Become a community first responder (CFR)

Becoming a CFR

As a Community First Responder (CFR), you will need to successfully complete training with West Midlands Ambulance Service prior to becoming an active CFR in your local community. Once qualified, you will abide by the policies and procedures of the Trust. Active CFRs are expected to be available to respond to emergency 999 calls for a minimum of 20 hours per month. However, how and when you do this is entirely up to you as it is in your own time e.g. after work, at the weekend, evenings.

You will also be required to attend mandatory training annually and to keep a personal portfolio to include your responding hours and the skills you have used.

CFR Training 

CFRs are trained by the ambulance service with recent updates ensuring CFRs receive the very best training to continue to provide excellent patient care.

The CFR training is a regulated course which covers both written and practical work covering anatomy, physiology, traumatic and medical emergencies, basic life support and defibrillation. This training is supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service with a mandatory update.

What we’re looking for: 

Volunteers should be:

• Aged 18 +
• Have a current driving licence
• Be physically fit
• Be able to attend incidents whilst at home or work
• Have a caring nature and be willing to help raise the profile of the schemes in local areas
• Excellent communication skills
• Successful applicants will need a clear Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS) check at an enhanced level

We currently have more than 500 active CFRs in the West Midlands region.

Interested in Volunteering?

When recruiting, vacancies will be across the West Midlands – the application will be on NHS jobs; selection will be by interview. Training courses will be held at the National Academy in Oldbury and last for six days. No prior knowledge is needed. 

As a volunteer you will be expected to complete a minimum of five hours a week responding to 999 calls on behalf of the Trust, rendering first aid until the arrival of an Ambulance. As a Community First Responder, you will also be expected to raise funds to support your Scheme. The role is highly rewarding and offers opportunities to meet new people and learn valuable lifesaving skills.

Applicants should have a good all-round education, a good level of fitness to perform the role of a CFR and a full UK driving license held for at least one year, with no more than three current penalty points. Applicants should also have good communication skills and a willingness to learn and help others. For those applicants who are successful, interviews will be carried out on Microsoft TEAMS.

The training courses will be held in the following months:

• October 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025