COMMUNITY First Responders (CFR) joined a recent Salisbury Rotary Club meeting to teach members some life-saving techniques.

David and Julie Netton, both CFR’s, taught Rotary members how to properly use defibrillators, which can double or quadruple the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest -80% of which happen at home according to the British Heart Foundation.

A spokesperson said: “Julie and David brought with them an impressive array of kit and modern technology and encouraged club member participation in using defibrillators, how to give, and practising CPR, the use of a Raizer Emergency Lifting Chair, and Pulse Oximeters.

“An inspirational, fascinating and educational talk and demonstration from a service that, put simply, saves lives.”

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Salisbury Rotary Club recently committed to funding a defibrillator at the One Stop shop in the Bishopdown estate in Salisbury.

CFR’s are volunteers, trained and dispatched by UK ambulance services to provide essential life-saving treatment and support in those crucial moments before the ambulance crew arrives.

This includes responding to patients suffering a life-threatening emergency, such as a cardiac arrest, chest pain, strokes, breathing difficulties, diabetic emergencies, seizures, and allergic reactions.

Some specially trained CFR’s also respond to less urgent calls for patients who have fallen, pendant alarm activations, or where there is concern for their welfare.

CFR’s commenced in 1990, and there are over 600 in the South West area, funded locally by South Western Ambulance Service.

They are not paramedics but do have to sit qualifications, are available 24/7, and must commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 hours per week.