KNUTSFORD has another team of lifesavers right in the heart of the town after members of the emergency services teamed up to share headquarters.

Firefighters in Knutsford have opened the doors of their fire station to welcome members of Knutsford Community First Responder Trust (KCFRT) to their new home.

The KCFRT team is a group of volunteers who are trained by and work with the North West Air Ambulance Service (NWAS).

Its aim is to preserve life and promote recovery in an emergency situation before an ambulance arrives.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue has offered to share their facilities free of charge, and the KCFRT team is now able to access their trauma kits and equipment whenever they need them, after moving in last Friday, July 17.

They’ll also be sharing the kitchen, common room and lockers with the town’s first responder team.

Station manager Duncan Palin said: “Having the Knutsford First Responder team based at Knutsford Fire Station can only be a benefit.

“It will ensure that we continue to provide the best service to the local people, creating a true community asset.

“The initiative brings equipment and expertise together under one roof with the added benefit of us being able to work closely together when required for the benefit of the town and surrounding areas.”

Adrian Rees, chairman of KCFRT, added: “We are delighted that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has allowed us to use their facilities at Knutsford Fire Station as our new headquarters for our First Responder Team and vehicle.

“Having searched for a permanent base for our life-saving work, being at the fire station will improve our ability to continue to serve the Knutsford community by being able to arrive at a 999 emergency in minutes.”

The Knutsford Community Heartstart initiative is also run by KCFRT and it aims to teach emergency life support skills to members of the public.

KCFRT operates in Knutsford and its neighbouring communities seven days a week between 9am and 10pm.

They cannot to be contacted directly and, in an emergency, people are urged to ring 999 or 112 and speak to an operator.

More information about KCFRT is available by visiting www.knutsfordfirstresponders.org.uk and for news about Knutsford Fire Station go to www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/about-us/local-fire-stations/knutsford-fire-station