The latest batch of volunteer recruits for Newtownhamilton and District Community First Responders were presented with their kit bags and ID’s in the Community Centre this week.
The Community First Responders is a group of volunteers who went live earlier this year to help improve outcomes of patients who experience cardiac arrests and other urgent medical conditions.
They work in conjunction with Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and are trained to NIAS standards.
Newtownhamilton and District Community First Responders currently have 15 trained responders whom respond to 999 medical emergencies in areas from Newtownhamilton, Tassagh, Darkley, Granemore, Ballymoyer, Altnamackin, Whitecross and Clady.
A number of responders are equipped with an extensive resuscitation kit which includes a lifesaving defibrillator.
They have been trained in lifesaving techniques and can sustain life in a cardiac arrest until colleagues from NIAS arrive on scene.
Since the service went live in September Newtownhamilton and District Community First Responders have responded to six activations by NIAS and have attended calls for a wide range of conditions.
