Why do we need First Responders?
First Responders are based within the community in which they live or work they can attend the scene of an emergency in a very short time, often arriving within a few minutes of the initial call. The First Responders offer vital life saving treatment before the ambulance arrives, which further increases the patients chance of survival. The first few of minutes can be the most critical after an accident or serious illness.
We are always followed by an ambulance or community paramedic officer. It is important to stress that we do not replace the professionals, but rather we are there to provide additional support and assistance until they arrive in our rural area.
Community First Responders: How it works
999 Call made - Emergency Medical Dispatchers priortise a call as life threatening and dispatch emergency resources.
CFR on scene - Community First Responders arrive on scene and provide immediate life support to the patient and reassurance to the family.
Ambulance arrival - An ambulance crew or Rapid Response Paramedic arrives and takes over care of the patient.