South Western Ambulance Service is to axe its life-saving co-responder scheme in Wiltshire – putting lives at risk in some rural communities.
Specially trained firefighters have been racing to Category 1 emergency calls ahead of paramedics for decades – providing urgent care to critically unwell patients.
The co-responding scheme, which was launched in the 1990s, allowed firefighters to administer CPR, early defibrillation and treat major bleeds in their locality.
They’d attend 999 calls in blue light vehicles based out fire stations across the South West, including eight in Wiltshire, regularly arriving before an ambulance crew – especially in rural areas.
Now, South Western Ambulance Service (SWAST) says it is axing the role – claiming it will save around £60 per call. It’ll instead rely on volunteer community first responders (CFR) to bridge the gap.
“The cost comparator between a fire co-responder and a SWAST CFR is significant, so as part of our responsibility to provide the best possible care to patients, while meeting national expectations for efficiency and value for money, we are investing into increasing volunteers across the south west,” a spokesperson told DevonLive.
“As part of the transition, we have invited fire co-responders to train to become CFRs.”
Locally, co-responders are based at Bradford on Avon, Cricklade, Ludgershall, Malmesbury, Mere, Ramsbury, Royal Wootton Bassett and Tisbury fire stations.
According to a post on Facebook, in January Cricklade Fire Station attended 16 emergency calls. Of those calls, ten were medical shouts attended ahead of the ambulance service.
In a statement, Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said is “saddened and disappointed” to learn that South Western Ambulance Service have decided to phase out co-responding.
He added: “Firefighters across Dorset & Wiltshire have been proud to support their communities and aid the ambulance service since the introduction of co-responding, many years ago.
“Over that time, crews have carried out some remarkable acts that have saved lives and improved outcomes for people needing medical support.
“I am incredibly proud of what our people have achieved and continue to do to support their communities. DWFRS will work with our co-responders to support the transition.”
Wiltshire 999s repeatedly asked SWAST for comment, but the trust did not respond.
