Corporal Tom Wheeler, RAF Police, accepts the donation from James Martin, co-director of Martin-Baker, with Steven Catley from the East of England Ambulance Service

A CASH boost will allow members of the armed forces at RAF Henlow to launch a First Response Team to provide support to the East of England Ambulance Service.

Ejection seat manufacturer Martin-Baker has donated £12,000 to buy essential kit for the team, as well as pay for training in emergency care.

The First Response Team will be overseen by the ambulance service, but manned by RAF Henlow volunteers, who will provide support outside normal working hours, attending emergencies within the community as required.

The aim is to reduce response times in the rural area, especially in the event of cardiac-related incidents where every second counts.

Sergeant John Marsh, the team’s coordinator, said: “It was brilliant to hear from Martin-Baker that they would donate the set-up costs.

“The team can now begin training and acquire the car and other equipment. It’s been a lot of hard work to get this far, so it’s a relief that we finally have the funding.”

As well as a response vehicle, the team will have access to medical equipment ranging from various bandages and dressings through to medical gases and a defibrillator.

The scheme is funded entirely by donations and requires constant support to maintain skills and equipment. If you would like to donate, call Sgt Marsh on 01462 851515 ext 7473.