MAYFIELD and Ellastone Community First Responders recently held a mandatory training evening to ensure their lifesaving skills comply with compulsory updates from West Midlands Ambulance Service.

A spokesman for the group said: “We are part of West Midlands Ambulance Service and if a 999 call is made in our area, we get dispatched and are usually first on scene.

“Our qualified responders can start treatment straight away but are always backed up by a professional paramedic or ambulance crew.

“Our responders are some of the most advanced trained in the country, which is why we are continually keeping our skills up to date and hold regular training sessions.

“We have the fastest response times in the country as we are based within the community, sometimes our responders arrive on scene while the 999 call is still being made.

“We have two vehicles, both of which have been bought with funds raised by the community and all our responders are locals who know the area well.

“Although we may be neighbours, callers can rest assured that all details of any call-out remain totally confidential.”