We received this message earlier on from a follower – if you can help, then please leave a comment in the comments section below:
“Please post anonymously.
“I am already a proud member of staff of the thin blue line.
“I am seriously considering (when recruiting) becoming a community 1st responder in my local area in Kent.
“I know I will be trained by St Johns and know I have to use my own car.
“I have 12+ yrs experience in 1st aid so all the extras I get will just be a bonus / refresher for me. I am NOT saying I know it all, far from it, I’m just confident in the area.
“A couple of questions if I may:
“1. What are your perceptions of community responders?
“2. What is expected of them as a role and when ambulance drivers (sorry paramedics) arrive on scene what do you expect from them?
“3. Watching inside the ambulance last night they are all wearing gopros. Is that the norm and can 1st responders wear their own or is that just for TV ?
“Thanks”.
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1. What are your perceptions of community responders?
They bridge the growing gaps in Ambulance availability, confident, competent CR’s aren’t just life savers they are the first step in recovery.
2. What is expected of them as a role and when ambulance drivers (sorry paramedics) arrive on scene what do you expect from them?
Depends on training and local protocols.
3. Watching inside the ambulance last night they are all wearing gopros. Is that the norm and can 1st responders wear their own or is that just for TV ?
For TV, though ‘issue’ sealed body worn cameras that can only be accessed and downloaded by an appropriate official/approved body may be coming, wearing your own wouldn’t be acceptable in almost every situation. Evidential chain of custody and privacy issues.
I have been a CFR for 10 years. It is the most amazingly worthwhile role, yet very frustrating. You can spend hours sitting around at home waiting and never getting a job. But when you do get one it makes a huge difference to the patient and their family. If they’ve called for help, it’s because they’re worried. Just having someone there to hold their hand, give support, is 90 percent of the job. If it’s serious you have the kit to start a timeline of treatment. What CFRs are allowed to do varies hugely across the country though.