First responder team adds second vehicle to fleet

West Midlands Ambulance Service's first responder team in north east Worcestershire has been boosted with a second vehicle.

The car has been funded by Worcestershire County Council's Public Health Community Grant programme and National Lottery funding.

It will now be used to attend life-threatening emergencies, alongside ambulance crews, across Redditch, Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Alvechurch, Wythall and surrounding villages.

Ross Harris, from North East Worcestershire First Responders, said: "This funding has made a huge difference to what we can deliver."

"A second vehicle means we can respond to more emergencies across a much wider area, and it gives our volunteers the tools they need to save lives," Harris said.

"The support for training equipment and community education also means we can teach more people CPR, first aid and bleed control skills.

"We're incredibly grateful for the council's support and proud to continue serving our communities."

The ambulance service (WMAS) said provision for a second vehicle would allow crews to engage in public health initiatives, including teaching CPR and first aid training.

Councillor Satinder Bell, county council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "By supporting North East Worcestershire First Responders, we are strengthening emergency response times, but we are also building vital community skills.

"Prevention, early intervention and community confidence are at the heart of good public health, and this funding helps ensure more residents know what to do in a crisis.

"The volunteers' commitment is extraordinary, and this new vehicle will help them reach more people, more quickly, across our communities."

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