► Till Valley Community First Responders were established in January 2008 and became operational on 1st July 2008.

► The group cover the areas of Milfield, Crookham, Ford, Etal, Branxton, Cornhill-on-Tweed and all surrounding rural properties and farms.

► The Team currently consists of 4 active First Responders and 10 support staff, who are all unpaid volunteers.

► Till Valley First Responders are trained, controlled and deployed by North East Ambulance Service.

► So far we have responded to emergency call-outs in and around the Till Valley.

► In rural area such as the area in which the group operates, it is nearly always impossible for an emergency ambulance to reach an incident within the critical eight minute window.

► Responders are deployed to suspected heart attacks, chokings, epileptic fits, unconscious collapses and other similar illnesses in adults only.

► Responders who have undertaken the advanced 'First Person on Scene' training (including 'Intermediate Trauma Life Support') can also be dispatched to 'Trauma and Medical Emergencies' which consist of road accidents, incidents at home and work, and additionally incidents involving children (i.e. almost any type of call).

► Often the Responder can find that as well as treating the patient they are also supporting the family and friends of the patient, who may be severely distressed about the incident. Being a Responder can sometimes prove to be a harrowing experience and is not for the faint hearted!

► As we receive no funding from the Government or the Ambulance Service, local fundraising such as coffee mornings, car boot sales, personal donations etc, is a vital link between the Scheme and the local community. These funds are extremely important to meet the day to day running costs of the Scheme and the cost of equipment. Click Here to go to the 'Fundraising' page.

► New volunteers are still required to be First Responders. We aim to provide cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the duty rota caters for the availability of individual Responders. Some can only manage a few hours now and again, other can do more. If you would like to join the team as an active Responder, you must have access to a motor vehicle and possess a full driving licence. You should also be reasonably fit and active as the role can be physically demanding. For more information, click Here.