Deeside Firefighters set to take part in new pilot scheme which will see them respond to medical emergencies

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service will collaborate with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust to launch the pilot scheme which will see them working together to save lives.

The new pilot is being initially launched by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, with both North Wales Rescue and Mid and West Wales Services due to follow suit in the new year.

The project will see Fire Medical Response (FMR) crews from Deeside trained to administer life-saving treatment, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator.

They will use vehicles kitted out with specialised equipment enabling firefighters specially trained to respond to a set of specified clinical conditions such as cardiac arrests, casualties who are reported unconscious or choking, and catastrophic bleeding.

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service pilot will incorporate whole time retained (part time) and day crews from selected fire stations including Colwyn Bay, Holyhead, Holywell, Llangollen, Dolgellau and Pwllheli as well as Deeside.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Richard Fairhead said:

“We would like to reassure residents across Wales that there will be absolutely no reduction in emergency response and service delivery, either from the fire and rescue services across Wales or from the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust, during the pilot period.

“The pilot will involve mobilising responders who are suitably trained individuals who will work to preserve life until the arrival of either an ambulance or rapid response vehicle.

“The exact nature of the pilot will vary in each Welsh fire and rescue service region but the overall aim of working together to save lives will be a common approach in the three regions.”

The pilot follows similar schemes being launched by a total of 43 participating fire and rescue services across the UK.

At the end of the pilot period, evaluation will take place to determine the success of the pilot.