Record-breaking year for accident rescue service

Norfolk Accident Rescue Service has been operational for more than 50 years

Volunteers who assist the ambulance service at critical incidents have experienced a record-breaking year of call-outs.

Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (Nars) responds to emergencies such as cardiac arrests and road traffic accidents, with its first responders, paramedics, doctors and nurses based around the county.

As it heads into the busy Christmas period, it has had almost 1,900 call-outs since January, the highest since its inception in 1970.

First responder Steve Maddams said he was "so proud" of the team, which this year gained more volunteers to enable the charity to respond to more emergencies.

"It's about the cover we can give, and the hours we can provide on-call," he said.

"We have teams on most nights and days, and that's what gives us those stats."

An on-duty Nars vehicle, or an off-duty first responder who happens to live near an incident, are sent to emergencies when needed, with the team based in Dereham.

"Our first responders - we have all sorts of people with different occupations," said Mr Maddams.

"I work in the renewable energy sector, we have a smallholding farmer, we have a British Transport Police officer.

"All these people have full-time jobs and give us their spare time, so we are so proud of their dedication to patients."

He added the charity received no government funding, which made the role of fundraisers vitally important.