Community First Responders

Community First Responders are groups of volunteers who live and work in the local community.

They are trained and activated by North West Ambulance Service to attend certain emergency calls where time can make the difference between life and death. The responder provides care until the Ambulance arrives, usually only a few minutes later.

Very often the role they play is one of reassurance. In instances where someone has chest pains, simply giving them oxygen can make a big difference. In extreme cases they can perform CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) or in extreme cases use the defibrillator to restart someone’s heart.

Each volunteer takes it in turn to be ‘on call’. They carry basic First Aid equipment and a simple to use Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

The Ambulance Service controller sends them to Category A (immediately life threatening) medical calls; they are dispatched at the same time as the ambulance crews but because they are often in more rural areas, can often arrive more quickly than the ambulance. The scheme can be incredibly rewarding as responders could well end up saving someone’s life. Many villages where schemes exist show great community spirit knowing that there are people there who could be lifesavers.

Anyone who lives or works in the North West can get involved with the scheme, whether it’s to be a First Responder, or to help with other vital tasks such as fund-raising, support or administration. Volunteers do not need previous first aid experience to join their local group, as full training will be provided.

Our invaluable volunteers live and work in the local community. Being a member of a CFR Team can be incredibly rewarding as Community First Responders can and do save lives. The population we care for appreciate and value us knowing that there are people within their community who could help them and their families in an Emergency.

We try to respond as quickly as possible to start medical treatment promptly after the 999 call is made. When a life is at stake, every second counts.

We only respond to certain 999 calls, which include: