UK's oldest responder still saving lives aged 88

An 88-year-old volunteer community first responder (CFR) is still serving her community after more than 23 years.

Carol Moss, who lives near Manningtree in Essex, is believed to be the oldest CFR in the UK.

She is part of a team at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) in and around her village, including in nearby Suffolk.

She explained she "loved" helping people and it had been her partner who originally encouraged her to volunteer.

"People's faces when you arrive, they are very relieved that someone has turned up and it's just so lovely, you feel so welcome.

"Every call is a chance to help someone in need, and that is what keeps me going."

CFRs are unpaid volunteers who are trained to respond to 999 calls. They can provide immediate treatment until an ambulance arrives.

Ms Moss was one of the first group of volunteers to the trust in Suffolk, she explained, with herself and two others still there today.

EEAST said it estimated that Ms Moss had responded to about 1,000 medical emergencies.

"I never imagined I would still be volunteering after 23 years, but I love it," she said.

In the first five months of 2025, Ms Moss volunteered about 260 hours per month, and was on-call most days to respond to medical emergencies, EEAST added.

The retired teacher was awarded a community champion award by Conservative MP for South Suffolk James Cartlidge in 2023.

She urged others to consider volunteering for the service.

"It's such a wonderful service so you like to give as many hours as you can."

Lorna Hayes, head of community response at EEAST, said: "Carol is an inspiration to us all.

"Her unwavering commitment, comion and resilience has saved lives and brought comfort to countless families."

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