A COMMUNITY first responder from Upper Rissington has been nominated for a Pride of the Cotswolds award.

Phil Miles, 50, provides first aid to critically ill patients before an ambulance arrives.

He is South Western Ambulance Service’s (SWAS) only community first responder in the area, covering Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and further afield.

Phil is the owner of Cotswold First Aid and spends his days teaching his skills in schools and workplaces.

He has spendt 20 hours a week on call with SWAS for the last three-and-a-half years.

Phil said: “I teach first aid so I figured I may as well put these skills to use. The idea is you get help to someone as quickly as possible. It’s quite a rural area.

“It can take crews a while. You can improve the person’s chances.

“There is a sense of satisfaction. If I can make a difference then I may as well be useful. It’s no hardship.

“Our local crews are brilliant. When they turn up there is always good interaction.

“They are always happy to teach me stuff.”

The person who nominated Phil said: “Without him volunteering this area would not have a responder. It makes a huge difference to that patient.

“He signs on every time he is home. This award would be a huge thanks from the community.”

You can nominate someone for a Pride of the Cotswolds award through the Awards section of the website.