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ServicesVolunteer ServicesThe Trust uses first responders to respond to life-threatening emergencies in advance of the ambulance's arrival providing the best opportunity of survival for patients. First responders comprise of off duty Trust staff, fire and rescue co-responders and community volunteers. The Ambulance Service welcomes applications from members of the public to become community first responders. Click here to volunteer. Fire and Rescue Co-responders
Due to the rurality of some areas within the Trust a partnership has been developed. Selected fire crews are trained by South West Ambulance Service in basic life support techniques and their fire tenders have been equipped with basic life saving equipment, including an automated external defibrillator as standard. First Responders First responders are off duty staff who have volunteered to become part of a first responder scheme in their own time in their local communities. The scheme is operated using an automatic paging system. This means first responders are automatically paged by our accident and emergency Control centres on receipt of an emergency in their operating area. If they are available they contact Control, either by radio or by using a specific telephone number designated as an emergency line. Beach Responder Units Beach lifeguards operate as responder units in the summer months at Bournemouth, Weymouth, Woolacombe, Teignmouth and Dawlish. Community Responders Teams of dedicated volunteers are involved from their local communities throughout the South West. As the South West is predominantly rural it is not always possible for an ambulance to reach people in the more remote areas quickly, South Western Ambulance Service aims to recruit, train and equip community-based volunteers to respond to any life-threatening emergency and deliver appropriate care until the ambulance arrives. What type of incident would a Community First Responder attend? The responder would be contacted by the Trust and asked to attend an emergency in their area. The type of emergency may include unconsciousness (due to an injury or medical problem), chest pain and breathing difficulties either in the home or public/work place. An emergency ambulance is always dispatched to any incident attended by a responder. How can you help? Does your town or village have a responder scheme? South Western Ambulance Service can tell you how to go about forming a responder scheme in your community. Other locations that may be suitable for responder schemes, such as shopping centres, tourist attractions, sporting venues or any location where large numbers of people gather can also be considered. How to become a Community First Responder If there is a community responder scheme where you live (or work) you can apply to join as a volunteer. You will be over 18 years old, physically fit and be able to demonstrate a satisfactory standard of proficiency after training. You should have a sympathetic, caring approach to people and have the ability to work as part of a team, be honest, trustworthy and reliable. Support and training Community responders meet on a regular basis, offering on-going support and training. Following any serious incident confidential support and advice is available. Further information For further information on community responders please contact the Community Responder Manager at:
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Trust Headquarters,
Unit
3 Abbey Court,
Sowton Industrial Estate,
Exeter, EX2 7HY, Tel: 01392 261500,
Fax: 01392 261510, Email: publicrelations@swast.nhs.uk |
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