A leading first aid charity are looking for people to join an emergency volunteer scheme which could save the life of a neighbour in need.

St John Ambulance are hosting two information evenings for people to find out more about becoming a Community First Responder (CFR).

The scheme is run by the charity in partnership with the London Ambulance Service as 14 units spread across 21 London boroughs.

CFRs are trained to respond to 999 calls where they are dispatched at the same time as an ambulance to provide first aid and care to distressed friends or relatives until paramedics arrive.

They operate as part of a rota system from their home or workplace to be an extra pair of hands at ‘Category A’ calls or potentially life-threatening medical emergencies such as heart attacks, diabetic emergencies, an unconscious patient, breathing difficulties, or seizures.

Volunteers will need to be available for four days of free training to be held every Saturday in Romford from June 8 at the St John Ambulance Centre and they will have to commit to a minimum of four hours a month.

John, regional CFR co-ordinator for the scheme in London, recently attended an emergency as part of a team with his wife Sandra and they save the life of a policeman who was having a heart attack after collapsing at home.

John said: “Being a CFR can be hugely rewarding as volunteers are providing a vital service in their own neighbourhood - a service which in some cases is quite literally the difference between life and death.”

An information event about being a CFR is being held on Tuesday at St John Ambulance HQ, 3 Albert Road, Romford, RM1 2PD and another one will be held on May 8 at the London Ambulance Service HQ in Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8SD.

No previous experience is required and, for more information and to register for attendance, email cfr@london.sja.org.uk.