A year-long pilot scheme which will see firefighters join paramedics at emergencies on “fire ambulances” is due to begin this month.
Long Sutton’s retained firefighters who already co-respond to emergencies are among three groups who will trial the scheme for 12-months to “allow the concept to be fully tested and a robust evaluation undertaken”.
They were chosen as they had indicated their availability to take part and Long Sutton is one of East Midlands Ambulance Service’s priority areas after a spate of incidents where people were left waiting too long for an ambulance to arrive.
The scheme was recently the subject of a six-week public consultation, with public events at the pilot stations, where members of the public were invited to find out more and talk to those involved.
Residents were also invited to fill in a feedback form giving their views on the scheme.
In total, 364 responses were received from across Lincolnshire.
The main question asked was “How do you feel about the 12 month pilot to support ambulance provision in Lincolnshire”. More than 90 per cent (92 per cent) of respondents replied positively.
Out of 16 EMAS staff who responded, nine said they felt either reasonably negative or very negative about the scheme, while 48 out of 52 Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue staff who responded said they were either very positive or reasonably positive.
Long Sutton saw the highest number of responses from the three pilot areas – 118 out of 292.
Issues raised at the consultation included:
- Reassurance that a timely medical response is available in the local area.
- Agreement with the principle that the sooner the patient can be conveyed to hospital, the better the outcome.
- Praise for the co-responders from many who have benefitted from their service.
- Agreement with the principle of a pilot to test the methodology.
- Working in partnership was commented on as a sensible approach to deliver better services.
- Recognition that a similar model exists in other countries and works well.
- Acknowledgement of the fall in the number of fires and increased requirement for timely medical assistance.
But a number of concerns were also raised around the amount of time it will take to transport patients to hospital and whether that could result in delays in responding to fire or co-responder emergencies.
A response issued said: “It is acknowledged that firefighters involved with conveying patients to hospital may be out for longer periods than they currently are with a co-responder call, although it is anticipated the impact on attendance at fire calls will be minimal.
“In terms of the handover of patients at hospital, protocols are being put in place to support the prompt release of firefighters to their home station.
“These will be monitored closely during the pilot to ensure they are fit for purpose.”
Other concerns included the types of calls co-responders will attend as part of the pilot and the level of competence and training of LFR co-responders.
It is expected that a further consultation will be held at the end of the pilot before a decision is made whether or not to extend the scheme across the county.
