'Rural areas could pay price of new ambulance co-responder measure'

A DECISION to replace firefighters who respond to medical emergencies with volunteers to save money has set alarm bells ringing in Torridge.

- by ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter @DevonLiveNews

Fire co-responders have been operating in Devon for nearly 30 years and are considered particularly vital in rural areas where patients may have to wait longer for an ambulance.

They are trained and equipped to provide enhanced medical care until an ambulance arrives in life-threatening medical emergencies like cardiac arrest or severe bleeding.

The South West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) says it can save about £60 per call by using voluntary community first responders (CFRs), who are only paid expenses. SWASFT says it has been developing this model in recent years and now wants to phase out the fire co-responder role.