The Largs First Responders are celebrating their tenth anniversary in 2015 ... and you could help make a difference to someone’s life.

The voluntary support service provide crucial support to 999 calls throughout the town and surrouding area.

A community first responder is a member of the public who volunteers to help their community by responding to medical emergencies while the ambulance is on its way.

If you want to become a responder, you will be trained in a wide range of emergency skills, and use specialised equipment such as automatic external defibrillators and oxygen therapy. You would then be able to provide an early intervention in situations such as a heart or asthma attack before the professional ambulance crew arrives. This improves patient survival and recovery.

With coronary heart disease as the UK’s biggest killer causing around 82,000 deaths each year, it is interesting to note that there are defibrillators at Inverclyde Sports Centre, dentist in Main Street, GP Surgery, Vikingar, Largs Yacht Haven, and Halkshill Bowling Club. There are plans for another in the Main Street at the entrance to Lounge.

There are, of course, defibrillators on the ambulance, first responder vehicle and fire engine.

The responders have also backed proposals to locate defibrillators within more public areas after a motion was laid down at North Ayrshire Council.

And members have also joined the 60 strong Largs emergency team for community resilience to cope with flooding and blizzards in the area.

The responders have a high profile and are regularly out providing support to a range of community events including yuletide evening, the Santa dash, and the Viking Festival.

If you believe you want to join as a member, or would like to find out more details, go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/largsfirstresponders