Becoming a CFR

Recruitment to become a CFR is controlled and administered by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Anyone who wants to help their community can become a CFR. No previous medical experience or training is necessary although you will need a caring attitude and be able to cope with potentially distressing situations.

To apply you will need to be reasonably physically fit, able to complete West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) paperwork and attend for a selection process. An enhanced DBS check will be carried out and will need to be deemed satisfactory by WMAS.

You will need to hold a full clean driving licence and be available to book on duty for at least 20 hours per month.

During the training, you can expect to learn about the anatomy and physiology of the human body and dealing with medical emergencies of all types. The training is intensive and requires a considerable amount of “self-directed learning” – as well as practical assessment and examinations, followed by periods of on-the-job training with both WMAS ambulance crews and experienced CFRs.

WMAS and North Warwickshire First Responders will advertise recruitment campaigns widely on social media and vacancies will also be advertised on NHS Jobs (https://www.jobs.nhs.uk), this site will also host the application process – this will include information about geographical areas being recruited for as well as Job and Person Specifications.

Successful applicants will be expected to complete the Level 3 FROS (First Responder on Scene) training programme delivered by WMAS Academy at Sandwell over 3 consecutive weekends (the course has to be completed in a single sequence but many dates will be offered to successful candidates).