Life-savers looking for recruits

A group that provides potentially life-saving care in the community is looking for more volunteers.

Newark and District Community First Responders has nine responders who are dispatched to appropriate 999 calls by East Midlands Ambulance Service.

They cover Newark, Balderton, Fernwood, Barnby-in-the-Willows, Winthorpe, Coddington, Muskham and Farndon.

Co-ordinator Mrs Hannah Smith is keen to recruit more volunteers.

Full training is provided for first responders, who provide care until an ambulance arrives.

“The quick arrival of the responders can be the difference between life and death,” said Mrs Smith.

The group has been given £1,530 by Mr David Branch, of HSS Hire Group, Brunel Drive, Newark, which has enabled it to buy six kit-bags and equipment, along with a baby resuscitation mannequin that will be used at its monthly training nights.

“The scheme has to raise money to buy all kit-bags, uniform and training equipment so donations of any size are important and we are always grateful for people’s support and generosity,” said Mrs Smith.

Anyone interested in volunteering or groups wanting to book a talk about the work of the first responders should contact newarkanddistrictcfrteam@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.newarkanddistrictcfr.wordpress.com