New Co-Responder Vehicle For Hampshire

11th February 2012, 06:00

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Firefighters will be able to respond to medical emergencies thanks to a new 4x4 co-responder vehicle.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue work with South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) on the co-responder scheme. 

It's one of 20 schemes across the whole SCAS region covering Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

Firefighters are trained in basic life support so they can get to emergencies and start helping before the ambulance arrives.

Vista Healthcare which is based in Hartley Witney has supported the purchase of a new co-responder vehicle which will be based at the local fire station.

Station Manager Rob Cole, who heads up Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s co-responder scheme said:

"This scheme means that our firefighters are able to provide a first response to patients as quickly as possible to give the public the support and care they need before an emergency ambulances arrives.

"This new four-wheel drive BMW X1 is ideal for driving through snow and ice and will enable help to reach the local residents who may otherwise be cut off from help during adverse weather conditions."

Community Responder Liaison and Training Officer Howard Farley, for South Central Ambulance Service said

"This fantastic opportunity has been made possible through the generous support of Vista Healthcare and allows the continued partnership between both South Central Ambulance Service and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in providing this valuable service to Hartley Wintney and the surrounding communities"