now lives in Sutton Coldfield, has been a Red Cross volunteer for 41 years. As a first aid trainer, Liz has trained more than 200 people in life-saving skills – and helped out at more accidents than she can remember.
She recalls: “My first aid skills are invaluable. I’ve saved two lives by correctly diagnosing event first aid volunteer, Liz regularly attends all kinds of events including West Bromwich Albion football matches, motorcycle festivals, tennis tournaments, carnivals, charity races and athletics meetings.
And volunteering has brought lots of unusual opportunities her way. She recalls: “I covered the National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall so I saw some good plays. Once, there was a play I’d wanted to see for years and someone collapsed just as we were getting to the denouement. I never did find out who did it!”
Fire support
Incredibly, Liz also finds time to volunteer for the Red Cross fire and emergency support service, providing advice and support to people caught up in domestic fires or similar emergencies. Often turning out in the early hours, the only thing she can count on is that every call-out will be different.
She recalls: “One couple had been in their living room when joyriders crashed a car right through their front wall, so they were really shaken up – but luckily unhurt. I remember they were really grateful for our support.”
‘Lots of friends’
Liz has retired now and last year did more than 1,100 hours of voluntary work. She says: “The thing I like is that, although I’ve moved around a lot, I always know I can visit the nearest Red Cross group and find a bunch of like-minded instant friends.
She adds: “The Red Cross is a big part of my life. It’s so much fun and so nice to meet people who you wouldn’t meet otherwise, either because they need first aid treatment or just stop to say hello. I’m always bumping into people I’ve either treated or taught.”
“Once, I was talking to someone and I said: ‘No I don’t have any family any more’ and he said: ‘Yes you have, you’ve got the Red Cross’. And I think he was quite right.”