Community First Responders (CFR) are trained by the ambulance service to provide fast treatment to people suffering from life-threatening injuries or illnesses in outlying communities.

Mayfield and Ellastone CFR group forms part of the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS), and its responders undergo the First Person on Scene training course, covering basic life support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using a defibrillator.

Jill, a rural community first responder for Mayfield and Ellastone, says local responders are vital in emergency situations.

A WMAS spokesman said: “We have had first responders trained in the Enhanced First Person on Scene qualification for a number of years, and they operate very successfully in rural areas to support the needs of our patients while an ambulance is en route.

“Earlier this year the trust reviewed this training package to ensure that the skills being taught are used frequently enough so that the level of care being delivered remains first class.”

Jill has been a Mayfield and Ellastone responder for nearly eleven years, and she knows from experience how vital the role is for rural communities.

She said: “It’s reassuring to hear that WMAS intends to continue offering high levels of training to responders in villages like ours. “It will often take an ambulance crew longer to get to patients here than it would in say a big town or city, so responders are vital in these rural communities when there is a real emergency situation.”

Mayfield and Ellastone CFR group is always looking for new volunteers to join its team.

Applicants should be over 18 years old and hold a driving licence but no previous experience is needed as full training is given. For further details, visit the website at www.mayfieldellastonecfr. co.uk.