Community First Responder - Bristol & Somerset

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional ambulance service in Bristol seeks volunteers to join their Community First Responder schemes. As a volunteer, you will attend emergency calls and provide patient care, including basic life support. Interested candidates must have a good education, a valid driving licence, and the willingness to complete necessary training. This rewarding role offers valuable experiences and the opportunity to make a difference in the community.

Qualifications

• Good all-round education.
• Full driving licence held for at least one year, with no more than 6 current penalty points.
• Access to a vehicle with current tax, MOT and insurance for your use.
• Willingness to attain the Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene during training.

Responsibilities

• Attend emergency calls on behalf of the service to provide patient care.
• Provide basic life support until the arrival of an emergency ambulance.

Job description

Overview

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.

Areas of interest

• Nether Stowey
• Porlock
• Williton
• Dulverton
• Cheddar
• Minehead

Role details

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.

Requirements

• Good all‑round education.
• Full driving licence held for at least one year, with no more than 6 current penalty points.
• Access to a vehicle with current tax, MOT and insurance for your use.
• Willingness to attain the Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene during training to complete the recruitment process.

Commitment and benefits

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 work place as well as or instead of your home address, detail this in the additional information section.

Interview and training dates

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 from 2 December to 5 December 2025.

The six day (two long weekends) training course is scheduled to be held in Bridgwater on the following dates:

Weekend 1: Friday 27 February 2026, Saturday 28 February 2026, Sunday 1 March 2026

Weekend 2: Friday 6 March 2026, Saturday 7 March 2026, Sunday 8 March 2026

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.

Trust information

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has a culture where everyone is valued for being themselves. The aim is to work together to promote an inclusive environment that attracts people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do for our employees, patients and communities. 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.

We employ over 5,000 employees across clinical, operational and emergency response roles, as well as supporting roles. We also employ Doctors and volunteers which include Community First Responders and fire co‑responders. We take steps to provide compassionate patient care and a safe place to work, promoting a positive set of behaviours as a core standard in recruitment, selection and screening processes.

To view the Trust’s Mission, Vision, Values and Goals, please refer to the Trust’s materials.

Contact

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Nick Chown • Job title: HR Services Officer • Email: [e-mail]