Becoming a responder

This was my second go at becoming a responder, about 7 years ago there was a scheme in Weedon, Northamptonshire. But after only a few months the scheme folded. It took a while for me to look into being a responder again and eventually I found South Northants Community Responders.

I was invited to an induction evening where Responders, the scheme co-ordinator and EMAS staff were on hand to go through the role of a Community First Responder. I was fortunate to be in the position that I’d already become a responder so was already sold on the benefits to the local community. Life signed away on a form and DBS checks sent off I was looking forward to training.

Day 1 – The morning was a general run through of the role of a responder and how we were supported by East Midlands Ambulance service. A overview of the scheme and the who’s who with South Northants Responders. An overview of patient care and safeguarding, including myself as a responder. The afternoon was more hands on and we were put straight into practice. Assessing the scene upon arrival and how to go straight into CPR if the patient requires it. We were able to practice scenarios a few times in groups and able to assess each other and give each other pointers on good practice.

Day 2 – Today was lots of book, screen and powerpoint work. We went through all the conditions we are likely to be called to and how to assess to make a diagnosis and provide the correct treatment.

Day 3 – Was all about our responsibility to document the scene and hand over to the Ambulance Crew properly and efficiently. Then the afternoon was taken up by individual assessments and tests for everything we’d learnt.

I’d Passed, but the learning literally was just beginning. South Northants First Responders have a fantastic policy in place whereby they mentor and buddy shift with all new responders. A signed off, experienced responder will be out with a new responder in the scheme car for the first 6 shifts. I went out with the scheme coordinator, David, for the first 2 shifts and he gave me a gentle introduction into the processes right from logging on to dealing with patients. The buddy shift gives newbies a chance to respond, but observe and learn.

I managed to buddy shift on a regular basis meaning I was able to get a lot of experience, quite quickly. You also keep the momentum and the more jobs you attend you see and feel the value of the Responder role. I managed to get in 8 shifts with 6 different responders, which I am very thankful for as they are giving up their time to help out someone new to the scheme. Shift 9 was with the assessor, to get signed off to respond solo. Assessor sounds more scary than it should because I was out with the lovely Cathy, who has an unbelievable wealth of experience and knowledge. A nurse for 30 years and now training to become a paramedic… everything she said I was something to learn by.

I’ve now been signed off for a few weeks and have managed to do a couple of solo shifts in my local area and I still go out in the scheme car on shifts with other responders. The car is great because you have good backup and great company.

I managed to raise a few quid from client donations to the scheme and I now have kit with me at all times so I can go on call whenever I have a spare few hours and if I just happen to come across anything.

Looking forward to 2019, if I get enough experience I can hopefully be put forward for a level 3 responder course. Something that I’m really  looking forward to is, to be able to help more new responders come into the scheme.

Becoming a Community First Responder does give you a real sense of purpose. If you think this is something you would be interested in then look at the information on the website apply.
– Lee Attwood