Walton-on-Thames firefighters (from left) Barry Culver, William Keenan, Colin Francis and Eric Daniels
Four firefighters who used their skills in giving emergency medical care to save a man’s life have been honoured with an ambulance service award.
The firefighters from Walton Fire Station picked up awards for outstanding patient care from South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) at a ceremony last week.
They are among firefighters with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service who have received immediate emergency care responder training as part of an initiative with SECAmb. Under the scheme, firefighters respond to some medical emergencies and begin giving urgent care to patients in the moments before ambulance crews arrive.
David Hammond, SECAmb’s Acting Chief Executive (left), with firefighters Eric Daniels, Colin Francis and William Keenan
More details of the firefighters’ award and achievement can be found in SECAmb’s press release and in its awards booklet.
In nominating the firefighters, Matt England, Clinical Quality Manager for SECAmb, said: “This incident just shows what good collaborative working can achieve. Prior to this working between our services, this patient wouldn’t have had four skilled individuals close at hand.
“This shows that with early intervention, we can make a real difference to lives.
“I am really pleased that this work is delivering such great results. It is a real confidence booster for the firefighters who volunteered to get involved with this initiative. It can seem very daunting a first but I think that with results like this, it makes it so worthwhile.”
Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Associate for Community Safety Services, said: “These four firefighters from Walton saved a man’s life thanks to their quick-thinking and strong teamwork and I’m delighted their efforts have been recognised. This initiative with SECAmb is about better serving our communities by giving the fastest possible response to people who are seriously ill.”
Surrey News 
Discussion
Comments are closed.