Murray MacGregor – Tuesday 24th May 2022 – 11.40am.
The number of volunteer Community First Responders in Highley, Shropshire is set to rise sharply after four members of the public applied for the role at an event in the village at the weekend.
A ‘come and learn’ day and information stand was part of Highley Community Day on Saturday.
The stand was staffed by CFRs from several schemes across Shropshire and Community Response Manager Cliff Medlicott.
The stand was also visited by local MP Philip Dunne who congratulated the CFRs on their work in the community.
Cliff, said: “We are delighted that four people signed up to train as CFRs. Community First Responders play such an important role, particularly in our rural communities. Their ability to get to the most urgent calls (Category 1 and 2) very quickly and start providing treatment and reassurance undoubtedly saves lives.
“It was an excellent event which allowed members of the public to come and ask questions about the CFR scheme and also wider questions about the ambulance service.
“CFRs are everyday members of the public who volunteer and are trained in a number of assessments and basic lifesaving techniques including the use of a defibrillator, a device used to restart the heart of someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest. Their availability, close proximity and local knowledge of their area are among their many assets.”
Cliff added: “Volunteers come from all walks of life but must be aged 18 or over and have a full driving licence. We provide all of the necessary training and equipment, so no previous experience is required.”
It’s not just in Shropshire that there are CFR vacancies currently open. Head to www.jobs.nhs.uk and use the Job Reference below for the area that best suits you:
- Staffordshire: 217-CFR10-22-23
- Shropshire: 217-CFR12-22-23
- Hereford & Worcester: 217-CFR11-22-23
- Black Country: 217-CFR07-22-23
- Birmingham: 217-CFR08-22-23
- Arden: 217-CFR09-22-23
ENDS
Pic 1 L – R: Liz Vanegas (Cleobury Mortimer Co-ordinator); David Yates (CFR Bridgnorth); Rob Lambie (Rae Valley Co-ordinator); Cliff Medlicott, Philip Dunne MP
Pic 2 L- R: Russell Brookes (Newport Co-ordinator); David Yates (CFR Bridgnorth); Liz Vanegas (Cleobury Mortimer Co-ordinator); Rob Lambie (Rae Valley Co-ordinator); Cliff Medlicott