Community First Responder (CFR) schemes are a partnership between the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, local CFR Groups and individual volunteers within the community who are members of those groups.

CFR Schemes comprise of members of the public who volunteer to assist the Ambulance Service in their local community by attending emergency calls (of a suitable nature) within an agreed radius of where they live or work and provide basic emergency care whilst an ambulance or paramedic is en route to the patient. The volunteer is regarded as a volunteer employee of the Ambulance trust once inducted.

As an example of how time critical emergency intervention can be, the chance of survival of a patient in cardiac arrest if de-fibrillated immediately is 85%, with the odds decreasing by 10% for every minute that passes with no treatment. Early defibrillation is therefore a crucial potentially life saving intervention which Community First responders can perform whilst the ambulance is on its way. Community First responders are also trained to administer oxygen therapy, which in a patient who is experiencing a heart attack or stroke may alleviate their chest pain and improve the patient's outcome.

3PR - THREE PARISHES RESPONSE

3PR was set up in 2002, it encompasses the three parishes of Boxford, Edwardstone and Groton. Running costs are relatively low, group members opt to provide their transport and fuel free of charge although recompense is available. The group receive no direct funding so any donations are gratefully received.

Boxford 3PR Group train in Boxford on the second Monday of every month. Our responders are further trained and refreshed in basic Life support, use of defibrillator, pulse oximeter, use of Oxygen together with other related subjects and general first aid. Please contact Rich Wild, our co-ordinator on 01787 210946 for more details.