15 ambulances crewed and 9 million PPE items (plus two babies) delivered!
A new report is highlighting the work of firefighters across Wiltshire and the South West during the first national lockdown
Last updated 20th Nov 2020
The work of Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) across Wiltshire and the South West, during England's first lockdown this year, has been illuminated in a new report.
With our NHS and community care workers facing unprecedented challenges on the frontline due to COVID-19, south west FRS chiefs say they are immensely proud of the contribution made our region's staff.
Wiltshire firefighters supported ambulance teams across the South West, to help prevent paramedics being overwhelmed.
During that time, firefighters delivered two babies, 9 million items of PPE and crewed 15 ambulances.
The publication, covering the period 24 March - 21 May, also includes:
More than 200 volunteers supported the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
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
One non-COVID-19 major incident tackled
Ben Ansell, Chief Fire Officer at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“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 roles, which saw the Service respond to, and deal with, one of the largest major incident wildfires in living memory in Wareham Forest.
"I am extremely grateful for the commitment and professionalism of all my staff in working in partnership to keep our communities safe".