Community First Responders are trained to a very high level with regular refresher training. This skill and knowledge is passed onto the local community through regular training in areas such as CPR sessions to local organisations. We deliver emergency cover to the Rutland area in support of 999 emergencies made to East Midlands Ambulance Service.
We operate a strict deployment protocol and operating procedures set by East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust. All Community First Responders are CRB checked every three years.
We are only able to operate thanks to the kind generosity of our sponsors. It costs in the region of £2500 to equip each responder and we are always looking for help to raise this money to enable us to recruit more responders into the local area. We now have a donate now button on our website if anyone would like to donate we would be very grateful!
We are dispatched to Category A 999 calls include the following condition/symptoms:
- Cardiac arrest
- Unconscious and collapsed patients
- Chest pains (e.g. heart attacks and acute angina)
- Breathing difficulties (e.g. asthma, acute on-set bronchitis/emphysema)
- Diabetic emergencies (e.g. hypoglycemia)
- Fitting or convulsions (e.g. epilepsy)
- Stroke (CVA)
- Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)
- Choking patientsIn line with the ambulance service’s lone working policy, for our personal protection, we are not sent to any of the following types of calls:
- Road traffic collisions (RTCs)
- Incidents at bars, pubs and clubs
- Young children (some responders are trained in pediatrics and respond to these cases)
- Incidents of domestic violence
We are a group of eight Responders, (Barbara Crellin Scheme Coordinator, Jackie Lawrence, Carole Jeffries, Sue Williamson, Kev Griffiths, Helen Brown, Charlotte Smith and Juliet Burgess-Ray). We are all passionate about helping people in our community and know when we arrive on scene calming people down is important to help them feel more comfortable and less anxious.