A Community Responder scheme is made up of a group of volunteers who operate within the community in which they live or work and have been trained to attend emergency calls received by the NHS Ambulance Service, providing vital care and First Aid until an Emergency Ambulance arrives.

Pre-Application requirements

A prospective Community Responder can come from all walks of life. No prior First Aid knowledge is required as all training will be given to a level to competently carry out his or her duties. Candidates who hold a recognised First Aid Certificate will be trained in the areas needed to complete their knowledge. There will still be a requirement to demonstrate competence by practical and written assessment. Full background checks including a CRB check will be made on prospective candidates. A driving licence is not a requirement, but responding will be by car and so he/she must have access to a car/driver whilst on-call.

Training

The training will allow Candidates to learn about, practice with, and demonstrate competence in administering appropriate First Aid and Defibrillation to a casualty. They will be required to demonstrate competence in all core subject areas via multi-choice question papers and test scenarios with oral questioning. There will also be a driving assessment.

In addition, Candidates will be required to spend a shift with an Ambulance crew.

Responding

Once qualified, Candidates will join a team appropriate to the area that they will be covering. Each team has its own equipment and it is the Responder's duty to familiarise him/herself with it. Initially the Responder may 'buddy up' with a more experienced Responder whilst he or she builds up experience and confidence. Full support is provided, either through the rest of the team, the team co-ordinator or the appropriate on-call RBAT Staff member. Following an emergency, it is likely that a debrief will occur to allow the Responder to talk through any issues arising.

Other comments

• It is important to build up a team of Responders, so regular meetings will provide the social contact and feedback as well as raising any issues. In addition, publicity and fundraising activities will be arranged to raise the profile and to fund additional equipment.
• Responders are expected to respond within a 5 minute driving radius. Driving will be at normal speeds, obeying all traffic laws. Responders get no exemptions. Remember it is better to arrive late, than not at all.
• Responders must not lift casualties and no lifting training will be given.
• All Responders will be required to participate in an on-going training programme, which will include re-assessment of Basic Life Support and AED skills.

If you want to know more about becoming a First Responder, then please contact us