SECAmb Launches New Emergency Responder Volunteer Trial
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is set to trial a brand-new volunteer Emergency Responder (ER) role. This exciting pilot will run for two years across select parts of Kent and West Sussex.
Where and Who?
The trial covers Ashford in Kent, including Romney Marsh, and Tangmere in West Sussex. The focus is the A272 corridor between Billingshurst and the Hampshire border. Each scheme will feature 12 specially trained Community First Responder (CFR) volunteers.
The Ashford-based emergency vehicle starts rolling out next week. Tangmere’s ER vehicle will hit the roads later in February.
Faster, Sharper Response with Blue Lights
Unlike traditional CFRs who respond from home, ERs will operate from SECAmb bases or standby points. They’ll drive specially marked Trust vehicles equipped with blue lights and sirens to reach emergencies faster.
Each ER undergoes tough recruitment, plus nationally accredited blue-light driving and extra clinical training. Their job? To provide a rapid, safe, and effective first response to life-threatening emergencies before ambulance clinicians arrive.
Extending Reach in Rural Areas
“This new concept targets some of our hard-to-reach rural areas and mirrors a response model previously only seen in London,” said SECAmb’s Head of Community Resilience, Dave Wells.
“By using Trust vehicles with blue lights and sirens, we’re extending the reach of our volunteers and boosting emergency support across our communities.”
“We’re proud and grateful for the commitment of all our volunteers stepping up to test this innovative role.”
