Community First Responder - North & East Devon

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Community First Responder – North & East Devon

Closing date: 14 January 2026

Exciting volunteering opportunities have arisen within South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust for Community First Responders to join schemes across North and East Devon.

We welcome applicants from across North and East Devon but specifically aim to expand groups in the areas of Axminster, Chumleigh, Combe Martin, Crediton, Hartland, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy, Lynton, Seaton, Woolacombe
. We may consider applications from the following areas:

• Beaworthy
• Braunton
• Cheriton Fitzpaine
• Cullompton
• Culmstock
• High Bickington
• Honiton
• Ilfracombe
• Lynmouth
• North Moltton
• Okehampton
• Ottery St Mary
• Shebbar
• Sidmouth
• South Moltton
• Tedburn St Mary
• Torrington
• Uffculme
• Winkliegh
• Witheridge
• Yelland

A Community First Responder (CFR) scheme is made up of trained volunteers who, within the community in which they live or work, attend emergency calls on behalf of the Trust to provide basic life support until the arrival of an emergency ambulance clinician.

This voluntary role is highly rewarding and offers opportunities to meet new people and learn valuable lifesaving skills through the training provided by the Trust.

As a volunteer and a member of a Community First Responder Scheme you would provide this community-based service willingly and without pay.

Applicants will have a good all‑round education; a full driving licence held for at least one year, with no more than six current penalty points, and have access to a vehicle with current tax, MOT and insurance for their use.

Following shortlisting, applicants will be invited to a formal interview during which they should demonstrate knowledge of the role and the Trust.

Candidates will be required to attain the Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene during training in order to complete the recruitment process.

Please note that when applying for this position, you must be able to attend the following interview dates and all days of training listed below.

PHASE ONE: 17/12/25 – 14/02/25

Interviews week commencing 05/01/2025 (To include Interviews, HR checks)

There will then be ONE COURSE

The six-day training course is scheduled to be held at Petroc Campus Barnstaple.

• Weekend 1 = 21st and 22nd February 2026
• Weekend 2 = 28th February and 1st March 2026
• Weekend 3 = 7th and 8th of March 2026

You must attend all six dates.
If you are unable to make all training days please do not apply for this intake.

At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) we have a culture where everyone is valued for being themselves. Our aim is to work together to promote the most inclusive environment possible, which attracts people from the widest range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together for the benefit of all of our employees, our patients and the communities we serve.

We offer flexible working opportunities, inclusive policies and a range of feedback mechanisms to support individuals and enable a positive, welcoming environment where our people and their careers can thrive.

We employ over 5,000 employees mainly clinical, operational and emergency response staff as well as supporting roles. We also employ doctors and volunteers which include community first responders and fire co‑responders.

We take all the steps needed to provide the most compassionate patient care possible whilst also providing an enjoyable and safe place to work.

To view the Trust's Mission, Vision, Values and Goals .

More information is available here:

For further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification attached.

Please however register your interest to be notified of future recruitment campaigns:

To make your application stand out it is vital you include what would make you an exceptional Community First Responder and how you meet the person specification for the role.

Please be aware, if there is not currently a Community First Responder scheme running within a close proximity to your home postcode you may not be short‑listed.

More information including a video…