When a person suffers a cardiac arrest they lose consciousness in a matter of seconds. Unless someone begins cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within three to four minutes, the person may suffer permanent damage to the brain and other organs. Llanelli First Responder volunteers are trained to attend emergency calls received by the ambulance service and provide care until the ambulance arrives. V
olunteers can arrive at an emergency scene in a matter of minutes, as they are sent to calls in the Llanelli Area. The scheme operate as a community partnership between Llanelli First Responder and the Welsh Ambulance service . Having someone in the community who has been trained in first aid and can reach the patient quickly makes all the difference. They carry basic first aid equipment and an automated external defibrillator (AED). The ambulance service controller sends them to Category A (immediately life-threatening) medical calls; they are despatched at the same time as an ambulance and crew. Anyone who lives in Llanelli can get involved with Llanelli First Responder scheme, whether it's to be a volunteer, or to help with other vital tasks such as fundraising, training or administration. Volunteers do not need first aid experience to join, as full training will be provided.
