Rossendale Community First Responders
A History of Service, Innovation and Community Impact (2003–2026)
The Rossendale Community First Responders (CFR) Team was established in September 2003 as part of the North West Ambulance Service Community First Responder scheme. From its earliest days, the team was built on a simple but powerful principle: that trained local volunteers could reach patients in the critical first minutes of a medical emergency, delivering lifesaving care before the arrival of ambulance crews. Operating across the Rossendale Valley, the team quickly became an essential link in the chain of survival, particularly in cases such as cardiac arrest, where early CPR and defibrillation are crucial to improving outcomes.
In its formative years, the team not only responded to emergencies but also began shaping the future of community-based resuscitation. A major milestone came in February 2011, when Rossendale became the location of what is believed to be the first community public access defibrillator (CPAD) within the North West Ambulance Service region, marking a step change in early cardiac arrest response locally. This pioneering approach laid the foundation for a sustained focus on public access defibrillation and community preparedness.
Building on this momentum, the team developed a close partnership with Community Defibs for Rossendale (CDfR)—a collaboration that has, over the years, transformed the availability of lifesaving equipment across the valley. Together, they have supported the installation, maintenance and awareness of a growing network of defibrillators, with over 90 devices now available across Rossendale. Alongside this infrastructure, the team has delivered extensive community engagement, providing CPR and AED training to tens of thousands of people in schools, workplaces, community groups, sports clubs, healthcare settings and GP surgeries—helping to build a more resilient and confident community.
Recognition of the team’s professionalism and impact came in 2013, when Rossendale CFR was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour for volunteer groups in the United Kingdom. This national recognition reflected not only the dedication of individual members but also the collective contribution the team had made to public health and safety across the region.
As the team matured, its role expanded beyond emergency response into a broader community presence. Regular engagement activities—including public CPR sessions, “Restart a Heart” campaigns, school partnerships, and attendance at local events—have become a defining feature of the organisation. These initiatives, frequently highlighted through their website and community channels, demonstrate an ongoing commitment not just to responding to emergencies, but to preventing avoidable deaths through education and empowerment.
In 2023, the team proudly marked its 20-year anniversary, celebrating two decades of continuous voluntary service to the people of Rossendale. This milestone reflected both longevity and evolution—from a small group of pioneering responders to a highly experienced, community-integrated organisation.
By 2026, the Rossendale Community First Responders Team stands as a mature and highly respected part of the local emergency care system. Entirely volunteer-led, the team continues to respond to life-threatening 999 calls, while also maintaining its strong focus on training, community engagement, and defibrillator provision. With ongoing recruitment, structured training, and recognised leadership—including national honours awarded to individual members for their service—the team remains well-positioned to continue its lifesaving work into the future.
Key Milestones Timeline
2026 – Over 20 years of continuous service, with 90+ defibrillators and extensive community engagement
2003 – Rossendale Community First Responders established
2011 – First community public access defibrillator installed in the NWAS region (Rossendale)
2013 – Awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
2010s–2020s – Expansion of community defibrillator network and large-scale CPR/AED training delivery
2023 – Celebrated 20 years of service
2025 – Team member awarded British Empire Medal for service and defibrillator work
