FREEMASONS have donated £2,500 to their local community first responders to help them buy the most up-to-date defibrillators.

The Freemasons of Kington are supporters of their local community first responders (CFRs) who provide fast responses to medical emergencies before an ambulance arrives.

The CFR scheme was originally set up to use defibrillators in cases of cardiac arrest, but they can now provide the first assistance in a wider range of medical emergencies.

They deal with cases of collapse, falls, breathing difficulties and trauma amongst many other medical conditions. When they are alerted following a 999 call, an ambulance is also dispatched, but the CFRs are often able to get to the emergency first.

The Kington team cover an area within Herefordshire of around six to eight miles from the market town. The target is to arrive at the emergency within 10 minutes, depending on distance and availability.

The ambulance service provides the training and issues supplies like dressings and oxygen, but life-saving equipment has to be funded by CFRs themselves, through fundraising in their local communities.

The defibrillators were funded by the Kington Masonic Charitable Trust, which provides help for Freemasons.

There is a need for more CFR volunteers, no medical background is required and full training is given by the ambulance service.

Anyone interested can find out more via the NHS Jobs website, under the volunteer section.