Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has commended the "invaluable" contribution of First Responders across Northern Ireland, highlighting their crucial role in providing immediate care in emergency situations.

Across Northern Ireland, 22 First Responder schemes operate, comprising 407 volunteers who reside within their local communities. Activated by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), these volunteers respond to specific 999 emergency calls in their vicinity, supplementing the care provided by ambulance crews.

The primary aim of First Responders is to reach potentially life-threatening emergencies within the critical first few minutes before an ambulance arrives. This service is particularly vital in rural and geographically isolated communities, where local volunteers can often be on the scene within minutes and provide essential initial support, including basic emergency life support and defibrillation if needed. Minister Nesbitt paid tribute to the Ards Peninsula First Responders at a recognition event held in Bangor City Hall. Established in February 2015, the Ards scheme is one of the longest-serving in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "It really is impressive to be reaching the 10th anniversary of the Ards Peninsula First Responders. With over 50,000 volunteer hours provided over the past ten years, the impact of this group really is immeasurable when you think of the partners, children, wider families and friends of each individual treated. First Responder schemes such as this really do represent the best of community and the best of humanity. Selflessly giving up your own time and energy to help those most in need, especially in our rural areas, is truly admirable. And the Ards Peninsula scheme has the added challenge of dealing not only with the local community, but also serving the visiting tourists as the population swells over the summer months as people enjoy the coastline."