First Responders are based within the community in which they live or work they can attend the scene of an emergency in a very short time, often arriving in the first couples of minutes of the initial call. The First Responders offer vital life saving first aid before the ambulance arrive, which further increases the patient chance of survival. The first couple of minutes can be the most critical after an accident or serious illness.
We are always followed by an ambulance or community paramedic officer. It is important to stress that we do not replace the professionals, but rather we are there to provide additional support and assistance until they arrive in our rural area.
How the first responds works with the West Midlands Ambulance service.