First Responders are volunteers who commit their spare time to assist the Welsh Ambulance service.

Each one of us live in and around the Vale of Glamorgan many are in full time employment, whilst in addition committing to providing emergency cover for as many hours possible throughout each week.

We could be at home or in and around our area carrying out our normal daily routines.

We are always on the end of the phone or paging system waiting for that life threatening call which when received sends us into action.

As part of the First Responder scheme, all volunteers are trained by the Welsh Ambulance Service to carry out basic life saving skills, recognition of cardiac conditions, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of a defibrillator.

The training is provided by the Welsh Ambulance Service who also provide the necessary support needed to carry out the role.

First Responder schemes are a valuable additional resource for communities in giving swift emergency help before an ambulance can arrive and do not in any way replace existing emergency ambulance services.

There are well over 100  First Responder Schemes in Wales, but the Welsh Ambulance Service are always keen to increase this number and ensure that more communities have the ability to gain access to CPR and defibrillator training.

The earlier someone suffering from a heart attack receives defibrillation, the greater the chance of survival.

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