North East Ambulance service recruits volunteer responders

CFRs are deployed to incidents at the same time as an ambulance is dispatched to provide life-saving care

An ambulance service is recruiting volunteers to work as community first responders (CFR) in Sunderland.

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said it had received investment in community resuscitation by Sunderland City Council.

The funding will support the training of volunteers in five locations and the installation of 29 defibrillators.

CFRs are deployed to incidents at the same time as an ambulance is dispatched to provide life-saving care.

NEAS said responders provide "vital life-saving care and support or simply a reassuring face in the crucial minutes between a 999 call being made and the arrival of the crew".

The five areas involved in the scheme are Sunderland and the central area, Houghton-le-Spring, Penshaw, Hetton-le-Hole and Washington.

Stephen Segasby, NEAS's chief operating officer, said: "Living within the communities they serve, CFRs can often be on scene almost immediately, providing basic life support, observations and initial treatment whilst the ambulance crews are travelling.

"Their contribution really does save lives, can reduce pain, prevent or reduce hospital stays and provide reassurance to those requiring emergency care."