Volunteers that are saving lives in your community

Community first responders are volunteers that may have no past medical career and are trained to provide immediate first aid in those crucial minutes before the ambulance arrives. They can be called to cardiac arrests, heart attacks and seizures etc. CFR’s maintain training through a monthly basic life saving course and requalify annually.

In 2008, Angela Small was a first aider at an office. She saw an advert in a local advertisement for community first responders. Upon applying, Angela attended several meetings and training courses before having her formal interview at the head quarters in Lewes.

She has now been a qualified CFR for 9 and a half years. Angela covers areas of Horsham, Barns Green and Southwater. She has performed first aid in various situations from strokes to unresponsive patients and a lot more in her years as a CFR.

“My favourite thing about being a CFR is being able to help the community, offering support to the vulnerable and to make a difference. You can’t beat the feeling you get when you’ve helped someone” ~ Angela Small

Angela always carries her equipment with her in her car; this consists of oxygen tanks, a defibrillator, basic dressings and PPE (personal protection equipment). All CFR’s are responsible for their own equipment and do fundraising to cover the costs.

Since becoming a CFR, Angela now works full-time in healthcare.

If you weren’t aware of these volunteers, they have been saving lives all across the UK. These selfless volunteers give up their time to help their community and it could be in those minutes that they perform first aid, before the ambulance arrives, that a life is saved.

Ysabel Hardy, Millais School