Why not consider joining us as a volunteer first responder. Our group is both friendly and supportive and you will be made very welcome. Once character and DBS (CRB) checks are completed you will receive full training from South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. After that you will be supported by one of our current responders during your initial periods on-call.
We can provide you with information to help you decide whether being a responder is for you. Simply ring our answerphone on 0844 500 9699, leave your name number and address and we will get back to you. Most information you may need is on this website. Please take a look at the Charity Volunteering pages.
You do have to be 18 to become a Responder. We recognise that those in their late teens or early twenties may be looking for experiences which may benefit them in their desired career path. If you are interested in gaining experience in the medical or caring fields or the blue light emergency services or many other career paths, being a Community First Responder for a reasonable period can improve your life skills, particularly those relating to communication and interpersonal abilities as well as showing prospective employers your commitment and drive. You just need a minimum of five or six hours a week to spare (or more if you wish) and have the use of a car.

 

There is no upper age limit although you must be capable of a carrying a heavy equipment bag, possibly for some distance and then in a worse case, carrying out CPR until back up arrives. However, we do remind potential volunteers that the primary reason for joining us MUST be to support our local community by putting yourself on-call, so you must be sure you can meet this commitment as it takes time and money, raised by the community, to train and equip each responder.

 

We do expect volunteers to contribute an agreed minimum number of hours per month on-call to support the Community, the Group and the Ambulance Service. The current minimum for our group is twenty hours per month. If you are unsure whether you have the time or are just looking for something to quickly enhance your CV, then it is probably not for you - or for us!

Please note that our co-ordinator cannot provide references for employment as a result of being a community first responder.

Still interested?

Contact us and we will tell you how you can help Make a Difference in Bransgore and Burley.

 

Training

Anyone who wants to help their community can become a Community First Responder. No previous medical experience or training is necessary although you will obviously need a caring and sensitive manner and be able to cope with potentially distressing situations. Common sense is the most important skill.
Community First Responders are trained in the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED's), oxygen therapy and how to assist with a wide range of potentially life threatening conditions such as heart attack, cardiac arrest, breathing difficulties, stroke or serious bleeding. This initial training is provided by qualified instructors from South Central Ambulance Service and takes place over a two day period followed by a further two days shortly after. You will have the opportunity to refresh and practice your skills within the group.
All participants are assessed throughout the course and will sit a scenario-based set of practical tests as well as a written paper short test before being able to act as a First Responder. Don’t worry, you will be taught all you need. Once qualified, Community First Responders continue training and are required to re-qualify every 6 months. Enhanced skills training is possible for those interested.

 

Responders form small schemes in key areas as identified by the Ambulance Service. Most consist of between 10 and 15 people and meet regularly to plan rotas, organise fundraising activities and awareness days. Each member of the scheme decides how much time they can give to Community First Responders and rotas are drawn up accordingly by the co-ordinator. We do ask for that absolute minimum of 20 hours per month. Some schemes provide cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week and others provide cover in peak periods.