They are studying to become Community First Responders, who respond to emergency calls in the local area through a partnership between the NSW RFS and NSW Ambulance and provide life saving first aid until an ambulance arrives. 

When they graduate next month, the volunteers will hold a certificate II in Medical Service First Response. They will know how to assess the situation and environment where the emergency has occurred and will be able to administer first aid and establish the patient’s medical history.They will also know how to provide oxygen therapy. They will carry automated external defibrillators as well as first aid kits and be dispatched at the same time as an ambulance through the NSW Ambulance control centre.

Clarence Town RFS captain Shaun Cox said it was the first time the town had been involved in the initiative and it would be a big help to the community. 

“Clarence Town and surrounds will be boosted for a medical emergency response and reducing the time for the arrival of assistance in the community,” he said.“These members will be responding to life threatening medical emergencies within their community whilst an ambulance is en route.

“Clarence Town is often cut off from other communities in natural disasters and this is a way of ensuring a skilled medical response is provided.

The volunteers have completed eight days of comprehensive training and two days of online training. 

The graduation will be held at the Clarence Town fire station on October 1 at 11.30am. The CFR volunteers will operate separately from the fire truck and will use a vehicle that has been provided by the NSW RFS. 

“This means we can continue to maintain both a response to CFR incidents along with our normal incidents,” he said. 

The station is looking for more CFR volunteers. Phone 4015 0000.