THE Nazeing Valley Health Centre has become the hub of a new First Responder scheme, with volunteers trained in basic first aid, such administering oxygen and using defibrillators.

The group provides cover for its local area and is often the first to arrive at an incident.

The responder can provide reassurance, oxygen or, in extreme cases, a defibrillator to re-start a heart in the minutes before an ambulance arrives.

There are currently 36 groups across Essex, but this is the first time that one has been based in a surgery and can call on GPs and nurses for help. Many of the reception and clerical staff are also involved.

Nurse Vicky Glynn said: "We've always been very proactive in the area, providing services that will improve the health of the local community.

"This is a rural community, and we felt it only right that we provide the best possible service for the people in the area.

"We believe becoming a First Responder group will provide the best possible service for the people of the local area and give them a real increase in service.

"Whilst there are nurses and doctors in the group, it's not just us. We were delighted when other members of staff decided to come on board."

Practice manager Jan Hutton said: "All the non-medical staff were a little nervous about joining, but once we heard that the other 35 groups in Essex are completely made up of volunteers from all walks of life we felt much better about it.

"Our group will only be operating during the day, but we hope to boost the hours as we get more volunteers to join.

"We anticipate other locals will be interested in working with us when they hear about what a difference we make.

Essex Ambulance Service's Senior Operations Manager (West) Adrian Maasz said: "Once we have a group together, we send them on a one-day course to learn needed skills.

"First Responders are a vital part of our service, often providing an early response to patients with heart problems, breathing difficulties or choking and unconscious patients.

"If you speak to people in the communities where groups exist there is often a great feeling of community spirit, knowing that someone in their neighbourhood will be there if they need them "The work they do is extremely satisfying and can literally save lives. Having said that, they can also simply provide reassurance.

"In other instances, where someone has chest pains, simply giving them oxygen can make a big difference.

"If you ask our crews what they think of First Responders, every one of them will tell you that the work they carry out is first class and they make a real difference for the patient."

Contact information: To seek help from the service or to volunteer, call First Responders on 01992 893938.