THE ambulance service in Bucks is looking for volunteers to give immediate medical care to patients in the vital minutes before paramedics arrive.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is appealing for Community First Responders, as well as co-responders and drivers.

Recruits are equipped with a kit, including oxygen and an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help patients in a medical emergency such as a heart attack, collapse or breathing difficulties.

James Conolly, of RAF Halton, also serves as a co-responder in Bucks. He said: “Quite often the first thing a patient or a relative will say to us as we walk through the door is ‘my, how quick you were’.

“To be able to reach a patient, no matter how ill they are, within a few minutes of the 999 call being made really does give me a huge sense of pride.”

Initial training takes the form of a four-day course, covering topics such as airway management, basic life support and trauma. Responders are required to volunteer for one six-hour shift per week.

James added: “I have attended all kinds of emergencies, from the minor cut fingers to sudden cardiac arrests.

One incident that I will always remember involved a woman who had suddenly collapsed on a small boat moored near Marlow in Buckinghamshire...[who] was on the verge of cardiac arrest.

“The biggest challenge for us was to get her off the boat while maintaining her airway, but with the help of the fire service and some great teamwork in what was a time-critical incident, we were able to quickly extract, stabilise and transport the woman to hospital.”

If you are interested in volunteering telephone 0800 587 0207 or email cfr@scas.nhs.uk