KNUTSFORD First Responders is looking to launch a new recruitment campaign early next year to strengthen its 999 calls cover in the area.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has restricted all the group’s key activities, but it is planning how these will be restarted and expanded as soon as they are able do so.

Adrian Rees from Knutsford Community First Responder Trust said: “Working alongside the North West Ambulance Service we have continued to respond throughout the pandemic, albeit with a smaller team.

“We have also been providing NWAS with extra services throughout this period.

“We will need to recruit new First Responders to join our existing team to strengthen our 24/7 cover for 999 calls in the Knutsford area post the pandemic.

“Unfortunately, NWAS is currently unable to provide new recruits with the training necessary to graduate as fully trained First Responders.

“We will therefore be embarking on a new recruitment campaign sometime in early 2021.

Knutsford Guardian:

A cardiac screening day at Knutsford Academy

“Anyone wishing to register their interest should contact Pauline Coffey, our Community First Responder team leader, via the form on our website.”

The group’s Heartstart courses are to restart as soon as permitted to do so, and the group recently installed community public access defibrillators at Hal Whittaker Toys and the Old Sessions House.

Anyone who is interested in sponsoring a defibrillator, or contributing to their upkeep, can contact the group via the form on its website.

Adrian added: “The Trust has been offering free cardiac screening to young people in Knutsford since 2016 in collaboration with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Knutsford Guardian:

A Heartstart course

“We have been holding these for Knutsford Academy students and Knutsford residents each year, and had three days booked in 2020 before the pandemic lockdown required these days to be cancelled.

“Two new dates at the Academy have now been booked for 2021, together with one public day at Knutsford Methodist church hall, and the Trust remains committed to providing free cardiac screening for the students and young adult population of Knutsford for years to come.”

See the Trust’s website for full details on the free life-saving services provided by the group, and details on how you are able to make a donation.

Knutsford Guardian:

A student undergoes cardiac screening