LIFE-SAVING volunteers are being called on to join the ranks.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is on the lookout for keen and willing recruits to join as a Community First Responder (CFR).
CFRs are trained by the ambulance service in a number of assessments and basic lifesaving techniques including the use of a defibrillator.
Their availability, close proximity and local knowledge of their area are among their many assets.
WMAS say CFRs will be called by the ambulance service’s control room to medical emergencies in their area while an ambulance is en-route.
WMAS is recruiting CFRs in Hereford and Worcester, Arden, Shropshire, the Black Country, Staffordshire and Birmingham.
Volunteers must be aged 18 or over and have a full driving licence.
Community response manager, Cliff Medlicott, said: “Volunteers come from all walks of life.
“When they make themselves available to respond they can continue to go about their daily lives, but if an emergency call is received by the ambulance service within a five or six mile radius, they are sent and always backed-up by an emergency ambulance service vehicle.
“Help will be provided in obtaining the necessary equipment and no previous experience is necessary as West Midlands Ambulance Service will provide the training.
“Successful applicants will attend a nationally recognised training course covering Basic Life Support and Defibrillation, Medical Emergencies, Traumatic Emergencies and Preparing for Active Duty. They will then train alongside ambulance crews before going ‘live’”.
For more visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and search for job reference 217-CFR05-22-23 for Hereford and Worcester, 217-CFR03-22-23 for Arden, 217-CFR06-22-23 for Shropshire, 217-CFR01-22-23 for Black Country, 217-CFR04-22-23 for Staffordshire and 217-CFR02-22-23 Birmingham.
Applications close at midnight on May 4.
