Supporting our volunteer heroes

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Community First Responders (CFRs) operate within the communities in which they live or work, often providing early lifesaving emergency aid ahead of ambulance arrival. They are trained and governed by the South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust. 

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Our CFR volunteers are called on any time, day or night, to help reach patients most in need across the 10,000 square miles the South Western Ambulance Service serves. 

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Attending over 20,000 incidents each year, their contribution really does save lives, reduce pain and provide reassurance to those requiring emergency care.

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Every donation, large or small, is important and appreciated, helping to provide enhanced equipment, cars, training and other costs.  

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£35 buys a Tympanic Thermometer.  As part of the critical initial observations, this can provide an early warning sign for underlying medical conditions such as sepsis or meningitis.

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£50 buys an automatic blood pressure monitor and cuffs. As part of the critical initial observations, this is more resilient and robust compared to manual monitoring.  

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£350 buys a pulse oximeter.  Used for critical initial observations to measure oxygen levels in the blood and pulse. Monitoring is continuous to ensure any changes in pulse or oxygen levels are highlighted immediately for action.

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Find out more about volunteering at Welcome to SWASFT - What we do (swast.nhs.uk)