Community first responders

When a person suffers a cardiac arrest they lose consciousness in a matter of seconds. Unless someone begins cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within three to four minutes, the person may suffer permanent damage to the brain and other organs.

Neighbourhood first responder volunteers are trained to attend emergency calls received by the ambulance service and provide care until the ambulance arrives. Volunteers can arrive at an emergency scene in a matter of minutes, as they are sent to calls in their local area.

The schemes operate as a community partnership between St John Ambulance and local ambulance service trusts. Having someone in the community who has been trained in first aid and can reach the patient quickly makes all the difference.

Each volunteer member takes it in turn to be 'on call'. They carry basic first aid equipment and an automated external defibrillator (AED). The ambulance service controller sends them to Category A (immediately life-threatening) medical calls; they are despatched at the same time as an ambulance and crew.

Anyone who lives in the area can get involved with a local CFR scheme, whether it's to be a volunteer, or to help with other vital tasks such as fundraising, training or administration. Volunteers do not need first aid experience to join their local unit, as full training will be provided.

Why I volunteer

'I volunteer my time to St John Ambulance because I think first aid training is basic life support.'

Read Elizabeth's story.