Jersey Ambulance Service introduces Community First Responder scheme

Jersey Ambulance Service has introduced a nationally approved scheme, Community First Responders (CFR), across the island.

Forming an integral part of emergency patient care, the CFR scheme is run entirely on a voluntary basis through the GoodSam app, where CFR approved volunteers will log on to show their availability and also be alerted to the location of any emergencies. 

Islanders who applied to the scheme, following local advertising, have now all received full training and are ready to begin their role from today [date of release].

CFR volunteers are in place to be dispatched prior to the arrival of Ambulance personnel and are trained to be able to provide early interventions in the crucial early moments of an emergency, wherever that may be in the island.

Jason Hamon, Senior Paramedic said: ‘The CFR scheme is a nationally recognised and utilised initiative and has been proven to really make all the difference in emergency situations. 

‘The scheme pays particular focus to the most serious of calls, where patients are experiencing chest pains and may be having a suspected heart attack. The first few moments really are vital in these circumstances and the purpose of CFRs is to ensure help gets to the most needy, as quickly as possible.

‘The Jersey Ambulance Service is incredibly grateful to all those who have stepped up to become CFRs, and we very much look forward to working cohesively together to continue providing a top-quality service to islanders.’

Community First Responder, Rebecca Reddy, commented: ‘I decided to volunteer my time to become a Community First Responder because I really liked the idea of being able to give back to the island and also support our wonderful Ambulance Service.

‘We’ve received thorough training and sat exams to get us to the right standard to provide emergency care; having previously been a first aider in my workplace, this has built upon my existing skill set and I hope that if and when the time comes, I am able to make a positive difference to someone in their hour of need.’