Cornish firefighters praised for driving ambulances and delivering PPE during pandemic
An inspection recognised the service for adapting quickly and providing support to both Cornwall Council and South Western Ambulance Service
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has been praised for supporting local communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Following an inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the service was recognised for adapting quickly and providing support to both Cornwall Council and the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
The team was praised for how it helped some of the Duchy’s most vulnerable residents, including delivering PPE to care homes and driving ambulances.
Inspectors said: “CFRS adapted well and continued to provide its core statutory functions during the first phase of the pandemic. This meant the service supported the people of Cornwall well during the pandemic and helped limit the spread of the virus. It took a lead role in providing and distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to care homes and NHS sites, and its on-call firefighters drove ambulances.
“The service's Tri-Service Safety Officers and Community Safety specialists supported Cornwall Council's work with people who were shielding.
“Notably, the service introduced extra measures to support its staff. It provided additional wellbeing support, particularly for those who were at higher risk of COVID-19.”
“We are very pleased with the inspection findings and proud that our staff have been recognised for the part they have played in responding to this national Covid pandemic.
“Our teams go above and beyond every day serving the residents, visitors and businesses of Cornwall. I give my thanks to all of our staff and particular mention to our Phoenix team who were instrumental in collecting and distributing PPE during the first phase of the pandemic, and our on-call firefighters who have supported our ambulance colleagues by providing blue light trained drivers.”
CFRS Chief Fire Officer, Mark Hewitt
CFRS on-call firefighters continue to support South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust. From April 2020 to January 2021, they responded to 1,770 medical incidents.
As a service of Cornwall Council, CFRS staff have worked alongside Council colleagues in several areas including Covid fire safety business compliance, enforcement, preparation of discharge lounges.
“Our firefighters and all of the staff at CFRS have gone above and beyond to support communities across Cornwall.
“This report highlights how valuable they have been throughout the pandemic and how quickly they adapted. Their actions potentially saved lives.
“We are immensely proud of our fire service and grateful for their continued support.”
Cllr Rob Nolan, Portfolio Holder Environment and Public Protection at Cornwall Council
You can read the full inspection report here.