Fire crews saved two people suffering from cardiac arrest
Firefighters have saved two lives while driving ambulances to help other blue light emergency service responders during the pandemic.
Crews from Devon & Somerset started the trial back in April, which then resumed in November.
The firefighters have saved two lives after responding to people suffering cardiac arrests.
Between November 2 and December 4 the crews dealt with 686 emergency calls, during 161 shifts - of which 119 were Category 1 calls (urgent or life-threatening illnesses or injuries) and 289 Category 2 calls (emergency calls).
All the firefighters involved have volunteered their skills for this role, to not only support our communities but support our partners too. They will either be working contracted hours or are paid a flat rate for the work that they do.
All the firefighters involved have volunteered their skills for this role, to not only support our communities but support our partners too. They will either be working contracted hours or are paid a flat rate for the work that they do.
Lee Howell, Chief Fire Officer at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said:“We are proud to continue working alongside our emergency service colleagues to support the national effort to deal with this pandemic.
"We have been co-responding to medical emergencies on behalf of SWASFT from a number of our fire stations for over 20 years.
"This partnership has given us the opportunity to develop even closer working relationships with our partners, and gain a greater understanding of the needs of our communities.
"Our staff are also learning a lot from our ambulance service colleagues about patient care and first aid skills, which is great experience to be bringing back to our service.”