THE South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is celebrating its 600-plus volunteers this week, and encouraging more to sign up.

This Volunteers’ Week, which runs from June 3 to 9, is in its 40th year and is a chance to highlight the SWASFT's volunteers who dedicate their spare time to providing emergency care and support within their local community. 

SWASFT volunteers operate in patient and non-patient-facing roles across the South West. There are over 600 Community First Responders (CFRs) and 35 British Association for Immediate Care Doctors — experienced pre-hospital doctors.

In addition, volunteers support ambulance crews by moving Trust vehicles between sites. In the last three months, volunteers have moved over 100 ambulances across the South West. 

Michael Dearden is an 85-year-old active volunteer, from Culmstock in Mid-Devon, who joined SWASFT at the age of 70. Michael is believed to be the second oldest CFR in the country and has given 15 years of dedicated volunteering service responding to 999 emergency calls in his local community, for up to 12 hours a week. He was recently honoured to attend his Majesty’s garden party at Buckingham Palace. 

Michael said: “From my experience, I believe that the role of a Community First Responder makes a huge difference to people. Living in a rural community I can usually be on scene within minutes, often ahead of an ambulance.

"This is especially the case in the present time of huge demand for the ambulance service. I can then administer to the patient, keeping them safe and keeping the Emergency Operations Centres informed of the situation.

“I joined SWASFT with basic first aid training having been a first aider for many years at work, including during my time in the Royal Naval Submarine Service. However, I would stress that you do not need to have any clinical qualifications to become a Community First Responder, as SWASFT provide all the training.

"I have also received further training in Advanced First Aid and Emergency Life Support at SWASFT, and my skills are continually updated. I personally get huge satisfaction being able to put something back into the community and having the skills to help people in their hour of need."

Patient-facing volunteers play a vital role in helping the region’s ambulance service to respond to 999 calls and deliver emergency care to patients, often ahead of an ambulance arriving on scene. In the last financial year they responded to over 22,500 calls across the region.

SWASFT typically deals with around 2,650 incidents a day and serves a resident population of over 5.5 million people with an estimated annual influx of more than 23 million tourists.

The work of volunteers such as CFRs, who operate within their local area, is varied from sharing a cup of tea and a chat with a patient to providing CPR and saving someone’s life. 

Jane Whichello, Head of Volunteering and Community Services, at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity for all of us to recognise the value of our volunteers and the difference they make to people's lives and their communities.

“Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn valuable lifesaving skills through the training and ongoing support from the dedicated volunteering support team. If you would like to learn more about what you can do to make a difference, why not visit our website and socials to find out more." 

Volunteers do not need any clinical qualifications, as training and on-going support, is provided, plus all equipment and uniform. It is a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week. 

To find out about volunteering roles and to express an interest, visit swast.nhs.uk/volunteer-recruitment.