Ambulance service recruiting volunteer responders

An ambulance service is looking to recruit new volunteer "lifesavers" to attend emergency scenes before an ambulance arrives.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is seeking new community first responders (CFRs) in multiple areas across the region.

Volunteers were not a substitute for ambulance staff but would be trained in basic lifesaving techniques before being dispatched to emergencies, WMAS said.

CFRs would always be backed up by an emergency ambulance service vehicle, a spokesperson added.

The ambulance service wants volunteers across Birmingham and areas of the Black Country, Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

CFS were "vital" in life-threatening situations, especially in cases such as "cardiac arrest and trauma when every second counts", a spokesperson explained.

Applications to join the service close on 31 January. Volunteers must be aged 18 or over with a full driving licence.

Community response manager Cliff Medlicott said successful applicants would attend a training course covering topics such as basic life support, defibrillation and medical emergencies.

"We're recruiting for CFRs at multiple locations across the region and are looking for kind, compassionate people who are committed to helping others in their local community," he said.

"They will then train alongside ambulance crews before starting in their role and being able to respond."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.