Local Community

Did you know that Eastry retained fire station is now part of a co�responder scheme fast responding locally to certain 999 calls for the ambulance service?

Brian Cope Chairman of the Kent & Medway Towns Fire Authority officially launched the scheme on 30^th May 2007 at the fire station. The scheme has however been running since 26^th April 2007.

The ambulance co-responder scheme involves ten fire fighters that have volunteered for the role, trained by the South East Coast Ambulance Service in basic life support being called out to 999 ambulance calls to carry out vital life support treatment before the ambulance arrives on scene.  

To help illustrate the scheme there are a few questions and answers below.

So how will it work?

Two fire fighters will fast respond to certain 999 calls whilst an ambulance is on route.

Will they arrive in the fire engine?

No, they will be using a red fire car with blue lights and a siren that has been specifically provided.

What training have the fire fighters had?

The fire fighters have been trained to the standards of the South East Coast Ambulance Service by an ambulance paramedic in basic life support, which includes cardio-pulmonary resuscitation CPR, Oxygen therapy and the use of a defibrillator.

How will I recognise them?

Eventually they will be wearing red overalls, marked with Ambulance Co-Responder & Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

What area will be covered?

The stated area is a five-kilometre radius from the fire station. To date incidents in Ash, Betteshanger, Eastry, Sandwich and Staple have been responded to. So it is safe to say that Eastry and all of the surrounding Parish�s will be covered.

What happens if there is a fire call at the same time?

On the very rare occasions this could happen the fire call will take priority.

Eastry fire station joins the following fire stations that are already successfully running the scheme Dymchurch, Edenbridge, Hoo and Paddock Wood.

For further information contact Kevin Deveson, Watch Manager, at Eastry Fire Station on 07879 848746 or 01304 617799 on Wednesday's between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.

If you have any information which you think should be displayed here, then please contact me (01304 813178)