The ambulance service in Monmouth is looking for volunteers to help provide a quicker response to medical emergencies.

The Welsh Ambulance Service has teamed up with St John Ambulance to train a team of Community First Responders to support the town's paramedics.

A number of St John members, who will not need extra training, have already volunteered and will become active as soon as the paperwork is complete.

They will be joined by members of the community trained by Monmouth-based paramedics Des Hughes and Phil Pearce.

"First Responders are not intended to replace current ambulance cover, but they are a great asset when responding to 999 calls," said first responder officer Tony Rossetti.

First Responders are alerted by text when their help is needed, and can give potentially life-saving first aid to a patient in those critical first few minutes.

"Every second counts when you are trying to save someone's life and Community First Responder schemes are hugely beneficial in assisting the ambulance service to provide the best possible pre-hospital care for patients," added Mr Rossetti.

"All training for volunteers who wish to take part in such an initiative is provided by the Welsh Ambulance Service."

For the full report on this story, see this week's Beacon (25th January)

Anyone who is interested in volunteering, call Tony Rossetti on 02920 932917 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

Businesses that can help fund extra equipment are aslo being urged to get in touch.