Praise for Wiltshire's firefighters for Covid-19 voluntary efforts

Firefighters from Wiltshire are among over 200 being praised for their voluntary efforts during the first lockdown.

They supported ambulance teams across the South West to help prevent paramedics being overwhelmed by pressure between March and May.

A new report is showcasing some of the incredible work undertaken by the fire and rescue service across the South West.

Some key highlights from the report covering the period between 24th March to 21st May, during the first national lockdown, include:

• More than 200 volunteers supported the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

• 15 ambulances crewed by FRS staff

• 2.5% weekly increase in ambulance capacity

• 75 immediately life-threatening (or ‘Category 1’) calls attended

• More than 1,200 calls allocated to FRS-crewed ambulances

• Two babies delivered

• Nine million items of PPE delivered by FRS staff

• One non-COVID-19 major incident dealt with at Wareham Forest

Ben Ansell, Chief Fire Officer at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

"Collaboration between our fire and rescue service and the ambulance service helped residents to get emergency medical care quickly when they needed it.

"Many of our firefighters are highly trained emergency response drivers, accustomed to dealing with emergency situations and I know they wanted to help in any way they could during this crisis. Our staff have also worked with other partners across our Service area to provide food for those in need, face fit testing for those needing to wear masks and mortuary support roles when this was sadly needed.

"This has all been in addition to our prevention, protection and emergency response role. I am extremely grateful for the commitment and professionalism of all my staff in working in partnership to keep our communities safe."

DWFRS has also had recognition from both Wiltshire's and Dorset's High Sheriffs for their efforts too - being handed Community Awards during a virtual ceremony.

Andy Cole is an Area Manager for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service - he says it was was inspiring to see so many offer to help:

"We're really proud of our staff for the way they've just adapted. Nobody expected this to happen but without hesitation, our staff have stepped up to provide that additional support where they can.

"We were absolutely inundated with our staff volunteering to provide that support. We're operating as one team, so all of our staff have really stepped up to the mark to give support to communities and other agencies, so that's really good."