A Cardiac First Responder at Community level is a person trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) who can respond to someone who has suddenly collapsed.

A cardiac first responder plays a critical role in keeping a person alive until the commencement of expert medical care.

A person, at the end of a recognised CFR Community course, will be able to:

1. Recognise the signs of a life threatening emergency.
2. Respond in an effective, safe and appropriate manner, to a life threatening emergency, utilising basic life support skills.
3. Retrieve and appropriately use, if required, an automated external defibrillator during a cardiac arrest.
4. Report and Record their actions and interventions appropriately and handover to emergency medical services.

Cardiac First Responders at Community level include citizens and trained members of Volunteer Organisations and Emergency Agencies who may be dispatched or come across the following emergencies: cardiac arrest, heart attack, choking and stroke.

The care management includes, FAST assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children and infants, AED use and Aspirin administration.

IHF / PHECC Cardiac First Responder Community level certification and IHF CPR/AED card is valid for 2 years.  A 1-day refresher course should then be undertaken to renew certification 

As per IHF / PHECC requirements there will be practical skills assessment on completion.