Who might want to be a CFR?

• Adult volunteers from the local community (over 18 years)
• Volunteers who have a genuine desire to help people in need
• Volunteers who wish to use their first aid training and skills to make a real difference
• Volunteers who wish to give some time to an important voluntary organisations

Previous medical knowledge or experience is not essential.

In addition, responders will need to:

• Be able to commit to the Trust’s Code of Conduct
• Be willing to undergo stringent recruitment checks including an Occupational Health Assessment, Disclosure and Barring Service check, and provide at least two references
• Have a full driving licence 
• Have guaranteed immediate access to a reliable car when on duty which is fully insured, taxed and has an up to date MoT if applicable
• Have informed their car insurance company of their responder role
• Be committed to achieving and maintaining a very high standard of first aid
• Willing and able to commit to attending training on a regular basis
• Be responsible for the equipment when in their possession
• Be able to leave their location within minutes when on duty
• Be able to maintain strict patient confidentiality when responding
• Personal commitment to respond at least 16 hours per month

How do you apply to become a CFR?

Vacancies are advertised on the NHS jobs website (www.jobs.nhs.uk), and will specify the areas we are recruiting for.  If you are not from the area that is advertised, your application will not be progressed.

Please note, we are not currently recruiting but you may wish to express your interest by emailing community.first.responder@neas.nhs.uk

What is the application process?

Once you have completed and submitted the application form, those applicants for the area specified will be reviewed and shortlisting done.   Shortlisted applicants will then be invited for interview, and those who are successful will then be invited to attend a five-day training course, subject to the necessary Occupational Health clearance, DBS clearance and satisfactory references.

What equipment do CFRs carry?

• Kit bag with patient observation medical devices (e.g. BP, Pulse oximeter and Thermometer)
• AED
• Oxygen, OPA, BVM and suction device.
• PPE to include Covid protection as required
• Basic First aid kit

What training do they do?

All new CFRs will undertake the nationally accredited Level 3 Certificate in Ambulance Service First Responding.  You will be sent pre-course learning materials, which you will need to study, followed by a five-day course, which will usually take place during the week.  Every year, you will undertake a refresher day to update you.

The course aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to act on behalf of the Trust, and give you the confidence to be able to attend life threatening emergencies. You will learn how to deliver emergency first aid to a patient before an ambulance crew arrives.

It also covers health and safety requirements, communication skills, infection prevention and control training, and risk assessment to enable you to operate in a safely and in line with Trust policies and procedures.

At the end of the course, you will undertake a written exam followed by practical scenarios.

On no occasion will Community First Responders be driving with blue lights or sirens; nor will they be exempt from any driving laws.