West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust
Exciting volunteering opportunities have arisen within West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust for successful applicants to join the growing team of Community First Responders.
This advert is to cover the following CFR Schemes:
1. Coventry
2. Alcester
3. Henley in Arden
4. Red Horse Vale
5. Studley
6. Shipston on Stour
7. North Warwickshire
Interviews will take place via MS Teams during February, March & April. Shortlisting is based upon the completion of the application form (please ensure you include your full postcode in the free text), current availability of positions within our supporting schemes, and the response activity across the region at the times of recruitment.
Following a shortlisting process and interview, successful applicants will be offered a place on one of the training courses being held at the National Academy in Oldbury during 2025/26. This will be supported by an induction and mentor shifts with experienced CFRs. As a volunteer, you will be expected to complete a minimum of four hours a week (208 hours per year) responding to 999 calls on behalf of the Trust, rendering first aid until the arrival of a Paramedic. As a Community First Responder, you will also be expected to raise funds to support your Scheme. The role is highly rewarding and offers opportunities to meet new people and learn valuable lifesaving skills.
Main Duties of the Job
Applicants will live in or have a good local knowledge of the area in which they will respond. Upon selection, you will be affiliated with a local Scheme as directed by the Trust. You will receive the appropriate training to respond to 999 calls and to provide basic life support and initial care as a first responder on scene until the arrival of an emergency Ambulance. You will respond in the scheme's own response vehicles. CFRs do not have exemptions to use blue lights or audible warning devices.
A Community Response scheme is made up of volunteers who, within the community they live, are trained to attend emergency calls on behalf of the Ambulance Service. They provide awareness and training to the community in Basic Life Support and the use of a defibrillator.
As a Volunteer Community Responder, you would provide this community-based service, willingly and without pay.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants will have a good all-round education, a good level of fitness to perform the role of a CFR, and a full UK driving license held for at least one year, with no more than 3 current penalty points. Applicants should also have good communication skills and a willingness to learn and help others.
All applicants will be invited to an interview where they will be expected to have some knowledge of West Midlands Ambulance Service and an appreciation of the role of a Community Responder.
Offers are subject to pre-placement checks.
Job Responsibilities
1. To attend emergency calls and provide care to patients within the defined call-out criteria for their scope of practice when activated by Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
2. CFRs are entitled to decline any incident they are requested to attend based on their dynamic risk assessment.
3. CFRs must hand over patient information to an ambulance resource upon their arrival.
4. To have a calm and confident approach, which will provide reassurance to both the patient and their relatives.
5. Always adopt a professional approach and adhere to the code of conduct whilst representing WMAS Trust.
6. To use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and other Trust approved equipment when necessary.
7. Will be required to attend a mandatory annual post-qualification update course.
8. Communicate with scheme coordinator on a minimum of a monthly basis.
9. Adhere to CFR related WMAS Trust policies and procedures.
10. Adhere to patient confidentiality at all times.
11. Notify Community Response Manager (CRM) of any identified potential risks, hazards, or incidents for appropriate reporting.
12. When tasked to an emergency, a CFR must adhere to the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984 at all times and do not have the right to claim exemptions.
13. Identify and refer Safeguarding issues in line with the Safeguarding procedure.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Good all-round education.
Skills and Knowledge
* Full clean manual UK driving license (held for a minimum of 12 months) with no more than 3 penalty points.
* Must be willing to respond in the scheme's own response vehicles.
* Good communication skills with the willingness to help others.
* Please state your current FULL postcode.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer Name
West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust
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