Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need Community First Responders?

Dr Richard Cummins from Seattle, USA, discovered that if a series of events take place in a set sequence, a heart attack victim has a greater chance of survival. These events are known as the “Chain of Survival”.

• Early Access
• Early Resuscitation (CPR)
• Early Defibrillation
• Early Advanced Life Support

When put into practice, these events can improve the pre-hospital survival rate by 25% or 30%. The Ambulance Service believes that CFR’s trained to provide links 2 and 3 Can significantly improve the chance of survival.

 

Where are teams set up?

In towns and villages where it is challenging for the emergency ambulance to arrive within the valuable first few minutes, usually in the more rural or remote areas of the region.

 

Who runs the team?

The CFR teams have a full support network employed by the Ambulance Service. One member of the team is elected as the Team Leader, this person may also be a CFR, their main role, however, is to organise cover, support team members by organizing training and assessments and keeping the kit appropriately stocked. The Team Leader also liaises between the team members and the CFR support and management, working for the ambulance service.

 

How much would I have to Commit?

There are no minimum or maximum periods of availability for any one person but the team as a whole should be aiming to cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

How big an area is covered?

To improve the chance of patient survival, a quick response is needed. For the group to succeed the area covered must allow CFR’s to arrive in under 8 minutes. The decision is made by the Ambulance Service and the team together, using their joint experience and local knowledge.

 

Who can be a CFR?

• CFR’s must be:
• Over 18 years of age and physically fit.
• Able to achieve a satisfactory standard of proficiency after training.
• Sympathetic, with a caring approach to people.
• A respected member of the community with a mature outlook on life.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Honest, trustworthy, reliable and compassionate.

 

Are there any emergencies to which CFR's wouldn’t be asked to attend?

Yes, emergencies that would be considered unsafe for them such as known violent situations or something they have not been trained to deal with.

 

Is there any support after dealing With a serious incident?

Following all serious incidents the designated Ambulance Service representative would be available to offer debriefing and support that you may require.

 

How CFR’s are called out?

The Ambulance Service Emergency Control Centre, contact the CFR by mobile phone and or pager.

 

What Would Happen if somebody made a complaint against a CFR?

The Ambulance Service has an established complaints procedure and Active CFR’s are covered by the Ambulance Service insurance against medical negligence.