Firefighters from six community fire stations in Cornwall help the community by not only providing fire cover but also act as a co-response resource in medical care. This is through partnership with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT).
The scheme has been running since 1999, serving the communities of :
The scheme involves on-call firefighters at these stations, "co-responding" to fire and medical calls. They assist the local community and SWAFST in ensuring prompt medical treatment is given to people living in isolated areas. They do this by utilising Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety (CFRCS) Service vehicles to respond to the incident scene. They also provide enhanced medical care until the arrival of an ambulance.
Regular enhanced training ensures maintenance of skills. This is confirmed by assessment from SWASFT Paramedics.
Defibrillators
Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety (CFRCS) Service now have iPAD SP1 automated external defibrillators (AED). This is for use at every community fire station in Cornwall.
It’s a known fact that a heart attack victim has a 74% greater chance of survival when an AED is available and deployed. Having one available at each community fire station is a huge benefit to our crews and their communities.
For more information on AED, visit http://www.heartsafe.org.uk/