Firefighters to Join Ambulance Crews in COVID-19 Battle
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is stepping up to back the South Western Ambulance Service during the COVID-19 crisis. They’ll be co-crewing five of 15 new ambulances across the South West to help tackle surging demand.
Firefighters Take the Wheel
- South Western Ambulance Service has bought 15 dual-crewed ambulances.
- Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue get five vehicles to operate 24/7 for six weeks initially.
- Firefighters trained in blue light driving will team up with ambulance medics.
- Vehicles will be based at Torquay, Exeter, Bideford, Taunton, and Shepton Mallet.
Twenty firefighters, both full-time and on-call, have started their ambulance training and are expected to be fully operational by the end of April.
Strong Partnership Ready to Save Lives
“We are happy to help our colleagues at the ambulance service when they need it most,” said Lee Howell, Chief Fire Officer at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. “We have co-responded to medical emergencies for over 20 years. With NHS demand rising, our closer teamwork will better protect our communities.”
Derek McCullough, Interoperable Capabilities Officer at South Western Ambulance Service, added: “This partnership helps us use our resources smarter to handle the expected rise in demand. With fire crews joining us, we’ll reach more patients and save more lives.”
This new collaboration brings a much-needed boost to frontline emergency services battling the COVID-19 pandemic across the South West.
