Training and Assessment

To be a Neighbourhood First Responder the volunteer is required to attend a training course.

This involves a minimum of 21 hours of training in emergency care that culminates in an award recognised by St. John Ambulance and Wiltshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and certificated accordingly.

Training courses are flexible and can be arranged at times that are mutually convenient for volunteers (they are usually undertaken at weekends).

The training covers the following subjects:

Module 1
Introduction, scene safety, patient assessment, management, basic life support and defibrillation.

Module 2
Medical emergencies including cardiac conditions, diabetic/neurological/respiratory emergencies.

Module 3
Preparation for active duty.

Volunteers also receive instruction in:

• Risk Assessment

• Health & Safety

• Patient and scene management

• How to respond to a call

• How to report untoward incidents or unusual occurrences

• Administration

• Verbal and written handover to ambulance crews

• Consent

• Confidentiality

• Right of Entry

At the end of the course there is a practical assessment. There are informal re-assessments every 90 days and an annual formal assessment, which the volunteer is required to pass.

As part of the training, Neighbourhood First Responders will spend some time observing on an emergency ambulance and with a First Responder, including a visit to the Emergency Operations Centre to gain an appreciation and understanding of the process of receiving and responding to an emergency call.

ã Wiltshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust