What we do

Our CFR group

All our volunteers live and work locally and operate on duty schedules according to availability and area of cover. CFRs are trained to respond to emergency calls through the 999 system in conjunction with the Ambulance Service.

We provide immediate care where distance may delay the prompt arrival of an ambulance. Schemes like ours were originally created to deliver Basic Life Support and defibrillation in cardiac arrest. Training and capabilities have expanded so we attend a greater variety of calls and help more patients.

We make a difference

Even the best ambulance service cannot reach every 999 call within the first few minutes. There is a period between the call and the ambulance arriving when little or no emergency care takes place — the therapeutic vacuum. Community First Responders fill that vacuum with essential treatment in those crucial first minutes.

Scheme growth

2015 — Scheme created; 8 CFRs operational from June with a committee of 4.

2016 — 14 responders; nearly 4,000 volunteer hours; 1,150+ patients.

2017 — 20+ responders; 5,000+ hours; ~1,500 jobs.

2026 — 12 active responders; 15,000+ volunteer hours; 5,000+ jobs.

Our scheme continues to grow across Amber Valley, Erewash and Derby.

On scene

Types of incidents we attend

Dispatched by ambulance control to emergencies in our area — an emergency ambulance is always sent alongside us. Select a card to learn more.

Unconsciousness & collapse

Immediate assessment and life support until crews arrive.

Chest pain & cardiac arrest

AED and CPR for heart attack and cardiac arrest patients.

Stroke & seizure

Time-critical recognition and supportive care.

Breathing difficulties

Asthma, COPD and acute respiratory distress.

Diabetic emergencies

Recognising and supporting high and low blood sugar.

Trauma & falls

In the home or workplace — scene safety first.

Everything we do is within the Community First Responder scope of practice — we are trained volunteers, not paramedics. An ambulance is always dispatched alongside us and we are not sent to incidents known to be unsafe.

Skills & equipment

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)
Clinical observations (pulse, blood pressure, temperature and more)
First aid supplies
Scene safety & incident management
Raizer lifting chair (where equipped)