Last updated at 12:57, Friday, 01 March 2013

This is the only man now responsible for initially responding to emergencies in Workington.

CAN YOU RESPOND: Neil Hurst is appealing for more people to become First Responders for Workington

Neil Hurst, 48, of Holden Road, is the sole remaining member of the town’s First Responders group which answers emergencies in the town centre, Moorclose, Salterbeck, Harrington and Westfield.

Mr Hurst can be called out before paramedics to incidents involving heart attacks and diabetic comas.

He is on call 24 hours a day and is desperate for other volunteers to come forward to help.

Neil’s fellow responders Susan McCullough, 32, of Cockfield Drive, Westfield, and Janet Richardson, of Wasterwater Avenue, stepped down a few weeks ago.

The trio set up the team last year.

Mr Hurst, a member of St John Ambulance for 12 years, said: “We need more members to come forward so we can go out to more incidents. Ambulances may not be available so it is vital someone can get to the scene quickly to give life-saving help.”

Married to Pauline, 46, he has three children, Paula, Craig and Jane, and he has been applying for grants for equipment.

Anyone interested in joining should call 07999170500.

First published at 12:52, Friday, 01 March 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk