A team of live-saving Swadlincote volunteers is fundraising to buy vital equipment.

The community first responders (CFR) react rapidly to life-threatening emergencies in the town and surrounding villages.

In more rural and hard to reach areas, CFRs have a much better chance of providing the immediate help needed before the arrival of an East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) crew.

The six-strong group of unpaid volunteers receive ongoing training from the ambulance service plus consumables such as oxygen, trauma bandages and medical essentials.

But they have to raise the money themselves to fund all other equipment such as kit bags, defibrillators and uniforms.

"First responders receive no funding from any official source," explained Simon Sturgess, joint coordinator of Swadlincote CFR.

"We must raise sufficient money to pay for our uniform and equipment.

"We are despatched by EMAS to life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, cardiac arrest, choking and stroke victims.

"We are fundraising to buy life-saving equipment such as observation kits, containing essentials like blood pressure monitors and thermometers, and defibrillators.

"For patients experiencing cardiac arrest every second counts.

"Every minute that passes without defibrillation a person's chances of survival can decrease by up to 10 percent.

"Defibrillators cost £1,000 each and observation kits £400."

The Swadlincote team has continued to provide its life-saving service throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

"We now need the community's help to keep our first responders attending 999 emergencies.

"We'd be very grateful for any donation - large or small - to our online appeal with 100 percent of the money going towards buying new equipment," added Simon.

The team is also inviting any business interested in sponsoring uniform or equipment to get in touch by emailing [email protected].