Firefighters' efforts recognised

Crew manager Mike Tealey and firefighters Wendy Bailey, Wayne Brundish and Steve Pester were called to a house in The Fields, Mere to give medical support to a 78-year-old man who had suffered a heart attack.

The call was part of the co-responding scheme operated by Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service which sees staff from 11 fire stations being trained to provide first aid until an ambulance arrives.

On this occasion, in April, the Mere crew arrived at the same time as the paramedics and helped them to try to resuscitate the patient.

The air ambulance was called and the firefighters carried the man down a narrow stairway and out of his home.

They continued resuscitation while he was transported to a local recreation field where the fire service’s Land Rover was used to light the helicopter’s landing zone.

Sadly, despite the efforts of the firefighters and paramedics, the man died before he could be flown to hospital.

The actions of the team won them the Chief Officer’s Award from Great Western Ambulance Service.

David Whiting, chief executive of the ambulance service, said: “Our crews regularly work with other members of the emergency services. What these awards recognise is that the four firefighters went the extra mile to do the very best for the patient. Co-responders provide an essential service to patients in their local communities in those vital first few minutes while an ambulance crew is en route. I was proud to lead the celebrations that recognised their efforts.”

Chief Fire Officer Andy Goves visited Mere fire station earlier this month to congratulate the crew on their actions. “Co-responding is a vital service in our rural areas, where fire crews are often able to attend more quickly than an ambulance,” he said. “I am very proud that the Mere crew has been recognised by the Great Western Ambulance Service for their outstanding efforts, and I am sure the local community appreciates having such dedicated firefighters in their midst.”