Volunteers from Harrow needed for medical emergency response team

An information evening has been announced for people to find out how to become a Community First Responders (CFR) in Harrow.

The scheme involves training volunteers from the community who sacrifice their free time to give urgent medical assistance in an emergency while an ambulance is on route.

Volunteer Kier Mahon, from Malvern Road, Rayners Lane, said: "I've been a first aider at work for the last five years, and I wanted to use those skills to do something more.

"Members of the team have been called to a number of patients such as those with difficulties breathing, chest pains, fainting Diabetic emergencies and in cardiac arrests.

"If I walk down the road and someone's having a heart attack I know I can help that person and that's what it's all about."

All responders go through extensive training including first aid, life support and how to use a defibrillator.

The CFR scheme has been looking after the people of Harrow since 2009 and is run in partnership with St John Ambulance and the London Ambulance Service.

As a result of the success of the scheme London Ambulance Service is looking to expand and recruit more volunteers in Harrow.

LAS operations manager Peter Rhodes said: "When someone's heart stops beating, every second counts in getting essential and basic life support to that patient.

"If someone living or working around the corner has the skills and equipment, and is dispatched at the same time as our staff, they can reach the patient quickly, giving them a much greater chance of survival."

The Community First Responder Information Evening will take place on Friday March 7 at 7.30pm at the St John Ambulance HQ, Woodlands car park in North Harrow.

All responders must be physically fit, have a full UK drivers licence for at least two years, access to a roadworthy vehicle and to undergo a Disclosures and Barring Services (DBS) check.

Those interested in taking part can email here to find out more.