If you live between Newhaven and Ovingdean you will no doubt have seen the first responder’s cars, who are likely to be attending emergencies on behalf of the ambulance service. The first responders are ambulance-trained local volunteers who carry life-support equipment and, because they live locally, are able to attend serious incidents in the home, well before ambulance crews arrive.

The first responders’ cars are well marked. However, we do not have blue lights or sirens and therefore our progress is often impeded by other motorists who take exception to being asked to give way to us at road junctions or when we need to turn across on-coming traffic into side roads.

We have permission to use the bus lanes when attending an emergency and permits to park on yellow lines.

What I am asking is that if you see one of us in an obvious hurry, please be courteous and give way if requested to do so. We will be going to one of your neighbours or relatives, who may have had a fall, stroke or heart attack, and time is of the essence.

We give our time freely and are well supported by local councils and philanthropic organisations such as the Lions. Please do your bit by letting us through.

Tony Prince
Arest first responder team
Telscombe Cliffs