14/07/2025
In the mid 1990’s Seattle and King County USA, began implementing a Community First Responder CPR-AED Program to improve early defibrillation efforts. This program, aimed to enhance the effectiveness of linking CPR with the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the community. They were to be used by members of the public. At the time, out of hospital survival rates for people suffering a cardiac arrest was poor. The American initiative was so successful that the UK Government authorised two trials of the scheme. One of which was run by Essex Ambulance Service.
The first scheme in Essex started in Brightlingsea in 1997. South Woodham Ferrers was the 13th scheme to go live in May 2000 under the leadership of Peter Blackman. As many people around South Woodham will know. Peter has always worked hard to improve healthcare outcomes for the local community. His input into CFR’s was not confined to the local group. Peter played a massive role in promoting CFR’s to other Ambulance services. As a result, all UK ambulance service trusts now have dedicated teams of CFR’s volunteering in city’s, towns and villages throughout the country.
The South Woodham Ferrers team has just celebrated its 25th year of active service. Graham Elvidge the only remaining active founder member and joint coordinator was awarded a commendation by the High Sheriff of Essex. The Group was also awarded a certificate of recognition for 25 years of dedicated service from the East of England Ambulance Service.
Over the 25 years that South Woodham Ferrers Community First Responders have served the town, numerous lives have been saved.
Would you be interested in becoming a community First Responder?
We are looking to recruit more volunteers to help us with our vital work, saving lives locally here in South Woodham Ferrers.
The team work as individuals who carry an Ambulance Service transponder when on call. If the Ambulance service receive a life-threatening call in our area they activate a trained First Responder who will go to the scene of the emergency and initiate immediate aid until the ambulance arrives. CFRs are not required to attend accidents as this is outside their level of expertise. CFRs are trained for medical emergencies like cardiac arrests, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes etc…
If interested please contact Jill Winn on 07896074626 or email CFR.jill@gmail.com
A number of past and present South Woodham Community First Responders gathered to celebrate 25 years of 1st responding locally.
