Recognising the vital role of Community First Responders

Research published by King’s College London, in partnership with the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), has recognised the significant contribution of our Community First Responders (CFRs) who volunteer across local communities in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The study explored the impact of CFR volunteering on patient care, ambulance services, community resilience, and the volunteers themselves. The findings underline the vital role CFRs play in supporting ambulance services, including helping reduce unnecessary hospital conveyances, which can often lead to better patient outcomes. The research also emphasised the importance of CFRs particularly in rural communities, whilst also highlighting the opportunity to do more in areas facing health inequalities.

The dedication and compassion shown by CFRs was recently acknowledged in a letter from Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health and Secondary Care, who praised ambulance volunteers across the country: “The work you do is invaluable, providing comfort and reassurance to individuals in their most critical moments. Your commitment exemplifies the very best of public service and community spirit.”

Peter Reading, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) and national ambulance chief executive lead for volunteering, added: “We know the immense value CFRs bring to our service and their local communities. They give many hours of their free time to volunteer, to help our patients.  CFRs – and all our volunteers – are truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have such dedicated individuals as part of the YAS team.”

Through its Volunteer Development Framework, the Trust is committed to supporting and enhancing volunteering, recognising the significant benefits volunteering brings to patients, staff, communities and to volunteers themselves, with a range of volunteer opportunities available.

A full copy of the research report is available from King’s College and on the website of AACE, www.aace.org.uk