FIREFIGHTERS in Swanage will be on-call for both fire and medical emergencies following a new partnership with the ambulance service.

Swanage Fire Station is now home to specially-trained co-responders with advanced first aid training. They will be called out when it is believed they will arrive before paramedics to an emergency. Paramedics will still attend emergencies and take over once on scene.

Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter, who attended the fire station’s official co-responder launch evening with South Western Ambulance Service, said: “The scheme involves firefighters attending incidents in areas where we can reach a casualty and maintain life until a paramedic arrives.

“This really is a lifesaving partnership. DFRS staff are provided with extra skills, which can be transferred to our own incidents.

“It also gives potential on-call firefighter recruits another way to serve their local community and make them safe,” he added.

As part of their training, all co-responders spent a day in an on-duty ambulance in order to gain an insight into what to expect in emergency situations. Training also ensured that prompt medical treatment can be given to people living in remote and isolate areas.

The co-responder scheme in Swanage follows on from a similar co-responder partnership rolled out this summer at Gillingham Fire Station. Dorset Fire Authority is also operating the scheme at Beaminster and Lyme Regis fire stations.