<p><strong>What do we do?</strong></p> <p>Working as volunteers, Community First Responders (CFRs) use life-saving skills, such as the use of the automated external defibrillator (AED), to provide early and often vital intervention for patients suffering life-threatening emergencies in the immediate vicinity of where they live or work.</p> <p>Once an ambulance crew arrives at the scene,&nbsp;CFRs work alongside a clinically qualified practitioner.</p> <p><strong>What type of calls do we attend?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cardiac arrest </li> <li>Heart attack </li> <li>Strokes </li> <li>Choking </li> <li>Diabetic emergencies </li> <li>Traumatic emergencies (not road traffic collisions) </li> <li>Breathing difficulties</li> <li>Patients suffering from seizures</li> <li>Chest Pains</li> <li>Unconscious patients</li> <li>Paediatric and children aged one year and over.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Where does the local scheme cover?</strong></p> <p>The Caversham scheme encompasses Caversham, Emmer Green and Caversham Park Village. We also provide support to the surrounding area.</p> <p><strong>Why is our work important?</strong></p> <p>In a cardiac arrest, every minute that passes decreases a patient's chance of survival by 14%. We aim to arrive on scene within 4 minutes.</p> <p>Last year (2011) we responded to over 400 emergency calls, helping save a number of lives.</p> <p><strong>How can you help?</strong></p> <p>To continue our work, you can donate on this page or by text message. However, we don't expect you to donate without us doing something extra in return.</p> <p>Some of our team and supporters are running the Reading Half Marathon this year to help raise money. We'd like you to motivate them by donating, either here or by sponsoring our team.</p> <p>If you're a tax payer, please remember to complete everything to let us collect the GiftAid.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>