VOLUNTEERS who can save someone’s life are wanted to join the ranks of the Community First Responders in the Bridgnorth area. People are particularly needed at Bridgnorth, Cleobury Mortimer, Shifnal, Cosford and Albrighton.
CFRs are everyday members of the public who are trained in life-saving techniques. They are essential in areas that are remote, far from an ambulance station and hard for an ambulance crew to reach quickly and their availability, close proximity and local knowledge are among their many assets.
If available, CFRs will be called to tend to a patient while an ambulance is en route. They are vital in life-threatening situations, particularly in the case of a cardiac arrest, when every minute counts.
“Volunteers come from all walks of life,” said Cliff Medlicott, West Midlands Ambulance Service community response manager for Shropshire. “They go about their daily lives, but if an emergency call is received within a two or three-mile radius of them, they are sent.
“To volunteer, you must be aged 18 or over, have a full driving licence and lots of enthusiasm. No previous experience is necessary as West Midlands Ambulance Service will provide the training.”
Applicants will attend an Institute of Healthcare Development course lasting four weekends and covering basic life support and defribillation, medical emergencies, traumatic emergencies and preparing for active duty.
They will then train alongside ambulance crews and a community paramedic officer before going ‘live’.
They are mentored by community paramedic officers from West Midlands Ambulance Service who will continue to give them monthly training.
West Midlands Ambulance Service will help volunteers acquire the equipment they need and maintain it.
Anyone wishing to become a community first responder should contact Cliff Medlicott on 07884 050 877 or via Lisa Renshaw on (01743) 273677 or email lisa.renshaw@wmas.nhs.uk
Applicants will be interviewed next Saturday, February 14 and training will start on Saturday March 14.
