Discover the amazing volunteer Community First Responders (CFR’s) behind CRITICAL.
Each person contributes to our mission to help save lives.
Would you also like your local community to benefit from a Community First Responder group under the CRITICAL umbrella?
The first step is to reach out to us so we can work with you to identify whether an existing group already covers your area or if other groups are in the process of being set up.
Once we have identified a need, we will, together with you, organise an information evening to allow individuals in your community to learn more about how they can be involved in establishing the group, the training, and eventually responding to 999 calls in the community.
Once the interest in setting up a group has been established, all members will need to be Garda Vetted before the training commences. All members will undergo an Irish Heart Foundation/PHECC (Prehospital Emergency Care Council) Training Cardiac First Responder Community Course.
Your involvement, along with the other members, during the first six months will consist of bi-monthly training in CPR, choking, and unconsciousness/passing out.
Once the training has been completed, your group will be assessed by CRITICAL and the National Ambulance Service to ensure all members are prepared to respond. When your group receives the final sign-off from CRITICAL and the National Ambulance Service, you will go live and will start to be tasked with 999 calls within your community.
Is a CRITICAL CFR group different from other CFR groups?
No, they are the same type of groups, and both are tasked by the National Ambulance Service and trained to the same level. A CRITICAL CFR group operates under CRITICAL governance, so as a volunteer, you don’t need to worry about paperwork, committees, etc. CRITICAL will ensure your equipment and training are up to date and provide professional operational, medical, and fundraising support.
Are there other options for creating a CFR group?
Yes, CFR groups are an initiative established by the National Ambulance Service, and any individual or group can set up a group. CRITICAL offers an easier way to get your group live, leveraging our extensive experience as Ireland’s only prehospital charity.
How long does it take to set up a group?
All groups are different, and the time from first contact to going live can vary; however, a rule of thumb is that it is about 50% faster than groups being set up without the support of CRITICAL.
What equipment and training will we receive?
Based on the size of the group, you will receive between five and ten basic life support bags that also include an AED. The group will be trained to the PHECC (Prehospital Emergency Care Council) Training Cardiac First Responder level.
What support will the group get from CRITICAL?
CRITICAL will continue to provide ongoing operational support, training, equipment replacement, consumables, and you will also have access to CRITICAL’s digital platforms, event insurance, event/fundraising support, and much more.
What does it take for me to be part of the group?
We will need your commitment to participate in the training, be actively available to respond, and assist your group and CRITICAL with awareness and fundraising events.
Will the group be expected to fundraise?
Yes, the group will be expected to fundraise through their own network or via public fundraising/awareness events. The money raised from these activities will help fund the ongoing support of the group, replacement and new equipment, as well as assist CRITICAL in establishing new CFR groups in communities like yours.
Irish Community Rapid Response t/a CRITICAL is a registered charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority – Registered Charity No (RCN) 20070762. We comply with the requirements and guidelines as set out by the Charities Regulatory Authority.
Irish Community Rapid Response t/a CRITICAL, is a company limited by guarantee, registered in the Republic of Ireland. Companies Registration Office (CRO) 459255.
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