A call is going out for more people to become community responders.

The idea is that volunteers receive medical training and then answer emergency calls in their neighbourhood.

While responders are not expected to deal with a situation all by themselves, they can hold the fort until paramedics arrive.

Jim Hunt, Hampshire Ambulance policy and compliance manager, added: "Someone who lives around the corner can be there much faster than an ambulance crew."

Responders normally operate in cells, with at least one member on standby for most or all of the time.

Around 30 groups are active in the county and ambulance bosses intend to raise the figure to 50.

There are plans to start a group in Eastleigh to complement the existing ones in Bishop's Waltham, Alresford and Littleton and Harestock, near Winchester.

One problem is a shortage of volunteers for both the new and established cells.

The Littleton and Harestock group, which answers around 100 emergencies every year, is no exception.

While they have six volunteers on their books, a further six are needed to provide cover around the clock.

Colin Dobson, who lives in Littleton and co-ordinates the group, joined the community responders four years ago.

"I thought it was the sort of thing I'd like to be involved with, having just retired."

The move was quite a departure for Colin, who used to work as an engineering consultant.

Responders can be called to victims of strokes, heart attacks, falls, overdoses and other serious conditions.

Colin says the varied nature of the work is the reason that he enjoys the role.

"You just don't know when you're going to get the call or what you're going to be dealing with."

Most volunteers normally spend a couple of mornings, afternoons or evenings on duty each week.

They use their own cars to reach patients and it is down to the individual how much time they spend on call.

All responders are trained by Hampshire Ambulance and are given refresher courses every six months.

Groups need to pay for their own medical kits, which include heart resuscitation equipment.

In the case of Littleton and Harestock, they spend around £2,000 every year on supplies. Half comes from the parish council, and the rest is met through fund-raising.

To find out more about community responders, call 01962-892676 or visit www.hampshireambulance.nhs.uk/communityresponders.