Community First Responder
Join our London Ambulance Service Volunteer Community First Responder (CFR) team and make a real difference in your community. CFRs are dedicated volunteers who are integral to their local community. As a CFR living in London, you will be volunteering your time to respond to 999 emergency calls dispatched by the London Ambulance Service within your local community.
CFRs are trained to respond as solo responders to out-of-hospital emergencies in their local communities, often arriving at the scene in their own cars within minutes. The primary focus of CFRs will be to respond to cardiac arrests in their community.
CFR's prompt response and lifesaving training can significantly improve the chances of survival for those in urgent need. CFR volunteers complete a recommended minimum of 16 operational hours per month, complete NHS eLearning, and attend 16 continuing professional development hours per year to maintain their certification.
CFRs are trained to become a London Lifesaver Trainer, equipped to deliver training in basic life support and how to use a defibrillator to members of the public.
The process of selecting applicants for course allocation is based on applications, a get to know you meeting, and the priority geographical area where applicants live to improve health inequalities.
Following the initial induction the First Responder Department trainers will deliver the FutureQuals Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene (FROS): Ambulance Service Community Responder course over four days, ensuring you are competent and confident in attending emergency calls.
To be a CFR, you need to be in good physical health. You will need to carry a heavy response backpack, perform effective CPR, and have access to a car with valid insurance for volunteering and transporting response equipment. Additionally, you must hold a full UK driving licence with no more than three penalty points and be MOT and tax-compliant.
Upon completion of the induction, you will need to complete a pre-screening Occupational Health assessment and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which is free for volunteer roles.
Additional information about being a CFR can be found by downloading the role description and attachments on this advert page and the London Ambulance Service Website.
London Ambulance Volunteer Responder Charity
CFR Recruitment Pathway
Successful applicants will first be invited to attend a 10-hour induction day. This induction provides the foundation for volunteering with the London Ambulance Service and includes the following elements:
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London Lifesavers training – emergency first aid, including CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
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London Lifesavers Trainer training – equipping volunteers with the skills to support LAS public engagement events by teaching members of the public basic life support and how to use a defibrillator.
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Introduction to the London Ambulance Service and volunteering – outlining expectations, governance, and the role of volunteers within the organisation.
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GoodSAM app onboarding – guidance on using a mobile phone to receive alerts to nearby cardiac arrests with an LAS issued defibrillator.
Post Induction Day
On completion of the induction, you will become a LAS volunteer. This enables you to:
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Support public engagement and London Lifesavers events
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Attend CFR training and development events
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Access NHS systems and complete mandatory eLearning
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Support fundraising activities for the LAS Volunteer Responder Group Charity
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Complete pre-course learning to be prepared for the full CFR course
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Begin responding to GoodSAM alerts.
Progression To Full CFR Training
Following induction, you can book onto the FutureQuals Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene: Ambulance Service Community Responder, delivered over four days. Course places are advertised and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Volunteers are expected to complete the full CFR course within six months of their induction date.
Onboarding Details
Following application shortlisting Getting to Know You Stage will be held online throughout January and February.
Please apply only if you can attend the induction day and course below. Following successful completion of the recruitment stages and induction, you will be invited to self-book a full course on a first-come, first-served basis.
Induction Day Date: Sunday 8th March 2026
Induction Day Time: 09:00-18:00
Induction Day Location: Brentside Education Centre (Limited parking will be available on the induction day).
The 4 day CFR courses will be delivered at the Brentside and Dockside education centres. Please note that there is no on-site parking available at either location.