Bransgore & District Community First Responders
Registered Charity No: 1049778-1Bransgore, in the New Forest, Hampshire, England
Anyone who wants to help their community can become a Community First Responder. No previous medical experience or training is necessary although you will obviously need a caring attitude and be able to cope with potentially distressing situations.Common sense is the most important skill.
Community First Responders are trained in the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED's), Oxygen therapy and how to assist with a wide range of potentially life threatening conditions such as heart attack and asthma. This initial training is provided by qualified instructors from South Central Ambulance Service and takes place over weekends and evenings.
All participants are assessed throughout the course and will sit a short test before being able to act as a First Responder. Once qualified, Community First Responders continue training and are required to re-qualify every 6 months. Responders form small schemes in key areas as identified by the Ambulance Service. Most consist of between 10 and 15 people and meet regularly to plan rotas, organise fundraising activities and awareness days. Each member of the scheme decides how much time they are able to give to Community First Responders and rotas are drawn up accordingly by the co-ordinator. Some schemes provide cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week and others provide cover in peak periods.
