Spotlight on the service: our community first responders

Community first responders (CFRs) are a team of volunteers who are trained and dispatched by us to help with emergencies in their local community before the ambulance arrives.

They are dispatched at the same time as an ambulance but may arrive first as they are nearer, and can provide early interventions in those crucial first minutes of an emergency. They will deal with a specific list of emergencies, providing care and support to both the patient and their family.

They also help their local communities by delivering CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions to help make the North East safer.

We have 131 CFRs operating across the whole of the North East in both rural and urban areas, and are looking to recruit and train another 20 in the coming months.

In 2024/25, our CFRs attended more than 1,340 incidents and collectively volunteered more than 34,000 hours of their time to help our patients. As they respond within their own communities, they are first on scene in 84% of the incidents they attended on our behalf, providing life-saving treatment whilst the crew is travelling and supporting the patient and any friends or family with them. It takes on average eight minutes for a CFR to arrive with the patient from being dispatched.

We spoke to Rev Fr Mark Edwards MBE, who has served as a CFR in Dinnington, Brunswick, Hazlerigg and the surrounding rural areas since February 2010, about the role.

What made you want to become a CFR?

I’ve always been passionate about volunteering with the emergency services. Before moving to Newcastle, I served with the lifeboat crew. However, when I relocated to Northumbria, I found that I lived too far from the nearest lifeboat station to continue.

One day, I came across a recruitment poster for community first responders and it immediately resonated with me. The idea of being able to provide emergency care within my own community – to be there at a critical moment and offer support – felt like a natural extension of my calling to serve others. I applied, was accepted, and have been responding ever since.

What do you get out of it?

For me, being a CFR is an extension of my role as a parish priest. I believe that I am called to serve, whether through ministry, policing, or emergency response. This role allows me to provide practical, immediate help to people in moments of crisis, offering not just medical assistance but also reassurance, comfort, and a listening ear when they need it most.

The role isn’t just about life-saving interventions, though those moments are incredibly significant. Often, it’s about being a steady presence for someone who is frightened, vulnerable, or in pain. When people call 999, they are often scared and unsure of what is happening. Simply talking to them, reassuring them, and letting them know they are not alone while they wait for an ambulance can be just as important as any medical intervention.

One of the things I truly value in this role is working alongside the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS). Their professionalism is second to none, and they set an incredible standard for patient care. As volunteers, we are always treated with respect and valued as colleagues, which makes a huge difference. Knowing that we are trusted and supported by the paramedics and control room staff gives us the confidence to do our job effectively. It’s a privilege to support such a dedicated team, and I have always appreciated the way they include us as part of the wider emergency response network.

Being a CFR is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its challenges. No two callouts are ever the same, and you never quite know what situation you might be walking into. But with the right training, experience, and the support of NEAS, you learn to adapt and handle whatever comes your way. At the end of the day, the most important thing is knowing that you’ve made a difference—whether it’s helping to save a life, offering comfort to a frightened patient, or simply being there when someone needs support the most.

What has been your favourite part of being a CFR so far?

There is no greater feeling than knowing you have made a real difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s administering life-saving care, providing reassurance in a moment of distress, or simply holding someone’s hand while they wait for an ambulance, every callout is important.

One of the aspects I really enjoy is the teamwork and training involved. The sense of camaraderie within the CFR network and the wider NEAS team is incredible. Training sessions with other responders are always a great experience – we learn from each other, refine our skills, and strengthen our ability to work effectively as a team. Knowing that you’re part of a dedicated group of people, all committed to the same goal of helping others, is hugely rewarding.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering as a CFR?

I am a parish priest responsible for two churches and two parishes and a graveyard, which keeps me very busy. In addition to my role as a CFR, I also serve as a special constable with Northumbria Police, a role I took on in 2021-22.

Outside of my various commitments, I believe in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. I have a home gym where I work out regularly, and I also structure my week around my swimming schedule as I enjoy lane swimming. Staying physically fit is not only important for my own well-being, but it also ensures that I am prepared for the physical demands of both my CFR and police work.