The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has launched its first ever recruitment campaign for Community First Responders (CFRs), volunteers who will be sent to life-threatening emergencies in their local area.
Steve Pyne, First Responder Manager at LAS, said: “Community First Responders are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
“They step forward at critical moments to help people in their neighbourhood.
“Using local knowledge to arrive quickly, they are often on scene before an ambulance.
“That means they can have a huge impact on patient outcomes and improve the chance of survival.”
CFRs are trained in life-saving skills and equipped with a defibrillator and oxygen.
They respond to 999 calls alone using their own cars and are supplied with a LAS uniform and all necessary equipment.
Caroline Julian, who has volunteered for five years alongside her paid job in a GP practice, said: “You arrive at someone’s home during a crisis: at the worst moment of their life.
“Seeing the relief on their faces when you walk through the door makes it all worthwhile.
“It’s very rewarding.”
LAS currently has 100 active Community First Responders, each volunteering at least 16 hours every month.
The service now hopes to recruit 120 more volunteers this year.
Dr Fenella Wrigley MBE, Chief Medical Officer at LAS, said: “If you want to help others and be there when it really counts, becoming a Community First Responder can be life-changing – for you and for your community.
“No previous medical experience is needed – just a commitment to give some time, compassion and a willingness to learn.
“It is a deeply rewarding role and you will get lots of support.”
Applicants must live in London, be fit enough to carry a kit bag and perform CPR, and have access to a car for emergency response under normal driving conditions.
Graham Clark, a retired police officer and CFR volunteer of 15 years, said the role is not without its challenges, but it brings tremendous satisfaction when things go well.
He said: “Not every call has the outcome you hope for, but when it does, it’s incredible.
“You’ve helped give someone their life back and returned them to their family.”
Further information about the role, training and how to apply is available on LAS’s Community First Responders page.
You can find details of all LAS vacancies on its jobs page: current vacancies.
