ROSS?Community First Responders revealed their fabulous new vehicle for the first time last week. They joined a tea party at Bernard Hackett Court to show the residents who have helped raise funds for them the black Land Rover Freelander which has been adapted to be used when they carry out their duties.

The specially adapted 4 x 4 vehicle has also been supported by many other local groups and individuals.

Lee White of GKC Motors has offered to carry out servicing, MOT and labour free repairs until 2015. Carol and Simon Brewer of Benhall Farm held a breakfast morning. Colin Gray held a collection at his birthday party and Maureen Cowdrey and her husband organised a collection instead of gifts at their 40th anniversary.

Community First Responders are all volunteers who provide first aid in emergencies if they are closer to a patient when an ambulance is on its way.

The new vehicle is available for use by any of the local Community First Responders when they are on duty. Roger Powell, who is one of the Ross CFRs, has been highly trained to deal with emergency situations. He said that the new vehicle is a 'God Send'.

The group held a collection in Morrisons earlier this year to help pay for extra fittings such as the light bar which allows other motorists to see them. Although when they are driving they have to follow the rules of the Highway Code Mr Powell said that it can make a difference if other vehicles can see them approaching.

Community First Responders are teams of volunteers who are trained by the Ambulance Service to provide life saving treatment to people in their local communities. They are always backed up by the nearest available emergency ambulance but in many illnesses or injuries the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability.

This includes defibrillation for people who have what is commonly known as a heart attack. The sooner a defibrillator is used the better chance the patient has of surviving. This is just one example of when a Community First Responder can save lives.

All Community First Responder schemes are financially self-supporting which is why the local group has had to work so hard to raise the funds for their first vehicle.