Do I need to have any prior medical/first aid knowledge or training?

No. Training is conducted by the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

How do I know I am the right sort of person?

• Have a current driving licence (no more than 3 current penalty points)
• Be 18 + relatively physically fit
• Be able to attend incidents whilst at home or work in the local area
• Have a caring nature and want to help people in extreme situations
• Have good communication skills and be a good listener
• Successful applicants will need to hold a clear Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS) at an enhanced level

What does the training involve?

The training schedule runs over a number of consecutive days. There is a (multiple choice) test at the mid-point and at the end of the course. There is also an assessment of the practical skills you have learned. After you qualify you then have to do a number of shifts as an observer with an ambulance crew, plus a shift in Ambulance Control. There is mandatory training every year to keep up to date.

How much does it cost and where is the training?

The training is provided free by the Ambulance Service at the main ambulance service training centre at the Sandwell Hub in Oldbury.

What would my duties be?

New responders will go ‘on-call’ in pairs. You can volunteer to do as many shifts as you are able. The only thing we ask is that you commit to a minimum of 16 hours per calendar month. A duty rota is prepared depending on the volunteer’s availability. When on call you need to be ready to go out at a moment’s notice.

* What is the process?

• Contact: Cliff.Medlicott@wmas.nhs.uk. You will be sent an application pack by West Midlands Ambulance Service which will include a CRB form.

• Formal Interview with West Midlands Ambulance Service

• Training which will include classroom, practical assessments and observation shifts.

• If you have any further questions please contact us: Groupcoordinator@mayfieldellastonecfr.co.uk