About Us

Hurstpierpoint & Hassocks Community Responders are also known as H.E.A.R.T – Beat.

The Community Responders came into being following a public meeting, which was held in Hurstpierpoint Village in May 2006. This meeting was organised by the Hurstpierpoint Patients Participation Group.

From this meeting H.E.A.R.T – Beat was formed with initially 12 volunteers coming forward, willing to undergo the recruitment and training process, then progressing to becoming a Community Responder on successful completion.

The scheme went “live” in September 2006 and the area that we cover is defined by the BN6 postcode boundaries.

When a Community Responder is on duty, they are mobilised by a Text Message notification, which is sent out by the Emergency Dispatch Centre in Lewes following a 999 call. Not all calls are deemed suitable for a Community Responder to attend and below is listed the types of call we routinely attend.

•Cardiac Arrests

•Unconscious patients

•Patients suffering from Chest Pains

•Patients with Breathing difficulties

•Epileptic Fits

•Diabetic problems

•Cerebral Vascular Accidents (Strokes)

•Medical Collapses – Abdominal pains etc

•Minor Trauma – Fractures, bleeding etc

•Care link alarms

•Falls

We are not a replacement for the Ambulance Service and we will always be backed up by an Ambulance / Response vehicle and crew.

All Community Responders attend monthly training meetings, learning new skills and to ensure our basic skills are kept up to date. We also have to successfully complete and pass an annual assessment, which is governed by SECAmb. All Community Responders are also CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked to a very high standard.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Responder, please click here to find out how.