Becoming a Community Responder

Community Responders come from all walks of life. You could be looking at becoming one for a variety of reasons

• You see it as a worthwhile hobby
  
• It's a stepping stone to put on the CV for a medical career
  
• You may have had a friend or family member that needed the emergency services
  

Whatever the reason, it is a terrific way of spending your free time and the best of luck to you.

Application Process
Training varies across the Country. Following is a typical example (Berkshire). If other areas vary, let me know and I'll add in variations

Skills to bring
Firstly no prior knowledge is required as all training is provided. you need to be reasonably fit in order to do chest compressions, you need to be able to drive and have transport - or partner with someone who can. You will also have to satisfactorily complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

Training
Approximately one weekend of tuition and practice followed by a written (multiple choice) and practical test. Subjects covered are

• Checking for danger and assessing the casualty


• Recovery Position


• Use of Oxygen


• Use of Oro-pharyngeal Airways


• Use of a Defibrillator


• Other items as the Trainer sees fit e.g. stemming blood loss

Once you have passed and your CRB Check is complete, you will need to spend a shift with an Ambulance Crew.

That's it, really. That wasn't so bad, was it? As I said, all training is provided. If you have taken a First Aid course before you will have no problems, but even if you haven't it is all very much common sense. The defibrillator is automated which means that it decides whether or not you can 'shock' the casualty.

You will then be put in touch with the Co-ordinator for your area who will go through the actual equipment and procedures. After then it is down to you to pick some shifts and be on call.

No-one is saying that it will not be scary to start with - anything new is, but you have the support of your Co-ordinator, you can ring Control if you have any issues and don't forget that an ambulance will always be sent (even if it feels like a very long time before it arrives).

There are processes in place for post-incident debriefing and a 24 hour number should you need to talk to someone, so you will always have the support that you need.

That's it.

Click the 'Is there a Scheme near me' link to start the ball rolling