THE London Ambulance Service is asking for volunteers to help save lives in Leytonstone, Chingford and Walthamstow.

The volunteers, known as Community First Responders (CFRs) are given nationally recognised training in emergency medical care and would work alongside paramedics on emergency calls.

Leaflets are now being distributed, offering more information to residents and workers in the area.

Waltham Forest ambulance operations manager Martin McTigue said ambulances already reach the majority of patients in a life-threatening condition in less than eight minutes.

But he added that volunteers with the basic skills and equipment living in the right area could provide “a much greater chance of survival.”

He said: "It also allows us to understand our local demographics and the local area much better.

"We get to know the local population much better."

An open evening will be held at St John Ambulance's headquarters in Leytonstone, in Queens Road, November 10 and November 18 between 7pm and 9pm.

Successful CFR volunteers will be trained to use a defibrillator, used to restart a patient’s heart by delivering an electric shock.

Candidates are expected to be reliable and trustworthy as well as working well under pressure and remaining calm.

They must also have a full and clean driving licence, held for at least a year.

They will not be asked to respond to 'blue light' calls and will not be put in situations where their safety is at risk.

They will be trained by St John Ambulance and must also pass a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

CFRs are also expected to have a 'caring' approach to people and must have access to a car.

For more information, contact Marian Thompson at St John Ambulance on 7258 7025, email cfr@london.sja.org.uk, or visit londonambulance.nhs.uk/acr