What are First Responders?

In the event of a collapse from Cardiac Arrest, Choking, Drowning or unexplained causes  the recommended response time for an emergency call out by an ambulance is 8 minutes – THE GOLDEN TIME – the time in which a patient , if successfully treated, stands the greatest chance of survival and recovery.

First Responders are volunteer members of the Community who are trained to respond to emergency calls through the 999 system in conjunction with the Ambulance Service.

Responders provide immediate care to patients in rural areas where distance could delay the prompt arrival of an ambulance.

They are trained to deliver Basic Life Support and defibrillation to patients in Cardiac Arrest and appropriate calls including oxygen administration to patients from a range of conditions.

First Responders are based within the community in which they live. They can attend the scene of an emergency in a short time, often arriving within the first three or four minutes Newcastleton Community First Responders in 98% of cases we are the first emergency resource to arrive at the scene.

The First Responders can then begin vital life saving first aid before the Ambulance arrives, increasing the patient's chance of survival.

We know that in many emergencies people can die within the first few minutes. This is especially the case for heart attacks, choking and injuries that have caused someone to lose consciousness