Community First Responders

CFR picture

When a person suffers a cardiac arrest they lose consciousness almost at once. Unless someone starts cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within three to four minutes, the person may suffer permanent damage to the brain and other organs.

Our Community First Responder volunteers are trained to attend emergency calls received by the ambulance service and provide care until the ambulance arrives.

Community First Responder volunteers arrive at an emergency in a matter of minutes, as they are sent to calls in their local area.

What does it involve?

Commitment

You will be on call and will work shifts based on a rota. All we ask is for four hours a month of your time. Many of our volunteers do more if they wish.

Role

You will be despatched to incidents at the same time as an ambulance.

As a first responder, you could help in the following ways:

  • Treating injuries
  • Performing CPR
  • Using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Training

You will first receive all the medical training you need. 

Next step

To find out more about becoming a Community First Responder you can complete our online form or you can telephone 08700 10 49 50 to be put through to your local St John Ambulance branch.