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- Tasks: Join a team of volunteers providing emergency care in your community.
- Company: Be part of South Western Ambulance Service, dedicated to compassionate patient care.
- Benefits: Gain valuable lifesaving skills and meet new people while volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and enhance your CV with unique experiences.
- Qualifications: Must have a full driving licence, access to a vehicle, and commitment to training.
- Other info: Interviews and training are scheduled in Bridgwater; flexibility is key!
Exciting volunteering opportunities have arisen within South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust for Community First Responders to join Community First Responder schemes across Bristol & Somerset. We are particularly interested in the following areas: Wincanton, Penselwood, Cucklington, Holton, Yarlington, Frome, Beckington, Dulverton, Watchet, Minehead, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury, Langport, Pill, Portishead, Uphill, Weston Super Mare, Clevedon, Wedmore, Banwell, Thornbury, Olverston, Easter Compton, Chew Valley, Chew Magna, Chew Stoke, Blagdon, Wrington, Charterhouse, Rudgeway, Nether Stowey, Cheddar, Williton, Portlock.
A CFR scheme is made up of a group of trained volunteers who within the community in which they live or work attend emergency calls on behalf of SWAST to provide patient care, including basic life support, until the arrival of an emergency ambulance.
Applicants will have a good all round education; a full driving license held for at least one year, with no more than 6 current penalty points and have access to a vehicle with current tax, MOT and insurance for your use. Following shortlisting, applicants will be invited to attend a formal interview whereby they will be expected to have some knowledge of the role and South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust. Candidates will be required to attain the Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene during training in order to complete the recruitment process.
Main duties of the job: As a volunteer and a member of a Community First Responder Scheme you would provide this community based service willingly and without pay. This role is highly rewarding and offers opportunities to meet new people and learn valuable lifesaving skills through the training provided by SWAST.
It is vital you include what would make you an exceptional Community First Responder and how you meet the person specification for the role. Please be aware, if there is not currently a Community First Responder scheme running within a 3 mile radius of your home postcode you may not be shortlisted. Should you wish to respond from your workplace as well as or instead of your home address, detail this in the additional information section.
Please be aware that you must be able to attend the following in person interview dates and all six days of training course: Interviews are scheduled in person in the Bridgwater area the week on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th July 2025. The four day (two weekends) training course is scheduled to be held in Bridgwater on the below dates: Weekend 2: 16th & 17th August. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MAKE ALL OF THE TRAINING DAYS DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS INTAKE. FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES MAY ARISE IN YOUR AREA IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
This advert does not cover: Bath & North East Somerset - Apply via Wiltshire CFR advert; South Gloucestershire / North Bristol - Apply via the Gloucestershire advert.
About us: At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) we have a culture where everyone is valued for being themselves. Our aim is to work together to promote the most inclusive environment possible, which attracts people from the widest range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work that we do together, for the benefit of all of our employees, our patients and the communities we serve. We offer flexible working opportunities, inclusive policies and a range of feedback mechanisms to support individuals and to enable a positive, welcoming environment where our people and their careers can thrive in.
We employ over 5,000 employees mainly clinical, operational and emergency response staff as well as supporting roles. We also employ Doctors and volunteers which include community first responders and fire co-responders. We take all the steps needed to provide the most compassionate patient care possible whilst also providing an enjoyable and safe place to work. We actively promote a positive set of behaviours as being key to our performance both individually and collectively. Our recruitment, selection and screening processes are designed to uphold these standards and we invite all our candidates to actively share with us through these processes how they will bring these behaviours to life.
To view the Trust's Mission, Vision, Values and Goals click here.
Job responsibilities: For further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification attached. This voluntary role is highly rewarding and offers opportunities to meet new people and learn valuable lifesaving skills through the training provided by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
More information is available in the video above and on our website: Our Volunteers | SWAST Website. Any questions get in touch using the details below: Naomi Walker, Mobile - 07977352095, Email naomi.walker@swast.nhs.uk.
Person Specification: Education and qualifications: Full driving licence held for at least one year, with no more than 6 current penalty points. Have a vehicle with current tax, MOT and insurance for your use. Current advanced driving qualification.
Previous experience (Paid/ Unpaid relevant to role): Previous experience (Paid/ Unpaid relevant to role).
Skills, knowledge, ability: Commitment to volunteering for a minimum of 12 hours a week.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Community First Responder - Bristol & Somerset employer: SWAST
Contact Detail:
SWAST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community First Responder - Bristol & Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to compassionate patient care will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing how you embody these values.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current Community First Responders or volunteers in your area. They can provide insights into the role and share their experiences, which can be invaluable when discussing what makes you an exceptional candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the practical aspects of the role by brushing up on basic life support skills. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness to provide patient care will set you apart during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure you can commit to the required training dates and hours. Highlighting your availability and willingness to dedicate time to this role will show your commitment and reliability as a volunteer.
We think you need these skills to ace Community First Responder - Bristol & Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a Community First Responder entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the skills required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous experience that relates to emergency response or community service. This could include volunteering, first aid training, or any relevant qualifications that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Explain why you want to be a Community First Responder specifically with South Western Ambulance Service and how your values align with their mission.
Prepare for the Interview: Since interviews are part of the selection process, prepare by researching common interview questions for volunteer roles in emergency services. Be ready to discuss your motivations and how you meet the person specification outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAST
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Community First Responder. Familiarise yourself with basic life support techniques and the specific duties expected of you in this role. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Commitment
Emphasise your dedication to volunteering and your willingness to commit at least 12 hours a week. Share any previous volunteer experiences that demonstrate your reliability and passion for helping others.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Discuss any skills or qualifications that are relevant to the role, such as advanced driving qualifications or first aid training. If you have experience in emergency situations, be sure to mention it!
✨Be Prepared to Discuss Your Motivation
Think about why you want to become a Community First Responder. Be ready to articulate your motivations and what makes you a suitable candidate for this rewarding role. Personal stories can make your answers more impactful.
