VOLUNTEERS are wanted to be community lifesavers.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) needs them in Otley, Guiseley and Horsforth to join its Community First Responder (CFR) scheme.

CFRs provide immediate life-saving care to members of their communities in emergency situations such as heart attacks, breathing difficulties or a collapse in the vital minutes before an ambulance arrives.

Each volunteer is trained in CPR and the use of a defibrillator (AED) which delivers a controlled electric shock to restart the heart.Sharron Martin, community defibrillation trainer for YAS in West Yorkshire, said: “CFRs make a valuable contribution to their communities. We know that in many medical emergencies the first few minutes are critical. If effective treatment can be performed within those first minutes, lives can be saved and disability reduced.

“Many volunteer to gain experience, to help their communities and some people have had experience of a loved one needing prompt medical attention.”

Contact sharron.martin@yas.nhs.uk or 07789 271072.