Organisers of a life-saving first responders initiative which will help paramedics in Peterhead have appealed for volunteers and funding.
Peterhead Community First Responders is a voluntary organisation which acts as a fast-response team to 999 calls.
Based in the port, the team can potentially reach casualties before ambulance crews. A sister scheme in Fraserburgh is now fully operational and attends an average of seven calls every week.
Darren Scott, a volunteer from the Fraserburgh branch, who has now moved to Peterhead, appealed last night for applicants to contribute to the group’s life-saving work.
He said: “We are self-funded, so we are reaching out to the local community.
“I am already on call in Peterhead and we have had a good response on social media.”
He confirmed around a dozen applicants had come forward for training so far.
By he added: “We also need funds for the kit. We’re part of the survival chain process – we provide vital care prior to the ambulance arriving on the scene. But we’re not a replacement for the ambulance, we hand over to them.
“We want to get to the level where we can provide 24-hour care, seven days a week. We can cover the surrounding area from Peterhead as well, such as St Fergus and Cruden Bay.”
Volunteers for Peterhead Community First Responders go through basic life support training with the ambulance service. CPR is a crucial skill for all responders and volunteers will also receive training on how to deal with strokes, chest pains, heart attacks and choking.
Responders receive regular training to keep on top of skills and to “help with confidence”.
Mr Scott said: “On every call, they are using skills they have been taught. Even if it’s just chest pains, having a professional in front of you is calming and is basic life support.
“Our main focus is volunteers and getting support and funding from the local community.”
The first responders are also looking for a response vehicle to help the team.
Anyone interested in volunteering or donating can contact Peterhead Community First Responders on Facebook.