For life-threatening emergencies it's 999
Call 111 when it's less urgent than 999
Who we are
BEAT (Billingshurst Emergency Assistance Team) is a group of volunteer Community First Responders who are trained and monitored by South East Coast Ambulance Service. We provide a quick response to life-threatening 999 emergencies and are able to provide vital first aid treatment prior to the arrival of an ambulance. In rural areas a local Responder can often be on scene much sooner, with equipment that can greatly improve the patient’s chance of survival.
What we do
Currently the calls BEAT Responders attend include:
- Cardiac Arrest
- Respiratory Arrest
- Chest Pains
- Breathing Difficulties
- Collapse
- Fitting
- Shock or Allergic Reaction
- Hypo- or Hyperglycaemic Attack
Billingshurst Emergency Assistance Team members are qualified in the use of defibrillators as well as the administration of oxygen. Their training is given by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust and all Responders are re-certified annually, as well as undertaking periodic training to keep their skills up to date and relevant. All team members are unpaid volunteers who receive no remuneration for their time. BEAT relies entirely on donations for its funding and is a registered charity.