A life-saving initiative training ordinary people to respond to medical emergencies in their communities has welcomed its newest crop.

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust provides special training for its ‘Community First Responders’, who react to life threatening emergencies in their area.

The scheme’s newest recruits include Les Owen from Princess Risborourgh and Paul Highett-Smith from Beaconsfield.

These volunteers successfully completed a comprehensive two-day training course at Wexham Park Ambulance Station in Slough overseen by Marc Lister, a Paramedic and Community Liaison and Training Officer.

He said: "If a responder lives around the corner [from an emergency], then it means they don’t have to sit there on their own until an ambulance arrives.

"In some cases it means an extra five minutes CPR and it genuinely saves lives.

"We have all sorts of people coming forward, but especially semi retired people, who have some time and are still physically fit. But anyone who can help is brilliant.

"We hear about them saving lives almost on a weekly basis. It’s an absolute no-brainer, and a fantastic initiative."

The volunteers’ training allowed them to observe a shift on a front line Rapid Response Vehicle, watching the Paramedics at work and getting a better understanding on how the service deals with the many patients they are presented with every day.

The team will respond to life threatening emergencies including heart sttacks, stroke (CVA), seizures, diabetic emergencies, children with illnesses and injuries, along with many other conditions.

Equipped with a medical rucksack containing Oxygen, Aspirin, Airway management devices, bandages and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) they will volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per month.

These hours are based around individual family and work commitments, which Mr Lister said makes it one of the most flexible and rewarding volunteering opportunities in the sector.

If you are interested in getting involved, you must be able to drive with no more than three points on your license, no previous criminal convictions.

Volunteers must also be of a good standard of health as this role will involve carrying a rucksack, getting on a floor and performing CPR.

If you would like to know more about becoming a Community First Responder, or you would like to donate, please visit www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk, phone 0800 5870207 or email cfr@scas.nhs.uk