VOLUNTEERS with an interest in learning life-saving first aid skills are being sought in the Machynlleth and Dyfi Valley area.

The Welsh Ambulance Service Trust’s newly formed Dyfi First Responders group will hold an information evening at Y Plas, Machynlleth, at 7pm on Tuesday, 31 May, where interested residents can find out more about the project.

There are more than 1,000 volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs) working day and night in Wales, supporting WAST by providing an initial response to casualties suffering from potentially life-threatening conditions.

Gareth Mason, co-ordinator of the Dysynni First Responders, said: “CFRs are volunteers who donate their spare time to attend appropriate 999 calls and provide first-hand emergency care to people in their own community."

Mr Mason added that volunteers will be trained in emergency first aid care, including in the use of oxygen therapy and defibrillators.

Volunteers are required to be over the age of 18, hold a full, clean driving licence, and will need to undergo occupational health and Disclosure Barring Service checks. Anyone living in the local Machynlleth area who wishes to be a part this group can find out more information by e-mailing: [email protected]; or by visiting: www.ambulance.wales.uk

WAST is also looking for willing volunteers in the south Gwynedd area. If you, or you know someone who does, live in the Corris, Pennal, Aberdyfi, Tywyn, Abergynolwyn, Fairbourne and Dinas Mawddwy areas, please e-mail: [email protected] and/or come along to the information evening in Machynlleth.

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