First Aid Training

A cardiac first responder Community level is a person trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) who can respond to someone who has suddenly collapsed. A cardiac first responder plays a critical role in keeping a person alive until the commencement of expert medical care.

A cardiac first responder may be part of the emergency medical services, a healthcare practitioner or a member of the public who has undertaken a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) recognised course within the last 2 years. CFR Community level is the pre or co-requisite for entry to PHECC’s First Aid Response courses.

Cardiac first responders at Community level include citizens and trained members of Volunteer Organisations and Emergency Agencies such as An Garda Síochána and the Civil Defence etc who may be dispatched or come across the following emergencies: cardiac arrest, heart attack including Aspirin administration, choking and stroke. The care management includes FAST assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children and infants and AED use. New in 2016 is an introduction to team resuscitation. It’s recommended that CFR responder/community responder groups learn more about this approach to improve the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (basic and advanced life support) when interacting with healthcare professionals.

Successful completion of the CFR Community standard leads to the award of the joint recognised institution and PHECC award. This award ensures that the responder has fulfilled the educational and training requirements as prescribed by PHECC, thereby possessing the knowledge, skills and professionalism in line with the expectations of the public and the profession. It is recommended that the cardiac first responder ensure their ongoing competency by participation in annual refresher training and certification every two years.

A First Aid Responder may be a healthcare practitioner, or a member of the public who has
undertaken a First Aid Response course incorporating the Cardiac First Response (CFR) standard.

In addition to CFR skills, the First Aid Responder possesses defined skills in the further management of a patient who has become suddenly ill or injured in the pre-hospital environment until the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS). The First Aid Responder is able to assess and manage these patients in accordance with PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs).

The First Aid Response Standard adopts a uniform approach to interacting with patients and other emergency medical services in the pre-hospital setting. Finally, First Aid Responders must be able to demonstrate a commitment to the process of continuous responder competence and will be required to maintain their skill levels in First Aid Response including CFR at defined intervals.