03-06-2025
Welsh Ambulance Service celebrates hundreds of volunteers
The recognition comes as part of Volunteers' Week, which runs from June 2 to 8.
Nearly 700 people currently volunteer with the service across a range of roles, including 353 community first responders (CFRs), 128 community welfare responders (CWRs), and 160 volunteer car service drivers.
Lee Brooks, executive director of operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: "Volunteers are an essential part of the Welsh Ambulance Service.
"Their commitment and generosity directly impact thousands of patients every year, and we simply couldn't do what we do without them.
"Volunteers' Week is a wonderful chance to recognise their incredible efforts, to celebrate the time and energy they selflessly give, and to thank them publicly for their continued support of their local communities."
Among the CFRs is Ben Kirkham, 50, from Colwyn Bay, who has volunteered since November 2016.
Mr Kirkham said: "I wanted to do something for the community first of all, something that felt like I was making a tangible difference.
"I've learned so much as a CFR and continue to learn as our scope of practice develops to meet the demands of the role.
"To anyone thinking of volunteering I would say just go for it, it's such a worthwhile thing to do."
CFRs are trained to deliver first aid, oxygen therapy, and use a defibrillator, and in 2024/25, they attended more than 10,841 emergencies across Wales.
The service also trains community welfare responders, who attend non-life-threatening calls and relay live patient observations to control rooms.
Jackie Hatton-Bell, a CWR from Narberth, Pembrokeshire, said: "I absolutely love what I do as no two incidents are ever the same and being able to get out into my local community to help others really makes me feel like my time is being well spent."
Volunteer car service drivers play a key role in patient transport, and in the past year, they completed more than 45,000 journeys.
Gareth Parry, operations manager for volunteering and community resilience, said: "This Volunteers' Week, we celebrate and thank them for their invaluable contributions across Wales."
