Scheme to train Norfolk firefighters in responding to medical emergencies expanded
This year alone, Norfolk firefighters have been dispatched to 42 separate Category 1 incidents, which are the most serious emergencies like cardiac arrests.
Last updated 10th Sep 2024
A partnership between Norfolk's ambulance and fire services which sees trained firefighters respond to medical emergencies is being expanded.
Three more fire stations in Norfolk are now being equipped to assist the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust in responding to life-threatening medical emergencies. There are now seven co-responding fire stations across rural Norfolk.
Hunstanton, Heacham and Sandringham have been added, while Aylsham is due to go live soon. Having on-call firefighters at rural fire stations trained to respond to medical emergencies means that help can get to patients in need faster.
This year alone, Norfolk firefighters have been dispatched to 42 separate Category 1 incidents, which are the most serious emergencies such as cardiac arrests. In 45% of those incidents, the fire service were first on scene. Firefighters arrived on average 2 minutes 50 seconds before an ambulance in those incidents.
EEAST have also recently donated 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service, which have been installed at rural fire stations across Norfolk. These can be accessed by members of the public in the event of a cardiac arrest, where every second counts and a defibrillator could save a life.
Tom Barker, EEAST's Head of Collaborative Response, said: "It is great to see our co-response partnership with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service expanding, with three additional fire stations coming on-board. This brings the total number of co-responder fire stations in Norfolk to seven, with the eighth station in Aylsham expected to go live shortly.
"Our collaboration with the fire service is all about getting medical help to people who need it as quickly as possible. We know there are lots of fire stations in rural towns and villages across Norfolk, so having properly trained on-call firefighters ready to help in a medical emergency is hugely beneficial to patients and communities."
Paul Seaman, Head of Operations for Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service, said: "Our work is all about saving lives. By these additional stations now being able to support this co-responding work, we know that it is making a real difference to outcomes for cardiac arrest patients in Norfolk. We continue to look for further opportunities to provide support to EEAST."