members of the public in of Monmouth, Usk, Abergavenny and Chepstow can now find life-saving support in the form of newly qualified Community First Responders (CFRs) following a recent course run by the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAS).

The WAS-trained volunteers do not replace or alter the normal response of a Paramedic in a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) or an Emergency Ambulance, but support the patient until it arrives.

Research has proved that the sooner a patient in cardiac arrest receives treatment with a defibrillator the greater their chance of survival, and basic first aid skills prevent patients with potentially life-threatening conditions from deteriorating.

There are more than 1,000 volunteer CFR working day and night in Wales supporting the ambulance service in providing an initial response to patients suffering from potentially life-threatening conditions.

CFR officer Tony Rossetti said: "Every second counts when you are trying to save someone's life and CFR schemes are hugely beneficial in assisting the ambulance service to provide the best possible pre-hospital care for patients.

"It's wonderful to see such enthusiastic volunteers in Monmouthshire and to see so many people eager to make what might possibly be a life-saving difference, within their own communities."

To become a CFR you must be over 18 years of age, be physically fit and hold a clean UK driving licence.

Applicants need to successfully complete more than 30 hours of training, and will also need to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check and Occupational Health check before being registered to the scheme.

Community First Responders play an important role alongside frontline ambulance staff in making sure patients receive appropriate help quickly and efficiently.

Monmouth paramedic Phil Pearce said: "Community First Responders are very much part of the whole Welsh Ambulance Service family.

"They are a valuable support and I am personally looking forward to working alongside them in Monmouth."

To register your interest in becoming a CFR call 01633 626262 or 02920 932917, email [email protected]">[email protected] or access the Trust website at http://www.ambulance.wales.nhs.uk">www.ambulance.wales.nhs.uk