ST John Ambulance is urging people in Farnham to join a volunteer scheme which could help save the life of a neighbour in a medical emergency.

The nation’s leading first aid charity runs a Community First Responder (CFR) scheme in Surrey, in partnership with the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

The Farnham CFR unit is looking to recruit new volunteers, so is urging those interested in making a difference in their community to consider taking on the role.

Farnham-based CFR, Eric Goulding, said: “Being a CFR is incredibly rewarding. We are sent to a wide range of incidents where people need our help.

“In those crucial few minutes before the ambulance arrives, we may simply provide comfort to someone in distress, or we could give incredible life saving first aid, perhaps if someone is in cardiac arrest.

“It’s a wonderful way of giving something back to the local community as well as learning skills which give you the confidence to do the right thing.”

CFRs are trained to respond to 999 calls received by the ambulance service and provide emergency first aid and care until the ambulance arrives.

They are dispatched at the same time as an ambulance via ambulance control, and can be sent to all manner of calls and patients, especially potentially life-threatening medical emergencies.

The CFR is likely to arrive first on scene as they are based locally, responding from their home or workplace.

All CFR volunteers receive free and comprehensive training, which includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to treat heart attacks, and breathing problems. They’re also equipped with all necessary equipment including oxygen and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Anyone with at least one year’s driving experience, and no more than three points on their licence, with access to a car can become a CFR. Volunteers are not authorised to drive under ‘blue light’ emergency conditions so are dispatched to calls under normal road conditions using their own cars.

CFRs are expected to offer the scheme around 20 hours a month on average, at a time to suit them.

No previous experience is required as full training is given. For more information about becoming a CFR visit the website www.sja.org.uk and follow the ‘volunteering’ link.