When someone dials 999 for a medical emergency, every second counts. Ambulance crews travel as quickly as possible, but in those first critical minutes, early intervention can make all the difference. That is where Community First Responders (CFRs) come in.
CFRs are trained volunteers who live or study within the local community and are dispatched by the ambulance service to certain types of life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, or collapse. Their role is to provide initial care and reassurance, performing essential actions like CPR, managing bleeding, and keeping patients safe until the ambulance arrives.
At Cambridge, students now have the opportunity to be part of this. Working with the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST), the Cambridge Student Community First Responder (SCFR) Scheme allows trained student volunteers to respond to real 999 calls in and around the city, directly helping people in moments of greatest need.
Becoming a First Responder is more than learning a set of skills. It is about stepping forward when it truly matters. Responders gain confidence, teamwork, and communication skills that stay with them for life. They also see first-hand how compassion, calm thinking, and early action save lives.
To support this initiative within the University, the First Responder Society provides the structure and continuity behind the student involvement. The Society is entirely non-clinical and acts as a hub for students interested in pre-hospital care, emergency response, and community engagement. It helps coordinate student participation with EEAST, organises events, and promotes awareness of life-saving skills among the wider community.
Not every member will become an EEAST responder, and that is part of its strength. Some students take part in educational projects, organise training and outreach, or help develop the Society itself. All contribute to the same purpose: supporting life-saving work and building stronger links between the University and the community.
Whether you study medicine, engineering, law, or languages, the Society offers a chance to be part of something tangible and meaningful. iimproving emergency response in our community while developing skills that shape better clinicians, professionals, and citizens.
Interested in getting involved?
Visit www.scfr.info to learn more about joining the Cambridge First Responder Society and helping to make Cambridge a safer, stronger community.
