A CHS first responder is allocated to provide medical support at community events, activities, and as part of a 24/7 first responder network in and around the community. The aim of a first responder is to be able to provide an on-scene assessment and manage a medical emergency appropriately, according to our clinical guidelines. First responders work closely with other key community organisations and members to ensure the safety of community members. First responders, when trained to a certain level, also train and educate lay community members in essential first aid and lifesaving skills.

To become a CHS First Responder, you will need to complete our training program. This program may be different for doctors, nurses and paramedics that have appropriate experience (see below). Our training program covers important pre-hospital care and life support skills, emergency response techniques and other related topics. No prior medical experience is necessary.

The qualification you will receive following this training program is: Certificate II Medical Service First Response.

Note: These are the base standard qualifications to join CHS. There are a number of other certifications and upskilling opportunities that we also offer as you progress in the organisation.

Currently CHS operates in the Eastern Suburbs (from Watsons Bay to Queens Park), and in the North Shore. This current recruitment is looking for candidates based in the Eastern Suburbs area. We expect to grow our coverage areas over the coming year.

Please apply through our Healthcare Professional volunteer application process.

Once you have completed our training program, you will have 12-14 shifts in a 4 week period (mixture of weekend ‘on-call’ shifts and weeknight ‘on-call’ shifts), where a shift is 6-8 hours. The expectation is, in addition, you will be required to attend one Wednesday evening training session per month. Built into our monthly training program, we also require every CHS responder (regardless of qualifications) to complete an internal assessment bi-annually to meet our clinical governance requirements.

Volunteering as a CHS responder will provide you with a meaningful way to give back to the community through education, and by assisting community members in their times of medical need. In addition, you will develop your pre-hospital care skills, emergency response abilities and overall leadership qualities, whilst meeting like-minded people and fostering new and existing friendships.

CHS runs a 24/7 First-Line Medical Service that provides our community with an immediate medical response during a medical incident or emergency, and can also provide telephone medical advice. As a CHS responder you will join this network of first responders that are trained, equipped and called upon to help community members.

A CHS first responder is allocated to provide medical support at community events, activities, and as part of a 24/7 first responder network in and around the community. The aim of a first responder is to be able to provide an on-scene assessment and manage a medical emergency appropriately, according to our clinical guidelines. First responders work closely with other key community organisations and members to ensure the safety of community members. First responders, when trained to a certain level, also train and educate lay community members in essential first aid and lifesaving skills.

To become a CHS First Responder, you will need to complete our training program. We have a shorter, modified program for doctors, nurses and paramedics that have appropriate experience. Our training program covers important pre-hospital care and life support skills, emergency response techniques and other related topics. After applying, we will arrange to discuss your clinical experience with you.

Once you have completed our training program, if you are in the Eastern Suburbs, you will have 12-14 shifts in a 4 week period (mixture of weekend ‘on-call’ shifts and weeknight ‘on-call’ shifts), where a shift is 6-8 hours. The expectation is, in addition, you will be required to attend one Wednesday evening training session per month. Built into our monthly training program, we also require every CHS responder (regardless of qualifications) to complete an internal assessment bi-annually to meet our clinical governance requirements.
If you are in the North Shore, rostering will be slightly different depending on the recruited final numbers, but will not exceed the above.

Volunteering as a CHS responder will provide you with a meaningful way to give back to the community through education, and by assisting community members in their times of medical need. In addition, you will develop your pre-hospital care skills, emergency response abilities and overall leadership qualities, whilst meeting like-minded people and fostering new and existing friendships.

CHS runs a 24/7 First-Line Medical Service that provides our community with an immediate medical response during a medical incident or emergency, and can also provide telephone medical advice. As a CHS responder you will join this network of first responders that are trained, equipped and called upon to help community members.