At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emergency care and support to patients until ambulance crews arrive.
- Company: Join the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, making a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Gain a Level 3 First Responder qualification and valuable lifesaving skills.
- Other info: Full training provided, with guaranteed interview for future paid positions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during critical moments and help those in need.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a driving licence, and commit to 20 volunteer hours monthly.
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is seeking caring, compassionate volunteers to become Community First Responders (CFRs). This rewarding role offers the opportunity to make a real difference in your local community, learn lifesaving skills, and work alongside frontline ambulance crews. Upon successful completion of training, volunteers will gain a Level 3 First Responder on Scene (FROS) qualification accredited by Future Quals, exceeding the requirements of the Level 3 First Aid at Work award.
SECAmb serves Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, covering 3,500 square miles and a population of 4.2 million. Volunteers are recruited from or near East Grinstead, Crawley, Horsham, Burgess Hill, Worthing, Shoreham‑by‑Sea, Brighton, Newhaven, Littlehampton, Rustington, Crowborough, Pett, and Hastings.
As a Community First Responder with SECAmb, you will provide emergency care, reassurance, and support to patients until ambulance crews arrive, often during some of the most difficult and distressing moments in their lives. Full training and ongoing support will be provided to equip you with the skills and confidence to respond effectively to emergencies. The role requires excellent communication skills, teamwork, compassion, and sensitivity to the needs of others. Volunteers also may be first on scene at medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests.
Qualifications
- Age 18 or older
- Full UK Category B driving licence for at least 12 months, no more than 3 penalty points, and access to a Class B vehicle with valid tax, MOT, and insurance
- Commitment to a minimum of 20 volunteer hours per month for a 2‑year period
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Compassionate and caring, able to work alone and as part of a team
- Ability to remain calm and work under pressure in stressful situations
- Good level of fitness, capable of performing CPR
- Current enhanced DBS check
- Successful completion of mandatory online training, occupational health screening and reference checks
Training and development
Full six-day training course: 14‑15 November, 28‑29 November, 12‑13 December. Additional mandatory training: Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Adult Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation. Attendance at all dates is essential.
Assessment and selection
Shortlisted candidates will attend an assessment centre at Tangmere Make Ready Centre, Chichester, on 18 July (9:00am‑6:00pm), which includes multiple mini interviews and training.
Career pathway
Volunteers who meet the required criteria and wish to pursue a future career within the ambulance service will be guaranteed an interview for suitable paid positions within the Trust.
Diversity and equality
SECAmb is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from black, Asian, ethnic minority, disabled applicants and other under‑represented groups.
Community First Responder employer: SECamb
Joining South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust as a Community First Responder offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in your local community while gaining invaluable lifesaving skills. With a strong commitment to training and ongoing support, SECAmb fosters a compassionate work culture that prioritises teamwork and personal growth, ensuring volunteers are well-equipped to handle emergencies. Located across the beautiful regions of Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, this role not only provides meaningful engagement but also opens pathways for future career opportunities within the ambulance service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community First Responder
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community you’ll be serving! Familiarise yourself with local areas and the specific needs of residents. This will not only help you connect better during interviews but also show your genuine commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Community First Responder, you'll need to reassure and support people in distress. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your compassion! During interviews, share personal stories that highlight your caring nature and teamwork abilities. This will help interviewers see you as a perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in their communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Community First Responder
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion:In your application, let us see your caring side! Share experiences where you've helped others or shown empathy. This role is all about making a difference in people's lives, so highlight your passion for community service.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your skills and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills you have, especially in communication and teamwork. These are key for a Community First Responder, so give us examples of how you've worked well with others in stressful situations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and training there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at SECamb
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Community First Responder. Familiarise yourself with the main duties and responsibilities, as well as the skills required. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the position.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
Since this role requires a caring and compassionate nature, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities. Think about times when you've helped others or worked in stressful situations, and how you handled them.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. During the interview, practice clear and concise responses. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable discussing your experiences and answering questions confidently.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
As a Community First Responder, you'll need to work both independently and as part of a team. Be ready to discuss scenarios where you've successfully collaborated with others, as well as instances where you've taken initiative on your own. This will show that you can adapt to different situations.
