Local councillors welcomed volunteers of a community scheme set up by the Welsh Ambulance Service to their meeting this week.

Tenby and Saundersfoot First Responders are volunteer members of the community, who are trained to provide Emergency Life Support, and are able to respond to 999 calls and give life-saving treatment while an ambulance is on the way.

The group, which received charity status last summer, has six members who cover Tenby, Saundersfoot and the surrounding area.

When a 999 call is made, First Responders are alerted by WAST’s three control centres and are sent to certain types of calls the same time as an ambulance so they can provide essential care until the vehicle reaches the scene.

The group’s charity trustee, Luke Treharne, and fellow volunteer, Jen Jackson, told councillors that two new defibrillators were being placed in Tenby this week, which could be accessed by the public 24 hours a day, with one to be located at Greenhill School, and the other outside Tesco Express on High Street. Other defibrillators are already located at Tenby Rugby Club, Tenby Leisure Centre and The Clicketts, whilst it is also the aim to have them placed in all local schools in time.

“Members of the public can use the defibrillators and take it to the patient, and follow the instructions on the pad,” explained Luke.

Despite the First Responders receiving a £5,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, the group totally rely on goodwill donations from people, as equipment and running costs are paid for through their own fundraising efforts, public donations, grants or support from local companies.

“It costs between £1,000 and £1,500 for a defibrillator and to kit out each responder with a kit bag, around £2,000. Our aim is to get more involved in public events being held in and around Tenby to aid our fundraising opportunities to keep this vital service running and raise public awareness of what we do,” continued Luke, adding that the team is always looking for new members.

Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas and Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter told the group that they had ‘full admiration’ for what they did, with the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Laurence Blackhall, also highlighting the importance of their volunteer work, adding that he hoped that more volunteers would come forward along with offers of financial donations towards the group.

For further information on the group, visit the website www.tenby-saundersfootfirstresponders.co.uk