A Community First Responder has just celebrated his 10th year supporting the ambulance service in the Dorchester area!
“I am Dave Carr and I have just completed my 10th year as a Community First Responder (CFR) for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. I began my medical interest at 10 years old by joining Portland St John Ambulance cadet section, my interest continued into the adult section where I held several officer positions and eventually a National position. When I moved from Portland to Charlton Down 11 Years ago I wanted to become part of the community, so I suggested starting a CFR scheme in the village. I was registered and completed additional training before going live in July 2008.
As a CFR we attend 999 calls as an initial response for the Ambulance service as the calls which we attend should be local to our location. We are provided with a comprehensive kit which includes a defibrillator to restart someones heart. We are all volunteers and receive no renumeration or exemptions whilst driving our own vehicles. We provide care, treatment and most of all reassurance until we hand over to Paramedics and other health care professionals who decide the best care plan for the patient.
Over the 10 years I have attended many incidents some with sad ending others leaving a patient with a smile and a joke to make their day. Every patient receives the same care, regardless of what hour they have called an ambulance and got me out of bed.
Do I enjoy what I do? yes of course or I wouldn’t carry on, its all about making a difference and sometimes saving their life.
By the time I achieve the next 10 years I am sure I will have seen several advances in treatment and patient care, more likely the fact I will be slowing down.”
If you are interested in becoming a Community First Responder please see NHS jobs pages.
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