CFRs are recruited and trained in first aid by St John Ambulance and are despatched by the Emergency Services' Joint Control Room to tend to those who have fallen ill and are awaiting an ambulance.

They employ techniques such as CPR and defibrillation in the case of cardiac arrest, give oxygen to those with breathing difficulties, offer reassurance to patients and gather information, saving paramedics' valuable time when they arrive at the scene.

There are 40 trained CFRs in the north, west and south of the Island. It is hoped to recruit more via a training course starting at the end of November.

Gerry Jones, who co-ordinates the scheme for St John Ambulance, said: 'Volunteers come from all walks of life and many have no previous first aid training. They provide a vital service in outlying areas where they live. They use their own vehicles and book on and off duty, so they can give up as much or as little time as they can spare. All the equipment they use is provided.'

The next free training course takes place over four sessions - Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November and Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December (9.30am to 4.30pm each day).

Sessions are held at St John Ambulance headquarters in Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, with the exception of the first session, which will be held at Ambulance headquarters at Noble's Hospital.

Volunteers must attend all sessions to qualify as Community First Responders. Lunch and refreshments are provided.

'The course will be followed by practical familiarisation training working with Paramedics and other emergency crews to give volunteers the confidence to put their newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice,' said Gerry.

'The CFR scheme is always looking for volunteers to raise funds for our work, help at public relations events or provide administrative help, so if you know someone who has talents in these areas but does not wish to volunteer to respond, we would be glad to hear from them as well,' he added.

Gerry can be contacted on 371296 or via St John Ambulance headquarters on 01624 674387.

Community First Responders are not despatched to accident scenes, Gerry stressed, and are not being sought in the Douglas area at this time due to the proximity of Ambulance headquarters.

For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man or to find out how to sign up for first aid courses, volunteer or to support its work via donations, please ring the above number or visit http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/counties/isle-of-man.aspx

photo : Gerry Jones - St John's Ambulance Isle of Man