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# Former college student follows teacher's footsteps to save lives in Suffolk
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/former-college-student-follows-teachers-footsteps-to-save-lives-in-suffolk/
- Published: 2025-02-05T10:22:39.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:22:47.000Z
- Description: Cassidy Beeton turned inspiration into action, joining her former tutor as a Community First Responder while pursuing her paramedic dreams.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Changemakers, Further Education, #article, Suffolk New College, University of Suffolk, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The 18-year-old from Ipswich, a former [Suffolk New College](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/suffolk-new-college/) student, is already helping save lives while studying on an access course, having secured a conditional place to study as a paramedic at the [University of Suffolk](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/university-of-suffolk/).

![Will Burl and Cassidy Beeton in their roles as community first responders, where they volunteer to help people and save lives in Suffolk](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1738704087-will-burt-and-cassidy-beeton-1.jpg)

Will Burl and Cassidy Beeton in their roles as community first responders, where they volunteer to help people and save lives in Suffolk (Suffolk New College)

**The details:** Cassidy started her first shift as a Community First Responder (CFR) on Christmas Eve, working alongside her former Suffolk New College tutor, Will Burl, after completing three weekends of training and passing her CFR assessment last year.

- CFRs are trained volunteers who attend emergency calls within their local area, committing at least 20 hours monthly to support 999 calls.
- The pair have attended various emergencies, including an unconscious patient, cases of chest pains, strokes and cardiac events.

**What they're saying:** "The experience has given me skills and knowledge, and I think it will give me the upper hand when I hopefully fulfil my dream of becoming a paramedic and working with an air ambulance crew," Cassidy said.

![Cassidy Beeton gives current students advice about becoming a community first responder at Suffolk New College, her former place of study](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1738704069-cassidy-beeton-and-current-snc-students.jpg)

Cassidy Beeton gives current students advice about becoming a community first responder at Suffolk New College, her former place of study (Suffolk New College)

Burl, a former RAF member who mentored Cassidy, said: "I'd say half of the times we have been to see people, if we hadn't treated them, then their condition could have been life-threatening. Cassidy has dealt with every situation exceptionally well."

**Inspiring others:** Cassidy is already inspiring others, recently speaking to current public service students at Suffolk New College about her experiences.

**The bottom line:** "The one thing I wanted to get across is that they should feel confident going into any situation," Cassidy told students, embodying how determination and the right support can transform career aspirations into life-saving action.

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