When you dial 999 for an ambulance are you absolutely clear on who will walk through your door?

It could be an ambulance crew or one of a growing number of ‘First Responders’ – community volunteers trained in basic first aid.

First Responders will help you until an ambulance arrives but as BBC Scotland’s Health Correspondent Eleanor Bradford found out, doctors and paramedics want tighter controls on their use.

First Responder schemes have been particularly promoted in rural areas where an ambulance may be a long way away, and a local resident can give first aid until it arrives.

However a BBC Radio Scotland documentary, has revealed the arrival of a First Responder counts towards official ambulance response times.

First started in 1998, volunteers are trained in the use of a defibrillator, oxygen, and first aid but are not allowed to give drugs or attend certain incidents, such as those involving children.

There are already 60 schemes in Scotland and they are seeking to recruit more volunteers.

Doctors’ leaders and ambulance representatives say while they support the idea of “First Responders” they should not be allowed to “stop the clock” and help meet government targets.

Read full article: BBC NEWS.