Volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs) play a critical role in South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s (SWASFT) emergency response, often reaching patients and providing initial life-saving care before an ambulance arrives.
With over 600 dedicated volunteers, SWASFT benefits from a network of individuals who selflessly give their spare time to deliver emergency care within their local and often, rural communities. Last year alone, these remarkable volunteers responded to more than 20,600 emergency 999 calls across the South West.
- Volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs) are vital to emergency care, responding to over 20,600 emergency 999 calls across the South West last year, often arriving before ambulances to provide life-saving care.
- CFRs come from diverse backgrounds—from a retired Royal Navy Commander to a university lecturer—and are highly trained to handle emergencies like cardiac arrests, breathing difficulties, and falls, contributing significantly to the Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival.
- SWASFT is actively recruiting volunteers for both patient-facing and non-patient-facing roles, offering flexible opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the community, with recruitment open until 31 December 2024.
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The work of volunteers such as CFRs, who operate within their local area, is varied, from sharing a cup of tea and a chat with a patient, to providing CPR and saving someone’s life.
Nic Brown is a Community First Responder, who along with four others, covers North Plymouth as well as other smaller areas of the city. Nic says:
“Over the last year we responded to 848 call outs in our area, and do our best to support the community, whilst navigating our day jobs and home lives.
“All of us hold a Level 3 qualification in ‘First Responders on Scene’. Despite not coming from medical backgrounds, we’re a diverse group aged 42 to 73, including a University lecturer, retired Royal Navy Commander, NHS bio scientist, and more.
“We’re trained to handle a variety of emergencies, from cardiac arrests and chest pain to breathing difficulties and seizures. Every CFR plays a key role in the Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival, helping ensure patients have the best chance of recovery.
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“We also carry special lifting chairs to assist patients who have fallen, reducing waiting times and preventing complications from prolonged immobility.”
CFRs also find ways to engage with their communities outside emergencies. Nic adds:
“Earlier in the year, our float came second in Tamerton Foliot Carnival, and we instructed many members of the public on how to give lifesaving CPR and how to use a defibrillator. We have all enjoyed learning our new skills and helping our community. There is nothing more rewarding than saving someone’s life. If you would like to join us, SWASFT is running a recruitment campaign running until 31 December 2024.”
As well as patient facing volunteer roles, SWASFT has volunteers in non-patient facing roles across the South West. The HALO Helping Hand role is a new, non-patient-facing volunteer role to support Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers (HALOs) during peak times at specific Emergency Departments. This role is a completely flexible role with no set start, end, or duration requirements for each volunteering session, allowing volunteers to work around their availability.
To find out about volunteering roles at the Trust and to express an interest, please visit – Volunteer Recruitment | SWAST Website
