When a patient faces a serious emergency, every second counts for them and a simple helping hand from a Community First Responder can make a vital difference to their lives.

First Responders in Wales are volunteers who donate their spare time to attend appropriate 999 calls and provide first hand emergency care to people in their own community. When a 999 call is made, First Responders are alerted by WAST’s three control centres and are sent to  certain types of calls, the same time as an ambulance so they can provide essential care until the vehicle reaches the scene. The volunteers are trained by the Welsh Ambulance Service to administer basic first aid skills, administer oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of a defibrillator.

Welsh Ambulance Service Trust CFR Leaflet

The Chain of Survival is four simple rules to help maximise the chances of those suffering sudden cardiac arrest.

1. Early Access - Send someone to dial 999 immediately, ensuring details and location of incident
2. Early CPR - The Ambulance Service will explain to you how to perform CPR correctly
3. Early Defibrilation - The use of a defibrilator greatly increases chance of survival
4. Early Advanced Care - Treatment by health care professionals to maximise the patient's chances of survival