TENBURY Wells residents are being invited to volunteer for a scheme to help to save lives.

Hereford & Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust is setting up Community First Responder programmes in the area and needs volunteers who can be the first person on the scene to treat heart attack patients before paramedics arrive.

Michelle Brotherton, who trains the volunteers, said: "When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their chances of survival drop by up to 10% for every minute that passes.

"The quicker you can get treatment, the better your chances of survival and the better quality of life you will have afterwards."

She added "This is a really exciting programme which should make a big impact on people who have a cardiac arrest."

Volunteers will need a caring attitude and an ability to handle stressful situations and will be given full training.

This will lead to a recognised qualification and includes training in how to assess patients, use portable defibrillators, oxygen therapy and airway management.

Ideally candidates will have a good knowledge of the local area, a clean driving licence and free time to commit to the scheme.

Uniforms and equipment will be provided and volunteers will be expected to go through a full recruitment procedure, including driving assessments and a police check.

Completed applications should be returned by Monday, January 16.

For further details call Michelle on 07977 989615 or 01905 765150.