Have you got what it takes to help save lives?
Ambulance service recruiting new CFRS
AMBULANCE service bosses are on the lookout for people to volunteer as a Community First Responder to help save lives.
Availability, close proximity and local knowledge of their area are key assets for the CFRS.
As everyday members of the public, they are trained in a number of assessments and basic life saving techniques, including the use of a defibrillator.
The ambulance service is recruiting CFRS across Staffordshire.
Community response manager, Cliff Medlicott, said: “Volunteers come from all walks of life.
“When they make themselves available to respond they can continue to go about their daily lives, but if an emergency call is received by the ambulance service within a five-mile radius, they are sent and always backed-up by an emergency ambulance service vehicle.
“To volunteer, you must be aged 18 or over, have a full driving licence and lots
of enthusiasm. Help will be provided in obtaining the necessary equipment, and no previous experience is necessary as West Midlands Ambulance Service will provide the training.
“Successful applicants will attend a nationally recognised training course covering basic life support and defibrillation, medical emergencies, traumatic emergencies and preparing for active duty.
“They will then train alongside
ambulance crews before going ‘live.’”
CFRS will be called by the ambulance service’s control room to medical emergencies in their area while an ambulance is en-route.
They are vital in life-threatening situations, particularly in the case of a cardiac arrest and trauma when every second counts.