A&S SAR and Community First Responders
Besides volunteering with A&SSAR some members become Community First Responders (CFR) to transfer skills and learn new techniques. One member shares the process of becoming a First Responder.
First Responders are volunteer members of the community who are trained to respond to emergency calls through the 999 system in conjunction with the Ambulance Service. Responders provide immediate care to patients in their local areas where distance may delay the prompt arrival of an ambulance. They are trained to deliver Basic Life Support and defibrillation to patients in Cardiac Arrest and appropriate calls including oxygen administration to patients suffering from a range of conditions.
One member explains how he became a CFR. ‘The process in becoming a CFR started with the completion of a very comprehensive application form. The post did not require any previous medical experience, although it is helpful. The form asked for details of high pressure situation that I had dealt with, and the reasons for my application etc.
After submitting my application, I was asked to attend an interview at the Bristol Ambulance Station. The interview was relatively informal, and I was invited to proceed with the application subject to references from two referees. One of A&SSARs paramedics kindly agreed to assist, as I’d spent some time with him when I took the Mountain Rescue Casualty Care course. It was also subject to the usual police checks, and the NHS occupational health screening.
The health screening involved an online questionnaire. Subject to vaccinations already held, attendance at a clinic is then arranged for blood tests and for any additional vaccinations required to be given.
The training for the CFR role is split into 2 parts, the clinical bit (a weekend course) and a one day induction session covering health and safety, trust policies etc. The clinical course is the First Person on Scene Basic module.
The clinical part’s focus was on the chain of survival for heart attacks: early access to the casualty, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced care. The course is similar to the Basic Life Support course, but additionally using an AED, airway adjuncts and suction devices. The course ends with an assessment by a multiple choice paper and a practical.
The final hurdle is to complete two twelve hour shifts with an ambulance crew. My shifts included one on a rapid response vehicle in Weston-super-Mare, and the other on an ambulance in Bristol. The shifts were a real eye opener!
The trust are looking for a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week. I am now waiting for my kit issue before going live.’