North East Ambulance Service Partners With Tyne And Wear Fire And Rescue Service On Trauma Care Training For Frontline Firefighters

Frontline firefighters in Tyne and Wear are benefitting from a ground-breaking new scheme, which sees them being trained in first aid and trauma support by a leading North East paramedic educator.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have teamed up with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), in a scheme believed to be the first of its kind in England.

TWFRS – NEAS partnership

It has seen Paramedic Educator, Phil Barlow, who has 15-years frontline experience being seconded to the brigade, to provide trauma first aid training to fire crews, who may be first on the scene to an emergency.

Over the past six months, the instructor from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has been working with firefighters from across 17 community fire stations, staff from Service Headquarters in Barmston Mere, and with new recruits.

Training packages for firefighters

The NEAS instructor has delivered twelve training packages, since November 2021, to over 100 members

In total, the NEAS instructor has delivered twelve training packages, since November 2021, to over 100 members of staff, and between now and October of 2022, a further 16 courses are being scheduled that will be presented to 200 additional firefighters and managers across TWFRS.

It is believed to be the first time that a paramedic has been seconded to work alongside firefighters, in a bid to ensure crews can respond as effectively as possible in emergency situations.

Trauma support training program

Lynsey McVay, the Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), said “We are proud of the bond and association that we have with our fellow blue light organizations in the region. This connection is perfectly represented with the partnership trauma support training program currently being delivered, alongside our colleagues at the North East Ambulance Service.”

He adds, “The knowledge being passed on to TWFRS staff and crews is invaluable, as it can be used in a variety of different ways. From frontline crews acting as first responders at the scene of an incident – who can use these vital skills to assess and treat casualties ahead of the paramedics arriving at the scene.”

New recruits gaining expert tuition

Lynsey McVay continues, “Through to our new recruits gaining expert tuition, as part of their training course that will enable them to have this experience in their armory, for when they qualify and help to protect and serve the local community.”

He adds, “We recognized the need for this kind of skills-based training program that could help develop and nurture the trauma and first aid capabilities of our staff. It’s a credit to the partnership between TWFRS and NEAS to forge this affiliation that can be recognized and applauded on a national platform.”

Standardized approach to patient care

The intention of the program is to provide a key link between NEAS and TWFRS"

Karen Gardner, the Head of Workforce Development at North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), said “The intention of the program is to provide a key link between NEAS and TWFRS, ultimately improving relationships and multi-agency working between the two services. This will also allow a standardized approach to patient care as TWFRS are being taught by an operational paramedic educator – who has years of frontline service and experience.”

She adds, “The course is a combination of theory and practical scenarios with the end result seeing firefighters having the technical attributes to treat and begin essential treatment of casualties at the scene of an incident in preparation for the arrival of ambulance crews. It also ensures the protection and safety of emergency service personnel as they enter incident situations.”

Delivering innovative evidence-based training package

Karen Gardner continues, “There has been a great response to the education and development role with very positive feedback from TWFRS staff and crews. We look forward to continuing this partnership and watch it grow over the coming years.”

The original premise of the partnership was to introduce into the heart of TWFRS - the expertise of an experienced NEAS clinical practitioner, who could assess the education and development needs of the Fire Service, and to then design, develop and deliver innovative evidence-based training package, to be rolled out as part of the Training Center program.

First aid at work (FAAW) training

The instructor teaches elements of trauma and first aid at work (FAAW) training

The instructor teaches elements of trauma and first aid at work (FAAW) training, which builds upon the existing knowledge of each individual. The course uses the training center, which includes the impressive onsite USAR (Urban Search And Rescue) training facilities.

This is used in addition to other scenario set ups, including RTC (Road Traffic Collision), a pylon location that recreates falling from a height, a metro transport incident, and a confined space (collapsed building).

‘At a Glance’

Over the past year (16 May 2021 to 16 May 2022), the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service crews attended to 17,874 incidents across Tyne and Wear, and out of those incidents, TWFRS firefighters treated and assessed 847 casualties at the scene.

The 847 count includes 220 victims who were given first aid at the scene, 356 persons who went to hospital with injuries appearing to be slight, 133 victims who went to hospital with injuries appearing to be serious, and 138 victims who were recommended to have a precautionary check-up.

Five-year contract between TWFRS and NEAS

There is currently a five-year contract in place between TWFRS and NEAS to deliver the education and development program that promises to nurture and maintain the relationship between the two North East blue light organizations.