MP Slams Emergency Call Out Plans
18/02/2009
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has voiced his disappointment at the North West Ambulance Service and Cheshire Fire Service for their plans to transform the Community First Responders scheme.
Cheshire Fire Service recently met with local firefighters at Nantwich Fire Station and asked them if they would support a co-responder scheme, which would be funded by NWAS.
Under the new system co-responders would only be called out for life threatening red status calls, despite the fact that many amber calls turn out to be life threatening.
The Fire Service also requires that their co-responders work in pairs.
The original Nantwich First Responders worked alone and there is worry that the time spent picking up a partner would waste valuable minutes in getting to the scene of the accident.
The Fire Brigades Union is reported to disagree with the scheme, and has threatened to expel firefighters who sign up to it.
Commenting on the scheme Mr Timpson said: "I am far from convinced by the new proposal.
"It undermines the role of Community First Responders and does not address the issue of response times head on.
"Until NWAS resolves the issue of local response times there is nothing to discuss, as there remains a lack of confidence in the ability of NWAS to deliver - even if it used the the fire service as a crutch."
Nantwich Town councillor Bill McGinnis: "The proposed scheme is not even up to the standard of the current Nantwich First Responders scheme.
"It has built in operational delays and this cannot be acceptable to the general public."
In a joint statement from the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, a spokesman said: "We believe a co-responding Scheme will improve the safety of local people and make best use of the skills and equipment available in the local community.
"This will be an addition to community lifesaving facilities and the valuable service provided by existing Community First Responder schemes in the South Cheshire area.
"No detailed decisions have been made over the operation of co-responding Schemes, but NWAS and CF&RS have made significant progress in developing an agreement in principle.
"Both emergency services believe a co-responder scheme can be developed in a way which will allow CF&RS staff to assist in providing an additional response to ambulance service 999 calls.
"It is expected that a formal proposal which meets the needs of the local community and both organisations will be put forward to Cheshire Fire Authority and the NWAS Board within the next two months."
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