West Sussex firefighters could begin driving ambulances from Monday
A number are stepping in to assist as pressure grows on paramedics
West Sussex firefighters could begin driving ambulances from next week as they help our paramedics cope with the pressures of the pandemic.
During the first wave a number of firefighters received special training from SECAmb to provide additional support, but did not need to be called into action.
SECAmb has recently been working with its fire services across Kent, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex to provide refresher training initially to 18 firefighters to enable them to step up to drive ambulances if and when required, taking into account local agreements and needs.
When working, they will be paired with a member of ambulance staff on set shifts in line with patient demand. The numbers of firefighters available to assist is expected to increase as further training takes place.
SECAmb Executive Director of Operations Joe Garcia said:
“I am pleased that we have a number of previously trained firefighters, who have undergone refresher training, ready to support their ambulance service colleagues as required.
“We look forward to working with them and more of their colleagues to strengthen our resilience. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our partner organisations for the support they continue to provide during this period of increased pressure.”
The Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, added:
“We are ready, willing and able to support our colleagues across the county as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"During the first wave of the pandemic we offered our support to SECAmb in a number of ways including collecting personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential clinical supplies, mechanical engineering support, and fire staff were trained for the mixed crewing of ambulances if required.
“Last week our crews from Crawley Fire Station, together with our Technical Rescue Unit helped extend a mobile testing unit for staff, and we were only too happy to help SECAmb in extending this piece of equipment to provide greater capacity.
"Throughout the pandemic, WSFRS has robust resilience and business continuity plans to ensure the safety of its firefighters at all times, in order to maintain both community support, and maintain our critical fire and rescue activities of prevention, protection and response.”