What happens if you need an ambulance and one isn't available when you most need it?

Heart attacks, strokes and allergic reactions are just some of the cases that require urgent action where every second impacts on the chances of the patients. 

This is the reason why it's so important that a fast response alternative is available in the form of volunteer First Responders. 

Hyde is extremely fortunate to have two of these highly trained people, who can get to incidents and start treating patients until ambulance crews can attend. 

Christopher Jones and Geoff Holden provide this service for the community, using their own vehicles to get to all parts of Hyde and Mottram when they receive an emergency call. 

They have all the equipment required, such as defibrillators, that can literally save a life. 

Between them, they provide 24/7 cover as unpaid volunteers. 

They do have First Responder uniforms but their vehicles are not marked, other than a small sign on their windscreens. 

They are also not permitted to use blue lights when responding to incidents so other road users are not aware to give way to them. 

Christopher explained that a properly liveried vehicle they could share would assist in providing an even better service. 

To this end, they have put out a Just Giving appeal on their Facebook page and asked if any car dealers would like to sponsor their service. 

The men also attend local groups to raise awareness about their work, with lessons in first aid and defibrillator use. 

Christopher works for Greater Manchester Police and was recently presented with a certificate of recognition by the new Chief Constable for his extra curricular activity. 

If anyone would like to offer some support, you can contact them on the Hyde Community First Responders Facebook page. 

The whole community is being urged to show them support as no-one knows when they could be needed. 

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