Extra support from Bedfordshire firefighters to help paramedics deliver life-saving care

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have volunteered 18 staff to work alongside paramedics
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Firefighters in Bedfordshire are joining forces with Blue Light colleagues at the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) to help provide life-saving frontline care during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have volunteered 18 staff to work alongside paramedics to respond to 999 calls over the coming weeks.

The Firefighters are already blue light trained and will drive frontline emergency NHS ambulances, in turn freeing up paramedics to care for patients.

Extra support from Bedfordshire firefighters to help paramedics deliver life-saving careExtra support from Bedfordshire firefighters to help paramedics deliver life-saving care
Extra support from Bedfordshire firefighters to help paramedics deliver life-saving care

They spent three days training at Luton Ambulance Station, which included familiarising them with EEAST’s vehicles and equipment. They were also taught basic life support and safe moving and handling skills so that they can help transfer patients.

The initiative comes after 62 staff from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service also began working with EEAST to provide extra capacity during the crisis.

Marcus Bailey, Chief Operating Officer with EEAST, said: “We are very grateful to our blue light colleagues in the Fire and Rescue Service and look forward to working closely with them to keep our patients, staff, volunteers and the wider public safe during this pandemic.

“Covid 19 represents an unprecedented challenge for all of us and we truly appreciate the fantastic support we have received from the fire service, the public, businesses and our other partners.

"We would urge people to continue to play their part in helping the NHS by taking extra care of themselves, only going out for essential items, observing advice about hand-washing and maintaining social distancing.”

Fire Chief Paul Fuller said: “It is important for us in this time of crisis to support our Blue Light colleagues. Our staff have willingly stepped forward to volunteer to support the EEAST.

"We have the skills and experience to support our colleagues and for us to work alongside paramedics to respond to 999 calls over the coming weeks.

"Our Firefighters are blue light trained and will drive frontline emergency ambulances which, will free up paramedics to care for patients. We will continue to do our best to keep the public and our staff safe during this difficult time.”

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