Becoming a 3PR Community First Responder

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust works in partnership with local groups such as 3PR to recruit Community First Responders from Boxford, Edwardstone and Groton.

Community First Responders are trained volunteers who are dispatched by the ambulance service to attend certain 999 emergency calls in their local area. Their role is to reach patients quickly and provide early assessment and emergency care in the crucial minutes before an ambulance arrives.

Responders receive full training and ongoing support from the ambulance service, enabling them to carry out life-saving interventions and provide vital support to patients until professional ambulance staff take over.

Volunteers take turns to be on call and carry a responder kit, including an automated external defibrillator (AED). When dispatched, they attend appropriate life-threatening emergency calls at the same time as ambulance crews, and may arrive first because they are based locally.

Becoming a Community First Responder is a rewarding way to support your local community. Volunteers choose how much time they can offer, and even a small commitment can make a meaningful difference when someone needs help most.

The 3PR Community First Responder group was established in 2002 and continues to play an important role in supporting emergency care across the local community.

For more information about joining the group, please use our contact form or get in touch with the group coordinator.

The Role of a 3PR Community First Responder

A Community First Responder is a trained volunteer who responds on behalf of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust when dispatched by ambulance control. Responders attend specific types of emergency calls and provide immediate care and support until an ambulance arrives.

Community First Responders operate in towns and villages where early intervention can make a critical difference to patient outcomes.

Who can become a Community First Responder?

• Adults aged 18 or over from the local community
• People with a genuine desire to help others in an emergency
• Those willing to commit time to a valued community role

In addition, responders will need to:

• Commit to the EEAST code of conduct
• Hold a full driving licence
• Have immediate access to a reliable car when on duty
• Be willing to undertake and maintain regular training
• Be responsible for responder equipment while in their care
• Be able to respond promptly when on call
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality at all times