BFRS launches a new Technical Support Unit which is based at Dunstable Fire Station. This is the first of its kind in the country.
This new vehicle will respond to Bariatric and complex patient incidents where emergency removal of a patient is required to support the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST). This dedicated vehicle carries specialist equipment including a bariatric stretcher provided by EEAST which, will enable crews to provide the best possible care to the patient.
Various response vehicles
This is the second part of a joint collaborating with EEAST who now have ambulances based at the Dunstable Fire Station. This is part of the joint Blue Light Collaborations with various response vehicles being co-located at fire stations across the County.
We look forward to developing a close working relationship with EEAST"
Darren Evans, Station Commander Dunstable said; “Over the last few years Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service has been developing our response to Bariatric and complex patient incidents. This new vehicle enables us to carry more specialist equipment including a bariatric stretcher which has been provided by EEAST. As we attend the majority of these types of incidents to support EEAST, having this stretcher on our vehicle enables it to be immediately available for EEAST to use and to transport the patient to Hospital in their Ambulance. We look forward to developing a close working relationship with EEAST and to improve the quality of care provided at incidents.”
Increasing collaborative partnership
Thomas Barker, Community Response Manager EEAST said; “We already work in close partnership with Beds Fire and Rescue Service to support patients within the local community, utilizing resources such as the Fire Service Falls team and Cardiac Arrest Responders.”
“The Technical Support Unit comes as a great addition to further develop our partnership with BFR, this new vehicle will be able to improve our response to bariatric and complex patients bringing specialist knowledge and equipment to scene. We look forward to assessing the outcomes of this trial and increasing our collaborative partnership.”
