Guernsey medical emergency 'first responders' unveiled

The introduction of medical "first responders" has been announced by the Guernsey Ambulance and Rescue Service.

The scheme will see volunteers dispatched to emergencies, ahead of an ambulance, armed with a defibrillator and basic life support skills.

Six volunteers have already been identified, and will be used for emergencies around Guernsey and Herm.

Dean De La Mare from the Ambulance and Rescue Service said the group would be a "vital tool" for saving lives.

He said: "We can alert them when we get what we call a 'category A' life-threatening call coming in.

"If they are close to the scene of the call, they can respond first and hopefully get there before the ambulance arrives."

The initiative is a joint scheme launched by the Guernsey Ambulance and Rescue Service with the St John Ambulance.