FIREFIGHTERS in the south west will be continuing to provide life saving support to emergency services colleague in the ambulance service.
Since the early stages of the covid-10 pandemic, firefighters have been working with ambulance crews from South Western Ambulance Trust to help during medical emergencies.
The shared crews have so far attended in excess of 30,000 calls, more than half of which in the highest two priority calls, which are to people in life threatening or serious conditions.
With the current pressures on the NHS and surge in Omicron cases, this arrangement has been extended until April.
Fire crews are often called upon to gain entry to houses so paramedics can see patients and some fire stations have staff who are trained to give basic life support to people until the arrival of an emergency ambulance.
Will Warrender, chief executive of SWAST, said: ‘This helps us ensure the most effective care possible to communities right across the south west to boost our Covid-19 emergency response this winter.
‘This partnership is even more vital with another wave of coronavirus and our service continues to experience increased demand alongside winter pressure placing significant pressures on our resources.’
Under the agreement, fire officers will continue to work alongside ambulance staff by driving vehicles and assisting clinicians to provide patient-focused care.
SWAST was the only ambulance trust in England to approve and train fire personnel to drive on blue lights for the first phase of the partnership.
Typical tasks include driving urgent care vehicles, administering immediate aid, the safe movement of patients and supporting SWAST crews in ensuring patients receive the care they need at home or on the way to hospital.