Fordingbridge Fire Station adds a co-responder vehicle to fleet
Firefighters will use the car to attend medical emergencies
A new co-responder car's been added to the fleet at Fordingbridge Fire Station.
It'll be manned by firefighters, who've been given specialist training, so they can attend life-threatening medical emergencies alongside ambulance crews.
It's likely the co-responder teams would arrive ahead of paramedics in many cases, as the nearest ambulance stations are in Ringwood or Salisbury.
In a social media post, Fordingbridge firefighters said:
"We believe it's a welcome addition to the station and to the community."
The additional support comes as Hampshire Fire and Rescue works in partnership with the South Central Ambulance on a co-responder scheme.
Firefighters involved have to prioritise fire service operations, but can go out to medical incidents if there's adequate cover on the station.
They can respond to emergencies like cardiac arrests, serious or uncontrollable bleeding, choking, diabetic and epileptic incidents, suspected stroke and traumatic injuries.
Fire crews taking part are given refresher training every six months.