FIREFIGHTERS have been kitted out with new life-saving emergency packs which could double a victim's chances of survival.

Crews at Lewisham fire stations are now better prepared to treat casualties at the scenes of emergencies after being supplied with specially designed backpacks for use when fire crews arrive before paramedics.

The Immediate Emergency Care equipment (IEC) will include defibrillators, stiff-neck collars and improved wound dressings.

Backpacks will also contain manual suction devices to clear blocked airways, and airway adjuncts which help to keep airways clear in unconscious patients.

London Fire Brigade’s Lewisham borough commander, Lee King, said: “This new first aid equipment means firefighters can treat casualties who need urgent medical care until paramedics can take over."

The kit will be used when firefighters attend incidents that prevent early access for paramedics, such as blocked access or unsafe structures, or where fire crews are the first emergency service on the scene.

It also allows firefighters to treat each other if a colleague is injured.

Ambulance Operations Manager for Lewisham, David Campbell, said: “The London Ambulance Service is getting to more patients more quickly than ever before, but in these situations every second is vital so having first aid equipment available on fire brigade vehicles is excellent news for people in Lewisham.

“For example starting resuscitation while an ambulance is 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.”

The London Fire Brigade is hoping all 112 fire stations in the capital will be equipped with IECs by 2011.

So far crews at 19 out of London's 32 boroughs have been trained how to use the equipment.