Incidents attended by a Community First Responder

A First Responder will never knowingly be sent to any incident where there is any risk or danger to them.

First Responders will be asked to attend incidents of the following nature:

• Allergic reaction
• Breathing problems
• Fitting
• Diabetic emergency
• Chest pain
• Stroke
• Loss of consciousness
• Collapse
• Cardiac arrest
• Respiratory arrest

Whilst attending an incident, they will provide care and support to the patient. They will monitor the patients pulse, oxygen level, and administer oxygen if the patients condition requires. They will apply bandages and dressings to wounds if an injury has occurred and monitor the patient’s condition whilst awaiting an ambulance.

In more serious cases such as cardiac arrest, First Responders will start CPR and if required deliver an electric shock using an automated defibrillator in an attempt to restore the heart to a normal rhythm.

In addition to the provision of care to the patient they will obtain any relevant history from the patient or family and gather items such as medication so they are available should the patient require transportation to hospital.

Should a First Responder note any deterioration in the patient’s condition they will contact the Ambulance Control Centre with an update which will be passed to the ambulance which is en-route to the incident.