Community First Responder - North & East Devon

South West Ambulance Service Trust; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional ambulance service in the United Kingdom is offering a rewarding volunteering opportunity for Community First Responders in North and East Devon. Volunteers will provide emergency care in their local communities and will receive comprehensive training, including a Level 3 Award for First Responders. Applicants should have a good education background and a valid driving licence. This role offers valuable life-saving skills and the chance to make a difference in the community.

Benefits

Training provided

Valuable lifesaving skills

Community engagement

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.

Responsibilities

• Attend emergency calls to provide patient care until ambulance clinicians arrive.
• Meet new people and learn lifesaving skills through training.
• Complete the Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene during training.

Job description

Community First Responder - North & East Devon

Exciting volunteering opportunities have arisen within South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust for Community First Responders to join Community First Responder schemes across North and East Devon.

We welcome applicants from across North and East Devon but especially interested in expanding groups in the areas of Axminster, Chumleigh, Combe Martin, Crediton, Hartland, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy, Lynton, Seaton, Woolacombe. We may consider applications from: Beaworthy, Braunton, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Cullompton, Culmstock, High Bickington, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Lynmouth, North Molton, Okehampton, Ottery St Mary, Shebbar, Sidmouth, South Molton, Tedburn St Mary, Torrington, Uffculme, Winkliegh, Witheridge, Yelland.

A Community First Responder (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 South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to provide patient care, including basic life support, until the arrival of an emergency ambulance clinician.

This voluntary role is highly rewarding and offers opportunities to meet new people and learn valuable lifesaving skills through the training provided by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. As a volunteer and a member of a Community First Responder Scheme you would provide this community-based service willingly and without pay.

Applicants will have a good all‑round education; a full driving licence held for at least one year, with no more than 6 current penalty points and have access to a vehicle with current tax, MOT and insurance for use.

Following shortlisting, applicants will be invited to attend a formal interview where they will be expected to have some knowledge of the role and South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust.

Candidates will be required to attain the Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene during training in order to complete the recruitment process.

Recruitment Phases

• Phase One – 17/12/25 to 14/02/25. Interviews week commencing 05/01/2025 (including interviews, HR checks). One six‑day training course at Petroc Campus, Barnstaple. Training dates:
  • Weekend 1: 21–22 February 2026
  • Weekend 2: 28 February – 1 March 2026
  • Weekend 3: 7–8 March 2026
  You must attend all six dates; if you cannot attend all training days please do not apply for this intake.

About SWASFT

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) values inclusivity and supports a positive, welcoming environment. We employ over 5,000 employees and volunteers, including community first responders and fire co‑responders.

Contacts:

• Name: Nick Chown, HR Services Officer
• Email: [e-mail]