Volunteers needed to save lives

More volunteers are urgently needed to help save lives in Slough and Windsor.

Community first responders are often first on the scene when a 999 call is made, providing vital first aid before an ambulance arrives.

When volunteers are 'on call' they are equipped with a mobile phone, a defibrillator, oxygen and a suction machine and are on hand to respond quickly to an emergency.

The service needs more volunteers in every area, but especially Windsor and Slough, including Langley, Eton, Ascot and Datchet.

Marc Lister, community liaison and training officer for the Berkshire division of the South Central Ambulance Service, said: "You'll be learning life skills to use and carry with you for the rest of your life and they can be applicable in every situation.

"It's the first few moments that we're talking about, especially in a cardiac arrest, they're crucial."

One of Marc's newest recruits who signed up last year achieved a successful resuscitation in January proving how responders can be the difference between life and death.

Marc added: "Particularly at this time of year it can take a little while to respond to a call, the volunteers back fill that time when the paramedics are on their way by sitting with the person and helping as much as they can."

Volunteers need to be aged 17 or over but there's no upper age limit as long as responders are fit and able enough to help others.

There are no minimum hours, people can sign up to be 'on call' to fit around them. The responders, who should have no more than three points on their driving licence and are subject to a criminal records check, undergo full training which is ongoing.

To volunteer contact marc.lister@scas.nhs.uk or call 01189 365387.