Community first responder

A Community First Responder (CFR), is a person available to be dispatched by an ambulance control centre to attend medical emergencies in their local area. These are normally, although not exclusively lay people and are used in the emergency healthcare systems of the United Kingdom, the USA, and Australia.

Role
The general term "First Responder" refers to a person, trained, as a minimum, in basic life support and the use of a defibrillator, who attends a potentially life-threatening emergency. They may be a part of the statutory NHS ambulance service or complementary to it. Examples of first responders include "co-responders" (police or fire service), members of staff of a shopping mall or other public place, members of a first aid organisation, lifeguards, community first responders, and others who have been trained to act in this capacity. Employees of the statutory ambulance services may also act as first responders whilst off-duty.

First Responders are there to start and maintain the Chain of survival until an Ambulance arrives. They do not replace the Ambulance service but do augment and assist.

UK Community First Responders have a dedicated online forum which allows them to discuss different practices throughout the UK.

Reputation
Community First Responders are often ridiculed by employees of the statutory ambulance services and sometimes referred to as the "dodgy guy with a limp and a wonky eye." In reality the majority of First Responders are between 20 and 40yrs old and in good health, and some of them hold positions such as directors of companies, ship's skippers, IT Technicians, Teachers and Nurses.

Training
Training in many NHS Trusts consists of the Institute of Healthcare Development's (IHCD) First Person on Scene (FPOS) Basic or Intermediate courses which includes CPR, basic first aid, Use of Oxygen and an AED or Automatic External Defibrillator. The training is often carried out over several weekends. The term is not to be confused with a Certified First Responder who has a much higher level of training.