Community First Responders (CFRs) are the little known emergency service that helps save lives by often being first on the scene of an incident or accident.
It is with great pleasure that the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund were able to donate the full cost of a volunteer Emergency Kit for use by one of the latest recruits to this fast growing, essential service. At £1500 each, these kits contain equipment which is necessary for emergency life-saving action and trauma treatment.
CFRs receive call-outs for all types of emergency, including; cardiac arrest, diabetic emergency, unconscious patients, and those with breathing difficulties or seizures. Since those vital first minutes can make all the difference between the patient surviving or not, the CFRs need to have up to date and fully functional equipment.
CFRs are dispatched by the NHS Ambulance Emergency Operations Centre and are part-time volunteers who come from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Marc Lister, Community Liaison and Training Officer for South Central Ambulance Service, which covers Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire said; “We have CFRs who are students, company directors, shop staff or local businessmen. Whatever their walk of life they form a volunteer neighbourhood team who are trained to respond to emergencies locally. In addition, some CFRs give their time and skills to the campaign to keep growing the current team to help provide round the clock coverage. The good news is that, currently, there are over 60 new volunteers in our area going through the training scheme. However new recruits also means there is a need for more volunteer Emergency Kits, and these require funding. We are delighted to receive a generous donation to buy valuable new equipment from the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund.”
The picture shows CFR volunteer Paul Highett-Smith checking the BMCF’s Steve Smirthwaite’s pulse and blood sugar level; with the Emergency kit of one of the adapted first response ambulances on display.