More than 1000 active volunteers are working for NWAS performing a range of roles across the service, including:

  • Community first responders (CFRs) / extended community first responders (ECFRs) within our paramedic emergency service.
    • They are trained in life-saving skills and can be the difference between life and death in time-critical incidents like cardiac arrest.
  • BASICS Medical responders who can respond alongside NWAS colleagues.
    • They provide specialist pre-hospital care and are available to respond to life-threatening emergencies offering enhanced care capabilities, which can be crucial in major trauma and complex medical incidents
  • Volunteer car drivers within our patient transport service (PTS) to take people to and from routine appointments.
    • They’re a vital part of PTS – volunteers conduct more than 6% of all journeys. The contact they have with patients can be significant, becoming a familiar and regular face in their lives.
  • Members of our patient and public panel (PPP) who help shape our services.
    • We have more than 260 panel members of all ages and backgrounds who contribute to workshops and discussions to tell us how we are performing and how we can develop better care for our patients.
  • Welfare van volunteers who help distribute refreshments to ambulance crews outside hospital A&E departments.
    • Often crews can work beyond their routine break times, so the vans and the people who operate them perform a important role in keeping staff supported.

NWAS Chief Executive Daren Mochrie says, “Our volunteers play an absolutely vital role by giving up their precious time to work alongside our work colleagues.

“They shouldn’t underestimate the difference they make to patients and their communities. The ambulance sector is proud to have welcome volunteers in our sector for many decades and is the most established clinical volunteering model in the NHS.

“The events of the last few years and the challenges we faced during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the power of volunteering and its valuable contribution. The support our volunteers give to our frontline staff is nothing short of incredible.

“Many of our volunteers who stepped up during recent times have come from and reflect the communities we serve. It has, in turn, led to many being inspired to pursue a career within the ambulance service that they might not have thought possible. When I was sixteen, I was a volunteer with the St Andrews First Aid working alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service at football matches, and this inspired me to think about a career as a paramedic.

“Thank you for all that you do!”

More information about getting involved with NWAS as a volunteer is available by clicking here.

For more info on Beep Doctors click here.

For more info on North West Pre-hospital Critical Care Charity click here