FOI 26-251 Community First Responder Groups and AEDs
Freedom of Information Request
- Reference
- FOI 26-251 Community First Responder Groups and AEDs
- Request Date
- 01 Jun 2026
- Response Date
- 25 Jun 2026
- Information Requested
Number of active CFRs
Number of CFR groups
Number of incidents attended annually
Number of AEDs used by CFRs
AED manufacturer and model
Year AEDs were purchased
Expected replacement cycle
Funding source for equipment
Planned replacement programmes in the next 3 years
Job title responsible for CFR programme management
Please provide details of how Community First Responders are trained, assessed, and supported in maintaining clinical competency within your Trust
- Response
Number of active CFRs
876
Number of CFR groups
145
Number of incidents attended annually
CFRs have been allocated to 6873 calls in the last 12 month period.
Number of AEDs used by CFRs
240
AED manufacturer and model
Community First Responders within the Scottish Ambulance Service use a range of automated external defibrillators supplied by different manufacturers. These include, but are not limited to, the Philips FRx, ZOLL AED 3 and Mediana devices.
Year AEDs were purchased
The Mediana AED devices were purchased in 2026. Philips FRx and ZOLL AED 3 models have been supplied to Community First Responder schemes over the last 10 years, however, individual purchase or supply dates may vary depending on the CFR scheme.
Expected replacement cycle
The Scottish Ambulance Service would generally consider a replacement cycle of approximately 10 years to be reasonable for AED devices, subject to manufacturer guidance, warranty status, device condition, operational reliability and the continued availability of compatible consumables.
Funding source for equipment
The provision of AEDs for Community First Responder schemes is through a mixed funding model. Devices may be provided directly by the Scottish Ambulance Service, purchased by individual CFR schemes through local fundraising or self-funding arrangements, or supplied through charitable donations and partner support, such as from St John Scotland.
Planned replacement programmes in the next 3 years
No planned replacement programme scheduled in the next 3 years.
Job title responsible for CFR programme management
National Community Resilience Manager
Please provide details of how Community First Responders are trained, assessed, and supported in maintaining clinical competency within your Trust
Community First Responders are trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service through a mandatory four-day training and assessment programme, designed to ensure they are confident and competent to operate within their clinically approved scope of practice. Training is aligned to Resuscitation Council UK standards and Scottish Ambulance Service policies. Competence is assessed through written and practical assessment, including scenario-based evaluation. To remain active, CFRs are required to participate in regular local training, including a minimum of six-monthly training sessions within a 12-month period. Training attendance, assessment outcomes and any identified training needs are recorded and supported through the Community Resilience Team.
