South Western Ambulance Service celebrates volunteers
This week marks Volunteers Week - with the Trust celebrating the hundreds of people who give up their time to help providing care in their communities
Last updated 3rd Jun 2024
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Volunteers Week - something the team at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust are celebrating, thanking the work of the more than 600 people who dedicate their spare time to supporting the service, and providing emergency care in their local communities.
Those who volunteer with the SWASFT operate in both patient and non-patient facing roles up and down the South West - and include over 600 Community First Responders, as well as 35 British Association for Immediate Care Doctors.
Volunteers also work to support ambulance crews, by moving Trust vehicles between sites.
In the last three months, the SWASFT say volunteers have moved over 100 ambulances across the south west.
Those who work in patient-facing roles help the service respond to 999 calls and deliver emergency care to patients, often ahead of an ambulance arriving on scene.
In the last financial year they responded to over 22,500 calls across the region.
The work of volunteers such as CFRs, who operate within their local area, is varied from sharing a cup of tea and a chat with a patient to providing CPR and saving someone’s life.
The Trust is also supported by 35 BASICS Responders who are experienced pre-hospital doctors who give their time to attend some of our most critically unwell patients within their local community.
Jane Whichello, Head of Volunteering and Community Services, at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity for all of us to recognise the value of our volunteers and the difference they make to people's lives and their communities.
“I am honoured to lead such a talented and dedicated team here at SWASFT. Our volunteers play such an important role in the service we provide to patients, and I would like to thank every one of them for their support. With our team of volunteers at our side, SWASFT can continue to deliver the very best care possible for patients.
“Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn valuable lifesaving skills through the training and ongoing support from the dedicated volunteering support team. If you would like to learn more about what you can do to make a difference, why not visit our website and socials to find out more."
You can find out more here.