THE Community First Responders at Wiveliscombe have been recognised for their work.

They have won the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWAST) 2017 achievement prize for Somerset.

The group, now made up of nine dedicated volunteers (pictured), has been responding to emergencies in the 10 Parishes for more than 16 years.

Volunteers respond to emergencies but also help support the provision and awareness of new community public access defibrillators in the town and surrounding areas.

They have also recently taken part in a new lifting equipment pilot which is proving effective in the ambulance trust’s patient treatment options. 

SWAST community responder officer (Somerset & Bristol) Adrian Healey said: “Patient care, compassion and a team ethos encompass the spirit of this group of amazing responders who demonstrate on a daily basis their vital link in our response to patients. This group award couldn’t be more deserved.”