Community first responder
A Community First Responder (CFR), is a person available to be dispatched by an ambulance control centre to attend medical emergencies in their local area. These are normally, although not exclusively lay people and are used in the emergency healthcare systems of the United Kingdom, the USA, and Australia.[1]
Role
The general term "First Responder" refers to a person, trained, as a minimum, in basic life support and the use of a defibrillator, who attends a potentially life-threatening emergency. They may be a part of the statutory NHS ambulance service or complementary to it. Examples of first responders include "co-responders" (police or fire service), members of staff of a shopping mall or other public place, members of a first aid organisation, lifeguards, community first responders, and others who have been trained to act in this capacity. Employees of the statutory ambulance services may also act as first responders whilst off-duty.
First Responders are there to start and maintain the Chain of survival until an Ambulance arrives. They do not replace the Ambulance service but do augment and assist.
UK Community First Responders have a dedicated online forum which allows them to discuss different practices throughout the UK.
Reputation
Community First Responders are well regarded by the professional ambulance service in general as they understand that saving a life can be achieved in the minutes before they get to a call. Whilst many ambulances can get to a Category A call within eight minutes, if you consider that for every minute after a cardiac arrest before defibrillation the chance of survival drops by 10%. If a First Responder can provide defibrillation in less than 5 minutes then the patient has a greater chance of survival.
The majority of Community First Responders are between 20 and 50 years old. All have to be in good health and some of them hold positions such as directors of companies, IT technicians, teachers and nurses although many are just normal people who wish to care for their local community.[who?]
The training is generally more than purely first aid - and usually takes place over several evenings and a weekend. The basic equipment that is carried includes:
In general First Responders are sent to immediate life threatening situations such as cardiac arrest. They are never sent to scenes of domestic violence and would not typically attend traffic collisions or children under 7 years old. The uniform varies greatly around the UK. Schemes vary in the UK and are all managed by the appropriate health authority. Therefore the protocols will vary in the UK. Typically they provide their time freely and cover their own expenses. Some schemes have cars (most do not drive under blue lights).[citation needed]
Training
Training in many NHS Trusts consists of the Institute of Healthcare Development's (IHCD) First Person on Scene (FPOS) Basic or Intermediate courses [2] which includes CPR, basic first aid, Use of Oxygen and an AED or Automatic External Defibrillator. The training is often carried out over several weekends. The term is not to be confused with a Certified First Responder who has a much higher level of training.
See also
- Community Support Officer, the closest equivalent in the UK Police (although a paid role).
References
- ^ Jackson, Melissa (2004-09-18). "Volunteers boost ambulance crews". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 2007-12-29.
- ^ Edexcel, Ambulance. "FPOS COURSES" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-12-29.
The nearest role within the Police Service is that of a Special Constable. A Special Constable being a volunteer within their respective Service and having the full powers and privileges of a Police Constable.