HEYBRIDGE COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS
HOW TO BECOME A FIRST
RESPONDER
FIND OUT WHAT IS INVOLVED
You have already taken the first step! Browse through the pages on this website. It should give you some feel for what is involved. We hope that it will spark some further interest, possibly excitement, or just the warmth of seeing an opportunity to make a real difference in your local community.
If you would like to discuss First Responding in more detail, simply contact your local coordinator. A telephone call or meeting can then be arranged, or you are welcome just to turn up at our monthly training meeting.
Contact the Group coordinator for Heybridge
info@basinheartwatch.co.uk
if you require an information pack or if you wish to talk about First
Responders.
INFORMATION PACK
Step 2 is to obtain an information pack from the First Responder Manager, who is employed by the East of England Ambulance Service. Contact details are given if you wish to do this directly, or you may prefer to go through your local coordinator, who is a volunteer First Responder.
The pack contains everything you need to know. It includes the simple forms that you will need to complete in order to apply to become First Responder.
Not sure which is your local group?
Links to other groups are shown on the contacts page, or ask the
Community First Responder Manager for Essex to find out if there is a
group near you.
John.Hopkins@essexambulance.nhs.uk
THE APPLICATION FORM
The application form is straightforward to complete. It is then returned to the Community First Responder Manager.
You are also required to consent to a check with the Criminal Records Bureau. This requires you to produce evidence to confirm your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport. Your local Group Coordinator will help with the paperwork and verify your identity documentation. CRB checks can take several weeks, or even months. Meanwhile you will be offered a place on an initial training course.
An Information Pack and Application Form can be obtained
directly from
John Hopkins
Community First Responder Manager
East Of England Ambulance Service
Court Road
Broomfield
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 7WS
(
01245 443344
:
John.Hopkins@essexambulance.nhs.uk
TRAINING
The initial training course currently takes one day (though it may soon be extended to one and a half or two days). It covers all you need to know to serve as a First Responder, including CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation), use of a semi-automatic defibrillator, and oxygen therapy. The day ends with an assessment. A booklet is provided for later reference and revision.
Successful candidates are given a certificate and an identity card. All First Responders have to repeat the assessment every six months.
READY FOR DUTY
Once the CRB check is returned and found to be acceptable and the initial training is successfully completed, then you are ready to start active duties. Your local coordinator will ensure that you are familiar with the equipment carried, procedures to be followed, and the paperwork associated with a call out. You will also be offered close support whilst you develop your confidence to deal with the patients you will meet.
It is then just a matter of waiting for the characteristic ring tone of the First Responder mobile.
