A CFR scheme is made up of groups of volunteers who, within the community in which they live or work, have been trained to attend emergency calls received by the NHS ambulance service, providing first aid until an emergency ambulance arrives.
When a 999 call is made an ambulance or response vehicle is dispatched to attend; if appropriate a CFR will also be dispatched. The CFR will probably arrive first, as they are likely to be closer to the incident than the ambulance.
The CFR will be able to:
- Clear and maintain the airway of an unconscious patient
- Administer oxygen to patients who are short of breath or who have chest pain.
- Provide resuscitation and defibrillation when required.
- Control haemorrhage
- Put the patient at ease
- Take basic observations like pulse and respiratory rate
Where the patient has suffered a cardiac arrest the CFR can provide vital, rapid defibrillation (an electric shock to the heart), which plays an essential role in allowing the heart to re establish normal activity. The quicker the patient receives this treatment the greater the chances of success.
A defibrillator (or AED) costs about £1600, but can mean the difference between life and death.