Firefighters' training extended

An established scheme that sees fire fighters receive first aid training to use during emergencies is expanding.
The Co-Responder partnership between the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the Island's Ambulance Services is to be extended to Ventnor and its surrounding area communities.

Co-Responders are fire personnel who have been given additional training by the Ambulance Service in order for them to attend certain 999 medical emergency calls in their local area. So far nine fire-fighters have been trained in patient assessment, extended first aid, oxygen therapy and in the management of medical emergencies. Much of the training has also concentrated on the use of automatic defibrillators.

David Arnold, Director of Operations for the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, said, "We are delighted to be joining with the Fire Service, in what will undoubtedly be a life-saving initiative.

Having Co-Responders available in the local area will mean that they are very likely to arrive before the ambulance and therefore start the life-saving process early. As an ambulance is always sent at the same time, it is clear that Co-Responders will be an enhancement of the service we provide, ensuring that those patients most in need receive the prompt and efficient treatment they need."