Barnet’s firefighters get new life saving equipment (From Times Series)

Barnet’s firefighters get new life saving equipment

2:22pm Monday 20th April 2009 in

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NEW life saving equipment is being given to the borough’s firefighters as part of scheme working with other emergency services.

The kit will be carried in a specially designed backpack on all fire engines at Barnet, Finchley, Hendon and Mill Hill fire stations.

Following consultations with the London Ambulance Service, the packs will include defibrillators, suction devices to maintain open airways, cervical spinal collars and improved wound dressings.

The Immediate Emergency Care scheme will mean fire crews can carry out emergency treatment on casualties to the same standards as paramedics.

London Fire Brigade’s borough commander for Barnet, Tom George, said the new kit “will undoubtedly save lives”.

He said: “Every second counts, and in an emergency where we are first on the scene, this kit could increase the chance of a casualty surviving.

“It will be used when we arrive on the scene before paramedics, or when we attend an incident where paramedics might struggle to get to the casualty, such as when there is blocked access or an unsafe structure.

“It also allows firefighters to look after each other if the need to provide emergency treatment arises.”

Firefighters will be given the equipment and extra training to provide urgent medical care until paramedics arrive.

The scheme will be introduced to around one quarter of London Fire Brigade’s vehicles each year, with the full roll out of equipment and staff training being completed within three years.

Martin Bowdler, Ambulance Operations Manager for Barnet said the machines have already been used to help save lives at railway stations, airports and in other public places.

He said: “Our staff are getting to more patients who suffer cardiac arrests and stop breathing faster than ever before, but in these situations every second is vital so having first aid equipment available on Fire Brigade vehicles is excellent news.

"Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation while we’re on the way can double a person’s chance of survival and being able to use a defibrillator to restart their heart can further increase their chances by more than a third.

“We know there are some real potential benefits for both London Fire Brigade staff and members of the public.”