What we do

addWe are volunteers trained in first aid, basic life support and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) use. First Responders attend certain 999 calls to provide emergency first aid until an ambulance arrives. We are activated by Ambulance Control via a dedicated pager system &/or mobile phone and some teams use radio. 

Why?

Rural areas can challenge the ambulance services arrival on scene within the critical 8 minutes. Local volunteers know the area, often know the patient and if more volunteers arrive than is necessary to treat the patient, then they can speed up the ambulance's arrival by guiding it.

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Villages in rural Lancashire & Cumbria have house names rather than numbers which can be a nightmare to find. Local knowledge is a great help. 

 

 

The survival rate of an out of hospital cardiac arrest is up to 30% higher with early attendance, basic life support, defibrillation, and advanced life support.

 

 Aims of First Responders

hourglass The aim of the First Responder is to be with you as quickly as possible before the ambulance arrives. We are locals and should know the area.

The First Responder will assess the situation,  and can be in contact with the Ambulance Control from whom they will receive expert help and back up as the ambulance makes its way to you.

The ultimate aim is to buy time for the patient and increase their chance of survival whilst the ambulance and crew are on its way. Also, it can seem a long time before the ambulance arrives and the First Responder's secondary role can be a supportive one.

Can the First Responder take the place of the ambulance?

This is a definite no! Although First Responders are there to initiate treatment and support as appropriate while further medical help gets to you. They will do everything within their training to provide life support during this time.

Remember the Ambulance will always have been dispatched first and is on its way.

Please note you may not get a NWAS ambulance, you may have St John's or the Red Cross volunteers transporting you to hospital if there are not enough NWAS crews. It happens!..