Scottish Ambulance Service Community First Responders (CFRs) are volunteers who are trained by the Ambulance Service to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live or work. Their aim is to reach a potential life-threatening emergency in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives.
Their role is to help stabilise the patient and provide the appropriate care until the more highly skilled ambulance crew arrives on scene to take over the treatment.
They are usually based in rural communities where our crews have longer to travel to the patient. All CFRs are subject to a rigorous assessment and assurance process, including enhanced disclosure check to ensure that the Scottish Ambulance Service is content that they can be deployed to support patients and be a representative of the service. They also undertake theory and practical training and assessment prior to being approved to operate. CFRs are required to maintain their accreditation by undertaking regular mandatory training sessions – thereby making a long term commitment to their local community.
If you are interested in becoming a CFR then please visit the Scottish Ambulance Service's page here.