Decision to put First Responders 'on-ice' overturned following pressure from local MP

4.53.49pm GMT Fri 8th Dec 2006

Chief Executive of the North West Ambulance Service, John Burnside, has confirmed to local MP Tim Farron that the First Responders scheme will no longer be put 'on-ice' while a review of the scheme is carried out. The confirmation came during a meeting between Tim and John Burnside this lunchtime.

Concerns were raised recently that the training of new and existing members and the supply of equipment was being put on hold while a review of the First Responders scheme was undertaken. John Burnside has confirmed that training will continue and essential equipment will still be provided to groups during the review. While no new First Responders groups will be formed, the Ambulance Service is going to look again at letting new individual members join groups during the review.

Speaking after the meeting, Tim said: "First Responders provide a vital service in rural areas like South Lakeland when it takes a long time for an ambulance to get to an emergency call. I am relieved that the Ambulance Service has pulled back from putting the scheme on hold during the review process, and hope that through the review process the scheme can be secured for the future."