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Welcome to South Mid Sussex Community First Responders website.
“South Mid Sussex Community First Responders are members of the public who volunteer to help their community by responding to Medical Emergencies. South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) train us in order that we can respond to such emergencies, received by the 999 system, in our own community before the arrival of an emergency ambulance.”
“We are not a replacement for the Ambulance Service, but we are a vital link in the chain of survival and are part of a team that provides life support to those in need.”
“In certain cases the Team’s intervention can literally mean the difference between life and death.”
“In cases of cardiac arrest, a patient’s heart stops beating – without defibrillation their chances of survival decreases as every minute goes by. Community Responders are trained to use Automatic Defibrillators and can therefore provide vital intervention in such cases”
When a Community Responder is on duty, they are mobilised by a text message notification, which is sent out by the Emergency Operations Centre in Lewes following a 999 call. Not all calls are deemed suitable for a Community Responder to attend and below is listed the types of call we routinely attend:
• Cardiac Arrests
• Unconscious patients
• Patients suffering from Chest Pains
• Patients with Breathing difficulties
• Epileptic Fits
• Diabetic problems
• Cerebral Vascular Accidents (Strokes)
• Medical Collapses – Abdominal pains etc
• Minor Trauma – Fractures, bleeding etc
• Care link alarms
• Falls
As a voluntary team, we strive to provide 24 hour cover hence we are always eager to welcome new members to our Team. Find out how to Become a CFR.