I’m Ambulance Amateur.
I had a day job (H&S), and I’m also a First Aider. However, at nights and weekends, I go into a phone box and emerge as Ambulance Amateur – dedicated to bringing Intermediate Life Support to the public in my town, which could be Anytown, but it’s not. Let’s call it Everytown.
I have the privilege to be a Community First Responder. Yes, going into people’s homes to “tend the sick” is a real privilege, even when you want to wipe your feet as you come out! People let me into their lives, if only for a short time. Find out more here: http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/what-we-do/community-first-responders.aspx
If you are fit enough to do CPR (chest compressions), are over 18, have a driving licence and access to a car, you could be a CFR too. The pay is lousy (£0.00 per annum) but the job satisfaction is HUGE. The minimum time commitment works out at an average of an hour per week; we can all do that.
We don’t go to namby-pamby calls. All our calls are either seriously life-threatening or are at least serious. We don’t do children, alcohol, drugs or any of the blood & bones; we do things like chest pains, difficulty in breathing (it’s great watching a blue face turn its proper pink), cardiac arrest, fits, asthma etc.
You don’t need any experience, as the training will be given by either the Ambulance Service or the Voluntary Aid Societies. You also have the superb opportunity to work alongside a great bunch of hunky blokes and fit women (whichever rings your bell) who form the Ambulace Service. The vast majority of these people welcome you with open arms and treat you like a true colleague.
They’re a great bunch.
