COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS
Have some spare time and would like to support the local community?
Community first responders (CFRs) are volunteers who are trained to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live.
They are contacted by ambulance control to attend a potential life threatening emergency before the ambulance crew arrives. Their role is to help stabilise the patient and provide the appropriate care until the ambulance crew arrives on scene to take over the treatment.
Responders receive a six-day training course – this may be achieved either by three weekdays per week over two weeks or two weekend days over three weekends. The training is a mix of on-line and face to face learning with an end of course exam.
Anyone can become First Responder, but you must –
- be physically fit
- be aged between 18-70
- agree to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check (DBS). This was previously known as criminal records bureau check or CRB.
- have a sympathetic, caring nature
- have a full driving licence and access to a car