New scheme gives emergencies automatic response

The region's ambulance service is trialling a new automated messaging system in Norfolk to enable emergency services to get to incidents more quickly.

The new system from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) automatically notifies the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) about traffic incidents where their support may be needed.

Trust manager Nicholas Jones said:

“Since we started the trial in July, we have seen an increase in the amount of incidents that the fire and rescue service attend where patients need to be extricated from vehicles. This enables ambulance crews to concentrate on caring for patients at the scene. This system is currently on trial in Norfolk, but if successful we will be looking at extending it to other kinds of calls and to rolling it out across our region.” In practice an automated SMS message is received in fire control giving details of the incident, on many occasions this message will be sent as the call handlers in the ambulance control room are still dealing with the call thus removing any delays that may occur.

Group Manager and Project lead for NFRS Paul Seaman said: 

"Fire appliances in Norfolk carry personnel that are trained in dealing with trauma and carry equipment to assist them in dealing with these incidents. The earlier we can provide assistance at the roadside the better the chances are of improving patient outcome."