Avon Fire & Rescue has said it will continue to provide vital support to the South Western Ambulance Service during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Photo courtesy of Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Along with driving ambulances, the fire service has also begun to assist with patient transfer from Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) to the Nightingale hospital.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) has said it is also ready, willing and able to support local authorities, NHS colleges and the vaccination programme as and when the requests come in.
For an 18 week period, at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, staff from across AF&RS have provided over 230 shifts driving ambulances and have responded to over 700 incidents.
Since 2nd November, it has carried out a further 167 shifts and responded to 706 calls.
Chief Fire Officer, Mick Crennell said: “We will continue to place ourselves in a position where we can support and offer mutual aid to SWASFT and other Emergency Services.
“Throughout this process we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both our ambulance colleagues and staff who volunteered to put themselves forward to help during these unprecedented times.
“We recognise that we have skills to be able support our partners and we will continue to work together where we can. Here at Avon Fire & Rescue Service we value the opportunity to support our colleagues and communities through these trying times.”
Chair of the Fire Authority, Donald Davies said “I am extremely proud of our staff have supported and will continue to support SWASFT and other partners while still delivering on our Fire Service duties.
“We ask that during this time our communities continue to follow the government national lockdown guidelines and stay safe at home throughout the lockdown”.
