GIRVAN and South Carrick First Responder's group will be holding a training session this week.

So far there are two volunteers who have completed their training but more residents are encouraged to sign up to help save lives.

Due to the rural nature of the area, the Health and Social Care Locality Planning Group have developed the scheme which would serve as back up to the Scottish Ambulance Service by providing local emergency first aid.

A First Responder will be between 18 and 65 years of age and be physically fit. They should have a sympathetic and caring approach to people and should be reliable and trustworthy.

Ideally they should be able to drive and hold a clean driving licence must be able to work together with others as part of a team.

Examples of incidents which a First Responder is likely to attend include patients who are in cardiac arrest, unconscious, choking or victims of drowning.

A First Responder could therefore be exposed to both visual and emotional circumstances which are challenging. 

The South Carrick venture seems to have sparked interest in Girvan and the surrounding villages.

Tricia Watts, of the Girvan Town Team, explained: "They are just getting together and there are 24 volunteers who have signed up at the moment which is absolutely brilliant.

"But there are only two people who have actually completed training. Those who want to get involved have to be under 65.

"Training, which is quite intense, will take place in the form of twilight sessions at the Town House in September. Our aim is to have first responder's in all the villages."

Their 'meet and greet with a short training session' will take place this Thursday, September 21 at 7pm at Girvan Town House, 25 Knockcushan Street, KA26 9AG.