A COUPLE from Trecwn are behind a new first responder unit that has been set up in Fishguard and Goodwick.

First responders are volunteers trained to attend emergency calls received by the ambulance service and provide lifesaving care until the paramedics arrive.

The scheme operates as a community partnership between St John Ambulance and local ambulance service trust.

Keith and Janice John have undergone intensive training in Haverfordwest, where a unit is already set up.

Janice said: “We’ve been up and running now for two weeks and have responded to two calls, including a lady who had collapsed in the heat at the Bay Hotel.

“We enjoy it and if we can be a help to the community then it’s rewarding.”

First responders require a host of equipment such as defibrillators, bag valve masks, first aid kits and personal and protective equipment.

Keith and Janice recently attended a meeting of Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council to make a request for funding.

On Friday they were presented with a cheque for £999 to buy a defibrillator.

Janice said: “We cannot thank the town council enough, because without this equipment we wouldn’t be able to go live. We are going to look into getting a sticker made for the defibrillator saying it has been sponsored by the town council.”