A DESPERATE plea has been issued for more life-saving volunteers to join the Fordingbridge Community First Responders.

The group, which has been running for more than 10 years, has seen volunteer numbers dwindle. At its peak about five years ago there were 15 volunteers.

Andrew Carr, the scheme’s co-ordinator and now the only remaining volunteer, said: “With the scheme just having a single responder at the moment, means that our coverage for Fordingbridge is very limited.

"With more volunteers, we’ll be able to provide 24 hour cover, which would make a tremendous difference to the community and to provide much needed support to the ambulance service.”

Fordingbridge Community Responders are volunteers who give their time freely to help save lives in their community.

Volunteers are trained and deployed by South Central Ambulance to deliver life-saving treatment until the ambulance arrives and are often the first to arrive on scene.

They will attend an initial five-day training course, which is spread over weekends and weekday evenings, and an annual one day refresher course.

Andrew said: “The commitment we ask of you is to make yourself available at least 20 hours each month. You can choose the times to fit around your other commitments and you ‘respond’ from home or perhaps your workplace. You will only be sent to 999 emergency calls we receive during the hours you have agreed to provide emergency cover.

“We will provide you with all the training, equipment and support you need to do something amazing for your community — become a real lifesaver.”

Volunteers will need to be over 18, hold a full driving licence and have access to a car.

Andrew added: “As a charity, we rely upon donations and remain very grateful to many local people, businesses, councils and groups who continue to support us as well as displaying our collection tins.

“We’d really like to thank the New Forest & District Darts League who raised over £1,400 for us. Their generous contribution will be put towards our community public access defibrillator programme.”

Those interested in volunteering contact Andrew by emailing contact@fordingbridgeresponders.uk or call 07879 496 629.