Question 1

How much time would I have to commit?

Accepted Answer

At the moment, there is no set minimum time.  However we do have an aspirational goal of having 24 hour cover 365 days a year. The minimum time requirement may change for new applicants in the future.  In addition to being on call, we meet as a team frequently. At meetings we often do training, discuss what calls people have had and if there are any concerns as well as any learning points. Meetings are fairly light hearted in nature.

Question 2

Will I receive any payment?

Accepted Answer

No. The role is entirely voluntary. However as an ‘on call’ CFR you would only be called to emergencies close to your home.  You can claim expenses to cover your fuel.

Question 3

Will I get a blue light for my car?

Accepted Answer

No. CFRs respond to calls that are local to where they live and must obey the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act at all times.

Question 4

Will I wear a uniform?

Accepted Answer

You will be provided this shortly after you join the team.

Question 5

Everyone talks about suing people these days, what happens if someone says I did it wrong?"

Accepted Answer

For someone to have any legal case they must first prove that your actions made the situation worse. When dealing with life threatening situations such as resuscitation, where someone who is left will certainly die, it is inconceivable how anyone could make the situation worse than it already is. Having said that CFRs are afforded the same legal protection as any other member of Ambulance Service staff and are insured by the Scottish Ambulance Service while undertaking work on their behalf.

Question 6

Will I be assessed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will need to pass an initial assessment when you are trained.  Then as part of continued learning and skills up keep, you will need to attend 6 training sessions a year.  Training sessions are conducted monthly, and they are held in Alness Kendal Hall or Invergordon Fire Station.
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Question 7

Do I need a Car to be a CFR?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every second counts in an emergency and you need to be able to make it to your patient as expediently, but safely as possible.

Question 8

Will I be on my own?

Accepted Answer

New CFR's will always be teamed up with more experienced ones to begin with.  CPR is tiring, and working as a team can be less taxing on you and be better for the patient.
 
As a general rule, our scheme pairs up, for both safety and best patient care.
 
As you can choose when you want to go online, there will never be a situation where you are online alone when you dont want to be.
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Question 9

Will it affect my car insurance?

Accepted Answer

It shouldn't.  But HSE requires CFR's to inform their car insurance provider of their role as a CFR.  For most, this will mean telling your insurance company that your vehicle is also used for business (communiting alone is not suffient cover). Scottish Ambulance Service also need to see proof of this. Scottish Ambulance Service can provide a letter to your car insurer to explain the role to avoid additional charges.
 
To date, noone in our scheme has seen preiums increase as a result telling our insurance company about this.

Question 10

What about COVID-19

Accepted Answer

The service will never 'knowingly' send you to a COVID positive patient.  However, the types of calls we attend have the same symptoms as COVID-19, and many COVID-19 positive cases show no symptoms at all, so yes there is a chance you may respond to a COVID-19 positive patient.  The Service provides all PPE and training needed to minimise the risk as much as possible.  Also, as we know the area and people in it, Responders always have the right to refuse a call for any reason (Example: asked to respond to your abusive Ex's house), and as such if you know the person is COVID positive, you can let control know and they will stand you don from that call.
 
Also, as an NHS front line worker, you will be able to book for Vaccines and Boosters first, if you should choose to want them.

FIRST RESPONDERS

Scottish Charity: SC049207

FAQ

Frequently asked questions