South Western Ambulance Service Logo
Ambulance light bar
Blue Lights

Keyboard Shortcuts
You can access the above links also by pressing ALT and the shortcut key simultaneously, releasing then pressing enter or click with the mouse. Shortcut keys are indicated in brackets.

Large Text Size
Default Text Size

Translate
Click here for the French version
Click here for the German version
Click here for the Spanish version
Click here for the Italian version
Click here for the Portugese version
Click here for the Russian version
Click here for the Chinese version
Click here for the Japanese version
Click here for the Korean version
Click here for the British version
   
Click here for information regarding translation services.

Services

Responder Schemes

Community Responders

Teams of dedicated volunteers are involved from their local communities throughout the South West.

Cargreen Responder GroupAs the South West is predominantly rural it is not always possible for an ambulance to reach people in the more remote areas quickly, South Western Ambulance Service aims to recruit, train and equip community-based volunteers to respond to any life-threatening emergency and deliver appropriate care until the ambulance arrives.

Responders are trained in basic life support (BLS) and equipped with defibrillators, oxygen, first aid equipment and communications.

What type of incident would a Community First Responder attend?

Responder attending an emergencyThe responder would be contacted by the Trust and asked to attend an emergency in their area. The type of emergency may include unconsciousness (due to an injury or medical problem), chest pain and breathing difficulties either in the home or public/work place. They do not attend certain emergencies such as road traffic accidents or assaults. An emergency ambulance is always dispatched to any incident attended by a responder.

How can you help?

Does your town or village have a responder scheme? South Western Ambulance Service can tell you how to go about forming a responder scheme in your community. Other locations that may be suitable for responder schemes, such as, shopping centres, tourist attractions, sporting venues or any location where large numbers of people gather can also be considered.

How to become a Community First Responder

If there is a community responder scheme where you live (or work) you can apply to join as a volunteer. You will be over 18 years old, physically fit, have a full driving licence and be able to demonstrate a satisfactory standard of proficiency after training. You should have a sympathetic, caring approach to people and have the ability to work as part of a team, be honest, trustworthy and reliable.

Support and training

Community responders meet on a regular basis, offering on-going support and training. Following any serious incident confidential support and advice is available.

Further information

For further information on community responders please contact the Community Engagement Manager at:

Trust Headquarters
Abbey Court
Eagle Way
Sowton Industrial Estate
Exeter
Devon
EX2 7HY

01392 261646

Community Responder Schemes in Your Area

Click on the interactive map below to find Community Responder Schemes in your area, or click here for the full list of Community Responder Schemes.

Interactive Responder Map Cornwall Devon Somerset Dorset Isles of Scilly

 


  << Back

Staff Portal | Site Map | Accessibility | Your Personal Information | Freedom of Information

Trust Headquarters, Unit 3 Abbey Court, Sowton Industrial Estate, Exeter, EX2 7HY, Tel: 01392 261500, Fax: 01392 261510, Email: publicrelations@swast.nhs.uk

Copyright © 2006 South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust