What is a Community First Responder? Our Community First Responders (CFRs) are a vital part of our emergency care services. They are volunteers who respond from their home addresses or work places to patients with life threatening medical emergencies. They provide life-saving care to patients, often in rural areas, in the first few minutes before the ambulance arrives. They are trained to deal with medical emergencies and either keep or have rapid access to a defibrillator. Their quick attendance can mean life or death whilst an ambulance is on the way. “I wanted to respond as l had reached a time in my life when l wanted to do something purposeful and give something back, instead of taking from my community.”
Great Western Ambulance Service Jenner House, Langley Park Estate, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 1GG
Tel: 01249 858 000 Fax: 01249 850 091 Email: pals@gwas.nhs.uk www.gwas.nhs.uk
If you would like to find out more about the contents of this document, please telephone 01249 858612
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Community First Responders
What kind of emergencies do First Responders attend?
What does the application process involve?
Medical emergencies such as:
You complete: » an application form » a health check form – which is posted directly to our doctor » a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) form » you are invited for interview and bring along your CRB form » you will be told at the interview if you have been successful – subject to CRB check.
» cardiac arrest » chest pain » breathing difficulties » unconscious patients » fitting » stroke. “Realising that the guy I was talking to wouldn’t have been here without the immediate assistance I was able to give as a First Responder, was a really good feeling.”
Who can become a First Responder? You do not require any previous medical training. We currently have a whole host of people including nurses, engineers, postal workers and teachers. You do need: » good interpersonal and communication skills » the ability to observe and accurately record details » the ability to take the lead and remain calm in pressured situations. “The group has gained a lot of respect within our community and there is a feel-good factor for it.”
“We often see patients in supermarkets or in the street who us tell us how much better they are and say ‘thank you’ for saving their lives.”
What about training? » Your training is booked for you as soon as your CRB check is back » Training is available at weekends or during the week to suit you » You will receive four days training over a period » From first application to training can take up to 3 months – depending on the speed of response from the CRB.
In the know… » There are around 300 CFRs across GWAS » Around 300 lifethreatening incidents are attended each week across GWAS by CFRs, by people using defibrillation equipment placed in public sites or by coresponders such as fire fighters or police » CFRs operate within a 3-mile radius of their home or place of work » The average time it takes for a CFR to arrive on scene is 2.5 minutes » 92% of CFRs across GWAS provide life saving emergency care within 6 minutes of a call for help » GWAS also works with other organisations including the Fire and Rescue Services » Last year we placed around 120 defibrillators in the community. There can be upsetting moments from time to time and the GWAS network makes sure there is someone to help 24 hours a day.
How can I find out more? If you live in the Great Western Ambulance Service area and would like to know more about becoming a Community First Responder at work or from home, contact us on: 0117 928 0485.
“Being associated with the GWAS makes me feel as a Team Leader, confident about what we are doing. There is an incredible support and training network for me and my team.”