Community First Responders are local volunteers trained and equipped by the ambulance service to attend certain types of 999 emergency calls within their local community. They carry a medical kit that includes an oxygen cylinder and masks, airways, a defibrillator and other first aid equipment. CFRs are trained in life support to help patients with chest pain, in cardiac arrest, breathing problems, severe bleeding, diabetic emergencies and unconscious casualties; all incidents where seconds count.
Unfortunately, the team for various different reasons has seen their numbers fall and now would appreciate some additional volunteers to help cover the village and surrounding areas.
Studies have shown that the early response to medical emergencies such as cardiac problems greatly enhance the patients chances of recovery. For example, following a cardiac arrest (where the heart stops beating) a person’s chance of survival decreases by 10% for every minute they wait for help to arrive.
Following a ‘999’ call, the CFR is contacted by mobile phone with details of the call and at the same time an ambulance is dispatched. The CFR will deliver immediate medical support then hand over to the ambulance crew on arrival and continue to assist as necessary.
CFRs receive 2 days of initial training, have monthly training update opportunities and are re-assessed every 6 months.
Community First Responders are a vital, lifesaving link in OUR local community.
Upton formed a CFR team back in 2009 initially with nine trained volunteers providing cover when available and although we formed to cover Upton we have been asked to provide occasional support to the surrounding villages of West Hagbourne, Blewbury, Chilton and Harwell. The team to date has been involved in over 90 calls in the local area.
CFRs are volunteers and the equipment is provided by the South Central Ambulance League of Friends, the team has raised funds to cover the cost of the equipment and has managed to fund a second kit for the village.
If you would like to make a donation to support the work of the CFRs or are interested in becoming a CFR and provide lifesaving cover to the village then more information can be found using the following link –
http://www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk/get-involved/howdoivolunteer.ashx
If you would like more information about Community Responding, please contact
Ian Jones on 07791 561998 or ian.jones@scas.nhs.uk or please give me a call on 850031.
Thank you for your time and interest and I hope that you are able to help.
Mike Weston – Upton CFR team