PEOPLE across Toward, Innellan, Dunoon and Sandbank are being urged to consider becoming Community First Responders and help provide lifesaving care in their local area.
Volunteers are being recruited to join the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Community First Responder (CFR) scheme, with successful applicants receiving four days of specialist training before becoming part of the local response network.
Community First Responders are trained volunteers who attend certain medical emergencies in their own communities while an ambulance is on its way.
Because they live locally and can often arrive within minutes, responders are able to provide vital early interventions in emergencies such as breathing difficulties, heart attacks and asthma attacks, helping to improve a patient’s chances of survival and recovery before ambulance crews arrive.
No previous medical experience is required.
The Scottish Ambulance Service says volunteers simply need to be enthusiastic about helping others, able to remain calm under pressure and willing to commit to the role.
Training covers a wide range of emergency care skills, including the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and oxygen therapy, enabling volunteers to provide immediate assistance when every minute counts.
Although Community First Responders work closely alongside ambulance crews, they are volunteers rather than employees of the Scottish Ambulance Service. Each volunteer is supported by a team manager who provides ongoing advice and guidance.
The service says becoming a Community First Responder offers a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference within the local community.
“A role as a Community First Responder is a great way to make a difference to your community and the people who live there,” the information leaflet states.
“By being local, you might just be able to provide the immediate care that makes a real difference to someone’s life.”
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have access to a vehicle, maintain an appropriate level of fitness, possess good communication skills and either live or work within the area they will serve. Volunteers must also be able to respond quickly to incidents, complete a criminal record check and be prepared to make a long-term commitment to the scheme.
Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more about becoming a Community First Responder in Toward, Innellan, Dunoon or Sandbank is encouraged to get in touch for further information.
