What we do

Our CFR group

All our volunteers live and work locally and operate on duty schedules according to availability and area of cover. CFRs are trained to respond to emergency calls through the 999 system in conjunction with the Ambulance Service.

We provide immediate care where distance may delay the prompt arrival of an ambulance. Schemes like ours were originally created to deliver Basic Life Support and defibrillation in cardiac arrest. Training and capabilities have expanded so we attend a greater variety of calls and help more patients.

We make a difference

Even the best ambulance service cannot reach every 999 call within the first few minutes. There is a period between the call and the ambulance arriving when little or no emergency care takes place — the therapeutic vacuum. Community First Responders fill that vacuum with essential treatment in those crucial first minutes.

Scheme growth

2015 — Scheme created; 8 CFRs operational from June with a committee of 4.

2016 — 14 responders; nearly 4,000 volunteer hours; 1,150+ patients.

2017 — 20+ responders; 5,000+ hours; ~1,500 jobs.

Our scheme continues to grow across Amber Valley, Erewash and Derby.

On scene

Types of incidents we attend

Dispatched by ambulance control to emergencies in our area — an emergency ambulance is always sent too.

Unconsciousness & collapse

Immediate assessment and life support until crews arrive.

Chest pain & cardiac arrest

AED, CPR and oxygen for heart attack and arrest patients.

Stroke & seizure

Time-critical recognition and supportive care.

Breathing difficulties

Asthma, COPD and acute respiratory distress.

Diabetic emergencies

Hypoglycaemia and related presentations.

Trauma & falls

In the home, street or workplace — scene safety first.

We are not sent to incidents considered unsafe or known to be violent.

Skills & equipment

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Oxygen therapy
Bag-Mask-Valve resuscitation & airway adjuncts
CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)
First aid, patient care & assessment
Recognition of illness & injury
Scene safety & incident management

Level 3 responders attend trauma and paediatric calls with additional observations (temperature, blood pressure, blood sugar). Level 4 is being introduced by EMAS with further skills and equipment.

Learn more about CFRs

The original site linked to a national CFR overview video. Add your YouTube embed here, or use the EMAS volunteer pages.

Community First Responders work in partnership with ambulance trusts across the UK.

EMAS — Community First Responders