SCAS' HART Team get the ABC of BA

On 30 July 2010, the Chief Executive of South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), Will Hancock, visited Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) Headquarters at Eastleigh to view the latest Breathing Apparatus (BA) course for SCAS' Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

Will observed the final day assessment exercise which was based on a hazardous material (HAZMAT) incident and spent time talking to the course instructors and the HART team members. He said, "It was a privilege to meet members of the team and to see them training in such a realistic setting. I have no doubt that they are going to be a great asset to the Trust."

The five separate two-week courses are being hosted by HFRS and give ambulance staff training in the full use of BA. The courses have also given a fantastic opportunity for the teams to build on our already well-established Fire/Ambulance working partnership.

Louise Wigmore, HART Team Educator and course lead, said "The training and support from HFRS has been excellent. The breathing apparatus course has not only been interesting but also challenging with daily practical scenarios. It's been good to get a better understanding of HFRS procedures when BA is worn and no doubt will be of great benefit in the future."

HART team members will continue to do a wide range of specialist courses throughout 2010 with the 'live date' for HART within South Central Ambulance Service planned for 31st January 2011. The courses HART will attend are:-

•1 week Civilian Responder 1 CBRN Training hosted by Thames Valley Police

•3 week Incident Response Unit Training at Winterbourne Gunner

•3 week Urban Search & Rescue Training at Fire Service College Moreton

•1 week Radiation Protection Supervisors Course HPA Leeds

•1 week Inland Water Rescue Course

•1 day Powered Respirator Protective Suit

•Numerous awareness sessions and risk visits.

Once fully trained, the HART teams will be able to work in the inner cordons/hot zones of a variety of incidents, triaging and treating casualties on the spot to increase their chance of survival. HART personnel are equipped and trained on the most specialist types of rescue/clinical equipment available to allow them to fulfill their role effectively.

The 42-strong HART Team will be based in Eastleigh and, as well as covering the SCAS response area, the team can also be called under HART mutual aid to assist on incidents anywhere in the country: e.g. the London Bombings and Cumbria floods.

The SCAS team will also give HART response cover to the Isle of Wight Ambulance service.

For more information on HART please visit:

www.ambulancehart.org.uk
or contact SCAS HART Manager Paul Stevens on 07917506152

or email:
paul.stevens@scas.nhs.uk