Community First Responder

Balancing Acts: Sales and Service with Kieran Phillips, Community First Responder and Sales Manager at CJP Broadcast

Kieran Phillips, Sales Manager at CJP Broadcast, leads an extraordinary dual-life: a dedicated member of the CJP Broadcast team by day and a life-saving Community First Responder by night. In this illuminating interview, Kieran shares his path to becoming a first responder, the responsibilities that come with it, and the memorable experiences he’s collected along the way. Moreover, he gives us an insight into how he expertly balances his professional responsibilities with his commitment to his community.

Q: What initially drew you to become a community first responder while managing your role as a Sales Manager at CJP?

A: I first came across the Community First Responder (CFR) role five years ago while volunteering as a First Aider for Hereford Football Club. Attending to both players and fans during incidents at the stadium sparked a calling in me to help people in such a capacity. I eventually trained with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and began my journey as a CFR. My role includes not only responding to medical emergencies but also fundraising for equipment and maintaining community defibrillators, a testament to the self-funded nature of the scheme.

Q: Can you describe some of the key responsibilities you undertake as a community first responder?

A: As a Community First Responder, I respond to emergency 999 calls in both urban and rural areas. We are dispatched to serious medical incidents, often working alongside highly trained personnel like HEMS, Critical Care Paramedics, and Doctors. Our main goal is to provide immediate, life-saving skills to patients until an emergency ambulance arrives. Additionally, we partake in fundraising for our equipment and maintenance, as well as raising awareness on CPR and defibrillation through local community outreach.

Q: Could you share any particularly memorable experiences or challenges you’ve faced as a community first responder?

A: Being a first responder comes with many challenges and memorable experiences. One such incident was in August 2022, when I responded to a major traffic accident involving a motorcyclist. This was my first encounter with a traumatic cardiac arrest scenario, and although the outcome was unfortunate, it served as a poignant reminder of the immense responsibility that we bear. However, it also underscored the exceptional support and teamwork that exist within the emergency service community.

Q: How do you balance your responsibilities at CJP with your duties as a community first responder?

A: Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging. However, with the support of Chris Phillips, the Managing Director of CJP, I’ve been able to make it work. Chris not only gives me the flexibility to be on call once a week from work but also financially supports the scheme. This support, combined with a strong sense of commitment to both roles, allows me to contribute significantly to both CJP Broadcast and my local community.