This year’s nominated charity at Clogher Valley Show is ACE – Augher, Clogher and Eskra First Responders.

This group, which has been recently established for the benefit of local residents in the catchment area, has a number of committed volunteers who live in the area and are alerted by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) to specific 999 emergency calls.

The aim of First Responders is to reach a potentially life-threatening emergency in the vital first few minutes before the arrival of the ambulance crew.

They are able to provide basic emergency life support and use a defibrillator if required.

Community First Responders are alerted in addition to the NIAS and both work in partnership with each other.

The ACE First Responders are an independent community group who through the group’s co-ordinator, helps to act as a point of contact for the CFR volunteers and liaises with the ambulance service.

The group were only formed in April, 2023 and more than 20 volunteers have been undergoing training.

For those willing to join, you need to be physically fit, have access to a car and possess a full driving licence, be aged 18 and over, agree to an enhanced Access NI check, have a sympathetic and caring nature, be prepared to undertake initial clinical training, and attend update training every 8-12 months, and be prepared to undertake additional non-clinical training such as e-learning, moving and handling.