Avon Fire & Rescue continues to support the South Western Ambulance Service, having committed more than 12,000 hours since the height of the pandemic to support their colleagues.
Photo courtesy of Avon Fire & Rescue Service
The South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust is experiencing unprecedented, high levels of demand and is working with healthcare partners and other agencies including the region’s fire services to manage the challenge.
Avon Fire & Rescue (AF&RS) continues to proactively support the ambulance service with 10 firefighters on a full-time basis and four part-time.
It is also supporting the NHS with volunteer vaccinators and marshals at vaccination centres to help alleviate their pressures.
Derek McCullough, SWASFT EPRR Manager, who was responsible for setting up this scheme for firefighters to crew and drive ambulances, said: “Our service has experienced a substantial increase in demand during recent months, placing significant pressures on our resources.
“In order to continue delivering effective and responsive patient care, we have been working with various partners and agencies to manage this challenge.
“We are extremely grateful for the invaluable support we’ve received during the pandemic from the five fire and rescue services in our region.
“Avon Fire & Rescue Service has significantly contributed towards ensuring our services to patients are maintained, and we are thankful for the continued assistance their firefighters and support staff provide to us.”
