![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
Warwick Medical School (WMS) has launched its own Community First Responder (CFR) scheme, part of the wider West Midlands regional initiative led by West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust (WMAS). Uniformed student volunteers are professionally trained and supported to provide emergency care when it is most needed.
Working alongside paramedic crews and coordinated by WMAS, WMS students respond to 999 calls in a dedicated CFR van equipped with lifesaving kit, including resuscitation equipment and defibrillators, funded through grants, donations and partner support.
“Our medical students are showing exceptional leadership by taking part in a scheme that delivers vital care to local communities across Coventry, Warwickshire and our campus. This initiative demonstrates the University’s commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick.
The programme, led by WMS and supported by Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Coventry General Charities, and the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), responds to the most serious Category 1 and 2 emergency calls in the region.
Since September 2025, the scheme has helped children and young people after falls or loss of consciousness, supported patients with acute cardiac events or strokes, and performed life-saving resuscitation – all alongside professional WMAS paramedic crews.
“It’s a real privilege to bring our clinical and leadership skills together to provide life-saving care to our community. With WMAS training and support, we can make a tangible contribution to NHS care through this scheme.”
Aidan Johal Baker, a fourth-year medical student and volunteer CFR.
Volunteers receive full training, welfare support, and occupational health oversight, including background checks and ongoing skills updates from WMAS and WMS.
Professor Gavin Perkins, MBE, Dean of Warwick Medical School, added: “The CFR programme combines our teaching, research, and innovation, with students and faculty working together to deliver excellent care. It reflects how we aim to operate – applying research and best practice to make a real impact.”
WMS plans to expand the scheme with WMAS, enhancing capacity and contributing research into pre-hospital emergency care and the role of Community First Responders.
To read similar articles, check out our People and skills channel.
