What do a Dentist, a barmaid and a shop owner have in common? On the face of it, not much perhaps, but one of these very different people may one day just save your life – they are all Community First Responders (CFRs) in Warwickshire.
CFRs come from all walks of life. They go about their daily lives, but if an emergency call is received by the ambulance service within a two or three mile radius of them, they are sent to give the patient vital first aid and potentially lifesaving treatment.
There are 235 active CFRs and 30 active schemes in Coventry and Warwickshire presently, and an appeal has now been launched for more volunteers across the county, but particularly in Nuneaton & Bedworth borough and areas to the north of the county. Volunteers interested in becoming Community First Responders would be interviewed to assess their suitability with a view to being trained as soon as possible. The new CFR’s would be able to join an existing group, or start up their own group in their community.
CFRs are everyday members of the public who are trained in life-saving techniques, including the use of a defibrillator. They are essential in areas that are remote and their availability, close proximity and local knowledge are among their many assets. If available, CFRs will be called to tend to a patient while an ambulance is en route. They are vital in life-threatening situations, particularly in the case of a cardiac arrest, when every minute counts (a patient’s chance of survival reduces by ten percent every minute).
Potential volunteers must be aged 18 or over, with a full driving licence and lots of enthusiasm. Equipment is provided from the fundraising efforts of the CFRs and their groups and no previous experience is necessary as West Midlands Ambulance Service provide the training. Applicants will attend an Institute of Healthcare Development course lasting up to four weekends; covering Basic Life Support and Defibrillation, Medical Emergencies, Traumatic Emergencies and Preparing for Active Duty.
They will then observe alongside ambulance crews or a Paramedic Officer before going ‘live’ after which they are mentored by Paramedic Officers from West Midlands Ambulance Service. Every 12 months Community First Responders are required to undertake a basic life support and defibrillator assessment. Every three years, they are required to re-qualify their IHCD course.
If you wish to become a Community First Responder, please contact Ian Inglesant, Community Response Manager for Coventry and Warwickshire on 07794 027284 or ian.inglesant@wmas.nhs.uk