We operate a co-responder scheme with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. The scheme operates from 20 on-call fire stations, located in the Service’s more rural communities.
Our involvement, along with other agencies and individuals, provides critical support to the Trust.
We help to save more lives through our contribution to co-responder calls than we do in fire emergencies.
The aim is to provide a quick medical response alongside the Ambulance Service. The Co-responders give initial medical treatment and care to patients, whilst waiting for the ambulance.
The Co-responders have extra training from the ambulance service, as well as the training already provided by the fire service. The training and skills they learn mean they can attend a variety of medical emergencies.
As well as patient assessment and care, they deliver basic life support, oxygen therapy, or Entonox pain relief. They can undertake defibrillation, using an automated external defibrillator, during a cardiac arrest.
The support of employers, families, and other members of the community, has contributed to the success of the scheme and we thank them for that. Our Co-responders will respond day or night when you need them within the area where they live or work.
Read a list of the fire stations in the scheme (PDF)
It's simple, easy and effective and can save your life. 
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