UPPER Wharfedale residents are helping the ambulance service save lives thanks to the launch of a Community First Responder Scheme in the village.

Six volunteers, from Buckden and Kettlewell, have spent two days learning how to provide vital lifesaving treatment to those suffering a medical emergency or accident.

The dedicated residents will now work together to respond to certain 999 calls in the village, providing crucial care in the few minutes before an ambulance crew arrives.

WYMAS group station manager John Emsley explained: "We cover many rural and remote communities, whose winding, narrow roads make them difficult to reach within eight minutes of receiving an emergency call.

"We know that the quicker we can get trained help to a patient suffering a life-threatening injury or illness the better their chance of recovery and survival. Community First Responders are helping us to achieve this."

Buckden resident Peter Breen is one such volunteer.

"I believe there's a certain amount of responsibility on the community to help themselves, no matter what the situation. I heard about this scheme and felt positive that with the right training I could make a difference in an emergency," he said.

Mr Emsley and WYMAS colleague George Bennett have been providing the training.

Mr Bennett said: "Much of what the volunteers learn is common sense so you certainly don't need to have any previous medical knowledge or experience.

"There are people from all backgrounds in the scheme including a retired dentist, a mum and part-time bar person. The key is to be fit, healthy, enthusiastic and willing to learn."

Mr Elmsley added: "I've been very impressed at how quickly they've taken on board what we've taught them. I feel confident that their new lifesaving skills can be put to good use. "

Barbara Hardy, who works part-time for the national park, volunteered for the scheme after her husband suffered two heart attacks.

"I felt it was my opportunity to give something back," she said.

The Upper Wharfedale Immediate Care Scheme, made up of local doctors, residents and ambulance service staff, have shown their commitment to the First Responder Scheme with funding for an automated external defibrillator (AED), which can kick start a heart.

With their training complete, the volunteers will now be on-call, on a rota basis, to respond to emergencies such as shortness of breath, a heart attack, collapse or unconsciousness.

Similar schemes already operate in Burton-in-Lonsdale, Arncliffe and Halton Gill, with new schemes planned for Bentham, Ingleton, Settle and Grassington. A police responder scheme also exists in Craven.

Anyone wishing to find out more about Community First Responders can contact Lee Gray or Paul Stevens at WYMAS on 01924 582000.