When firefighters arrive at the scene of an incident they normally have basic first aid training to deal with casualties. But all that is about to change as crews receive more training to save even more lives. Scott Mullins investigates.

FIREFIGHTERS will be better prepared than ever to treat casualties after being trained to use improved first aid equipment provided by paramedics.

From November 4, the new equipment will be carried in a specially designed backpack on all fire engines at Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington and Biggin Hill fire stations.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) then plans to roll the life-saving scheme out to all London borough’s within four years.

The introduction of the improved first aid capability and training, known as Immediate Emergency Care (IEC), will mean that as part of their normal duties, firefighters will be better prepared to treat casualties who need immediate medical care until paramedics can take over.

Mick Titchener, station manager at Bromley fire station said: “The firefighters in the borough seem really keen to take this on board.

“Obviously not everyone will feel comfortable taking a leading role in medical situations but each fire engine will go to 999 calls equipped with a pack.

“It will mean that they can provide that initial care and even when paramedics arrive they can help deal with multiple casualties.

“It has also built on our important relationship with the ambulance service.

“When our firefighters arrived on scene before they could sometimes be frustrated with the level of care they could provide for casualties.

“That is about to change and they will be able to do a lot more.”

Paramedic training package

The plans are supported by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and the LFB has worked in partnership with LAS paramedics to develop the training package for its firefighters.

Paramedic Nick Brown, is a team leader at Bromley Ambulance Station.

He has been a paramedic for 12 years and the Maidstone resident is now visiting the borough’s fire stations to answer any last minute queries about the training.

The 38-year-old said: “This will not mean that firefighters will be going out to medical emergencies.

“They will still be responding to their usual 999 calls but it will mean they will be able to handle more medical cases when they arrive on scene.

“They do a fantastic job normally and this will give them even more responsibility.”

The brigade’s borough commander in Bromley, Andrew Holcombe, added: “It will be particularly valuable when we attend an incident that prevents early access for paramedics, such as blocked access or unsafe structures, or where we are the first emergency service on the scene.

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

Life-saving supplies

From next month firefighters in the Bromley borough will grab a backpack whenever they attend an emergency, filled with a range of life-saving medical supplies.

The new equipment includes defibrillators, as well as other new items such as suction devices to maintain open airways, cervical spinal collars and improved wound dressings.

Once 50 per cent of all watches in a fire station are trained they will be issued with a fully stocked IEC backpack.

The LFB is then hoping to provide backpacks and training for all its crews, fire engines, fire rescue units and fire boats across London.