A CALL has gone out for more life-savers to join a group of volunteers.

The role is to provide help and reassurance in the vital first few minutes of a life-threatening emergency in their local community, whilst the ambulance is en route.

This means they can make a huge difference in situations such as cardiac arrest where the chance of survival reduces significantly after every minute that passes without attempted resuscitation.

The responder service in Barrow and Walney was introduced in 2012 with 22 members, however, the numbers have now dwindled down to seven.

Barrow and Walney team leader Kristian Spiers said: “We’re essentially a sub-section of the North West Ambulance Service.

“Getting involved with the first responders is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to receive free training for people who want to work in the health service.

“Specifically, we attend incidents such as home callouts, where someone will need oxygen assistant, or a defibrillator.

“Responders are required for minimum of 16 hours a month and own a car.

“It’s also a great chance for retired people to give something back to the community by saving a life.”

If interested in becoming a first responder, email Mr Spiers on s.p.e.i.r.s@hotmail.com, or contact him on: 07564240868.