Follow us
London ambulance staff so overwhelmed fire fighters are driving ambulances
Almost 200 fire fighters have been drafted in to help the NHS battle COVID. Officers from the London Fire Brigade have once again stepped up to come to the aid of the London Ambulance Service (LAS) who are grappling with a surge in coronavirus cases across the capital. From Friday, 8 January 2021, 125 fire fighters are helping paramedics, with a further 60 set to be trained and dispatched next week. The Bridge first offered help at the start of the outbreak in England, back in April 2020 and has so far responded to 100 000 incidents whilst driving ambulances. LFB also worked across the Christmas period as the NHS dealt with one of its busiest times in its history. All volunteer fire fighters already hold qualifications in driving emergency vehicles, responding to blue light incidents and giving immediate emergency care. On top of this, they get trained by clinicians from the LAS. Tasks fire fighters may undertake include, blue light driving, using their existing first aid skills to help administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a use a defibrillator when responding to patients in cardiac arrest. While carrying out their duties, fire fighters will wear their LFB workwear and be provided with additional personal protective equipment, including face masks, gloves and eye protection.
London Fire Brigade Commissioner Andy Roe said, “We’re ready, willing and able to support the national fight in combating COVID-19. “At this crucial stage in the pandemic firefighters have once again volunteered to step up to support a joint emergency response to COVID-19. The arrangement will help keep ambulances on the road and get vital care to those who most need it. It makes me very proud to see so many firefighters eager to step up and volunteer at such a challenging time. Since April 100 000 incidents got an ambulance sooner because we've been assisting the London Ambulance Service.” The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said, “On behalf of all Londoners, I want to thank our hardworking fire fighters for continuing to work tirelessly during the pandemic to keep Londoners safe. We are incredibly grateful to those from the London Fire Brigade who have volunteered to drive ambulances with the London Ambulance Service. The situation with the virus in London is extremely serious. In the midst of the biggest public health crisis we have seen in our lifetime, the Brigade has stepped up to support our blue light services when they are under immense pressure. Our fire fighters have shown once again that our frontline heroes are the very best of us." The extra support has been agreed nationally between the National Employers, National Fire Chiefs Council and the Fire Brigades Union and recognises the need to support local authorities and the NHS, including ambulance services. Source: My London News |
|
