Volunteer first responder on 'meaningful' NHS ambulance role

TWO years ago, I lived in Bangkok, Thailand where I worked with governments to help improve how they managed disaster responses.

During this time, I worked with volunteers who assisted in the response.

They were incredibly inspiring, giving their own time to help their community with no expectation of getting anything back.

So, when I moved back to the UK, I knew that I wanted to do something similar and I signed up to become a Community First Responder (CFR).

ALSO READ: Covid rise pushes entire county to 'red alert'

I work in an organisation, Inasp, that works to improve how research and knowledge is produced, shared and used in Africa and Asia.

Inasp does this by addressing issues of power and supporting the needs of both men and women across research systems.

So far, becoming a CFR has not impacted my work as I usually do my CFR shifts either workday evenings or during the weekends.

If anything it has been reassuring for my colleagues to have someone in their office (before the Covid-19 lockdown) who was trained to do CPR and use a defibrillator.

The training was motivating with a good balance of learning theory and applying practical skills.

Alex Barrett in uniform

I also got to meet other people who were being trained up, all from such diverse backgrounds, ages and experience.

Some CFRs, like me, were new to the medical world and so had to learn quickly the ins-and-outs of how it all works, whereas there were others with military or fire service backgrounds who had previous medical experience and were able to help us newbies through the training.

It was obviously very concerning when the Covid-19 lockdown started and sometimes unclear of what I should and shouldn’t do, even just as a member of the public.

I would say though that the guidance given by the CFR co-ordinators and managers was as good as you can get during such an uncertain time, sharing information on the situation as it unfolded as well as giving guidance on how our ability to respond would change.

ALSO READ: Transplant dad reveals how vulnerable can get water priority

There were obviously challenges sometimes, for example, with getting PPE out to everyone etc but it wasn’t from lack of effort or intention and we are now at the stage where CFRs are fully prepped.

As I have only recently been trained to be a CFR, South Central Ambulance Service allows us to gain experience by putting us in ‘buddy shifts’.

This is where we are partnered with an experienced CFR and shadow them to understand how they respond and give us a flavour of what happens when you go out.

My buddy during this time has been Gary, a CFR for more than five years.

We went out three times during the pandemic, when it was appropriate, and I was able to see the varied types of calls that CFRs can respond to.

My friends and family are very proud (I think!) of me becoming a CFR.

ALSO READ: Hospital building and parking 'could be sold' warn staff as they are moved out

My parents particularly as we had help from a CFR when my brother, Dan, had pancreatic cancer.

The guy was very professional and reassuring and so I hope I will be able to give similar reassurance once I start going out on my own.

I am lucky that I have a good support system at home with my partner, Chrissy, as well as family and friends.

SCAS also provide support and resources if necessary which I haven’t taken advantage of yet but I am glad that I have that as a safety net if needed.

My buddy Gary also always calls me the next day after a shift to check that I am doing alright, which is always appreciated.

I would highly recommend it. The benefits are numerous as you gain some great life skills, meet great people, all while you help others in their time of need.

If you have just a little bit of time free month each and want to do something meaningful, then definitely sign up.

South Central Ambulance Service Community First Responders are volunteers working for the ambulance service.

SCAS receives no NHS funding for Community First Responders and therefore relies on South Central Ambulance Charity to raise funds through voluntary donations to fund their training, equipment and uniforms.

SCAS currently has around 650 Community First Responders and 200 Co-Responders who attend 999 calls within communities.

To find out more information about being a CFR or supporting the SCAS charity visit scas.charity.