Medical Emergency?
- In an emergency dial 999
- enquiries@newarkanddistrictcfrs.org
Newark & District Community First Responders
Frequently Asked Questions
Community First Responders, sometimes more simply known as "CFR's" or "First Responders" are all volunteers.
You can find answers to common questions that we are asked below. If you have any other questions or would like to support or join us, then please get in touch via email.
- We are local volunteers.
- We can be the first on scene.
- We can make a difference when minutes count.
- We rely on donations to keep active.
Are CFRs available 24hrs a day?
CFRs are all volunteers.
The time they donate to responding is all their own outside of 'day jobs'.
Although minimum hours are mandatory as part of the role, CFRs may not always be on duty in every area. Quite often CFRs commit more than the minimum for example, at evenings or weekends.
Why do we need Community First Responders (CFRs)?
CFRs play a vital part in the 'Chain of Survival'.
Early treatment gives a patient the best chances of recovery.
In cases of cardiac arrest, where a person is not breathing and their heart has stopped, their chances of survival decrease by 10% each minute without treatment. CFRs often increase chances of survival and recovery significantly.
Are CFRs simply First Aiders?
No
CFRs undergo significant training and assessment before attending 999 calls.
All CFRs carry defibrillators (AEDs) and are trained to deliver CPR. Some responders undergo more training and are able to administer some drugs and attend calls involving traumatic injuries.
How do CFR groups operate?
The ethos of CFRs is that once formed each team or group operates as a stand alone organisation, working closely in partnership with the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS).
Most CFR groups are Registered Charities and therefore must conform to the strict requirements of the charity commission.
How do I recognise a CFR?
CFRs MUST carry an East Midlands Ambulance Service ID card.
Most CFRs also wear uniforms which includes epaulettes stating "First Responder", The Newark and District First Responder logo and/or the NHS identity.
How do CFR groups operate?
The ethos of CFRs is that once formed each team or group operates as a stand alone organisation, working closely in partnership with the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS).
Most CFR groups are Registered Charities and therefore must conform to the strict requirements of the charity commission.
Are CFRs available 24hrs a day?
CFRs are all volunteers.
The time they donate to responding is all their own outside of 'day jobs'.
Although minimum hours are mandatory as part of the role, CFRs may not always be on duty in every area. Quite often CFRs commit more than the minimum for example, at evenings or weekends.
Why do we need Community First Responders (CFRs)?
CFRs play a vital part in the 'Chain of Survival'.
Early treatment gives a patient the best chances of recovery.
In cases of cardiac arrest, where a person is not breathing and their heart has stopped, their chances of survival decrease by 10% each minute without treatment. CFRs often increase chances of survival and recovery significantly.
Are CFRs simply First Aiders?
No
CFRs undergo significant training and assessment before attending 999 calls.
All CFRs carry defibrillators (AEDs) and are trained to deliver CPR. Some responders undergo more training and are able to administer some drugs and attend calls involving traumatic injuries.
Why do CFR groups need to fundraise?
Although the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) provide training, they are unable to provide all the equipment needed.
Life-saving defibrillators (AEDs), medical observation equipment such as blood pressure machines or pulseoxygen monitors and kit bags can cost up to c.£2000. All of this must come from fundraising, charitable grants and donations.
How are CFR's
dispatched to a call?
CFR books on duty with the control room after completing a thorough kit check.
Dispatchers know the location of each CFR. They will allocate the nearest one if appropriate.
On arrival the CFR will begin using their advanced training to assess and treat the patient.
The CFR can then clear the scene ready to respond again.
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A 999 call comes into the ambulance control room. The nature of the emergency and location are ascertained.
The CFR will receive the nature of the emergency and location by phone or text.
The CFR will provide a comprehensive handover of the patients condition, history and any treatment to the ambulance crew when they arrive.
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