AN APPEAL has been launched to find volunteer lifesavers who can be called upon in an emergency.
West Midlands Ambulance Service is on the lookout for keen and willing recruits across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to join a band of Community First Responders (CFRs).
CFRs are everyday members of the public who are trained in a number of assessments and basic lifesaving techniques including using a defibrillator – a device used to restart the heart of someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest.
Their availability, close proximity and local knowledge of their area are among the many assets the volunteers possess.
CFRs will be called by the ambulance service’s control room to medical emergencies in their area while an ambulance is en-route.
They are vital in life-threatening situations, particularly in the case of a cardiac arrest and trauma when every second counts.
Community response manager for West Mercia, Cliff Medlicott, said: “Volunteers come from all walks of life.
“When they make themselves available to respond they can continue to go about their daily lives, but if an emergency call is received by the ambulance service within a five or six-mile radius, they are sent and always backed up by an emergency ambulance service vehicle.”
To volunteer, people must be aged 18 or over, have a full driving licence and lots of enthusiasm.
Mr Medlicott added: “Help will be provided in obtaining the necessary equipment and no previous experience is needed as West Midlands Ambulance Service will provide the training.
“Successful applicants will attend a nationally-recognised training course covering basic life support and defibrillation, medical emergencies, traumatic emergencies and preparing for active duty.
“They will then train alongside ambulance crews before going ‘live’.”
Visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and search for job reference 217-CFR07-20-21 for more information.
Applications close at midnight on March 25.
