What is a CFR?
Community First Responders (CFR) are volunteers who are trained to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live or work. Their aim is to reach a potential life threatening emergency in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives.
Their role is to help stabilise the patient and provide the appropriate care including CPR & defibrillation, until the more highly skilled ambulance crew arrives on scene to take over the treatment.
CFR groups who are linked to the National Ambulance Service-NAS National Emergency Operations Centre are alerted to an emergency in their area and as they are community based, can provide medical assistance within minutes of a 112/999 call being received.
In order for Community First Responders to become active responding to emergency incidents on behalf of the National Ambulance Service there are a number of basic requirements.
All Responders must:
- Have a can do and positive attitude towards helping your community
- Be over 18 years of age
- Be of good character and willing to learn.
- Have access to a fully insured vehicle ( and licensed to drive it ) or transport enabling you to reach the patient within the assigned time & radius.
- NO medical experience is necessary as all training will be provided by your scheme.
- Be Garda Vetted ( by your Scheme Manager )
Whilst these requirements are mandatory for a response role, many CFR schemes have a variety of alternative volunteer positions including training, administration and fundraising. Contact your local CFR scheme to learn how you can be part of a lifesaving team.
Training is provided locally with each scheme providing initial CFR certification and regular ongoing training.
The National Ambulance Service support CFR scheme’s nationally through the provision of instructor training courses and training events ( CPC ) on a regular basis. The National Ambulance has a network of over 400 CFR Volunteer Instructors located around Ireland who deliver the PHECC / AHA / IHF training to responders.
Training consists of cardiac arrest management including CPR and AED usage, Stroke and Heart attack assessment and treatment and relief of choking. Training covers all essential elements effectively operate as a CFR with additional training options available
Take a look around our CFR Scheme map
You can become a lifesaver in your community, find your nearest CFR scheme by clicking here.