COMMUNITY First Responders hope to train 120 people from Upton to become life savers.
The free CPR and defibrillator training presentations start in Upton from Tuesday, September 29.
Two West Midlands Ambulance Service trained Community First Responders (CFRs) based in Upton have set themselves a challenge to train 120 local residents in basic lifesaving techniques, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within the next few months.
Their training mission begins with a presentation in the Upton Baptist Church Hall on Tuesday, September 29 at 7.30pm.
Community First Responders are local volunteers trained and certified by West Midlands Ambulance Service in lifesaving techniques, first aid, and patient care and assessment.
When on duty they can respond to life-threatening, category 1 and 2 999 calls.
CFRs carry a full resuscitation kit including AEDs and oxygen and are always backed up by paramedics.
As they live locally CFRs are often able to reach the patient quickly, assess them and if necessary give essential life saving treatment prior to the arrival of the paramedic.
The town already has two public access defibrillators at the primary school and Anchor Inn to be used if someone suffers a cardiac arrest.
The Upton CFRs are Tim Hodges and Steve Madeley.
Mr Madeley said: "Training local residents in life saving resuscitation techniques, including how to use a defibrillator, will mean that cardiac arrest patients could be given immediate help and vital lifesaving treatment until the paramedics arrive.”
The monthly awareness sessions last about two hours and consist of video presentations, practical demonstrations and the use of training manikins and defibrillators.
Mr Hodges, the local co-ordinator for Hereford & Worcestershire CFRs, said: “If Upton presentations are successful, and response so far is very positive, we have 41 trained South Worcestershire CFRs located in Malvern, Worcester and surrounding rural locations who will hold more free presentations and awareness sessions throughout the South Worcestershire area during 2016. This can and will save lives."
For further information and to reserve your place contact Tim on 07801 325217 Steve on 07794 857538 or e-mailupton.cfr@hotmail.com
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