An appeal has been launched to find volunteers to be local lifesavers in Silsden.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust wants more residents to become Community First Responders.

They would join an existing Silsden scheme, co-ordinated by the ambulance service, which provides immediate medical care to people in the vital minutes before an ambulance arrives.

First responders are trained in basic life support, resuscitation and oxygen therapy.

They are equipped with a kit which includes oxygen and a defibrillator to help patients in a medical emergency such as a heart attack.

Neil Kirk, community defibrillation officer at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “We know that in many medical emergencies the first few minutes are critical.

“If effective treatment can be performed within those minutes, lives can be saved and disability reduced.

“Being part of this initiative can be extremely rewarding and I would encourage anyone who may be interested in helping their local community to take on the role.”

The ambulance service will provide full training to successful applicants who must be over the age of 18, physically fit and hold a full driving licence.

Candidates will also be subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check.

To find out more or to join the scheme, contact Linda Milsom on 07826 532238 or email responders@yas.nhs.uk.