CHARITY FastAid, together with West Midlands Ambulance, are seeking volunteers who ‘have got what it takes’ to train and become Community First Responders (CFRs).
CFRs are despatched to life-threatening 999 emergency calls by West Midlands Ambulance Service when they are the closest resource, along with an ambulance as soon as one is available.
Because they respond in their community, CFRs are usually first to reach the emergency and are able to start life-saving treatment, begin clinical care and provide reassurance to patient and relatives before an ambulance arrives. In life-threatening emergencies, the time saved can be critical.
FastAid members include nurses and paramedics as well as highly trained volunteers from all backgrounds and ages.
In a typical year, FastAid CFRs respond to around 2,000 emergency calls and are first on scene in around 90 per cent.
West Midlands Ambulance Service is recruiting through NHS Jobs.
They are looking for volunteers who live or work in Solihull, including Marston Green, Smith’s Wood, Chelmsley Wood, Castle Vale, Kingshurst an Fordbridge, Castle Bromwich, Knowle, Dorridge, Hockley Heath, Meriden, Bickenhill and Balsall Common.
Terry Flower, area coordinator said: “We ask our members to be available to respond to emergency calls for at least 20 hours of their choosing per month and to help to keep the charity running.
“Once qualified, FastAid provides CFRs access to a scheme car, fully kitted with lifesaving equipment.”
Visit www.fastaid.org.uk to apply.
