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Volunteer emergency response pilot scheme expands

EEAST Hannah Whitelegg, standing in front of an ambulance emergency response vehicle, that has yellow and green livery. Hannah is wearing dark green trousers, and a blue top, an responder uniform, with her hands in her pocket.EEAST
Hannah Whitelegg is an an emergency care assistant at EEAST who also volunteered for the pilot scheme

A volunteer emergency response scheme has expanded after more helpers were recruited to work alongside an NHS ambulance service.

The Beds and Herts Emergency Critical Care Scheme (BHECCS), has partnered with the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) since March 2024, attending more than 500 calls, including medical emergencies like cardiac arrests and traumatic injuries.

The pilot started with one team in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, and now a second in Welwyn Garden City has been set up.

Tom Barker, the head of collaborative response at EEAST, said it would help get medical responders to emergencies faster, as well as improve "outcomes for patients".

EEAST Newly-recruited volunteer responders attended an induction evening at Welwyn Garden City ambulance station in December, there are two rows of people, some crouching down, some standing, in a room with a tile floor, in a large room with ambulances in it. EEAST
Newly-recruited volunteer responders attend an induction evening at Welwyn Garden City ambulance station in December

Since March, the group has attended 530 calls across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, and in 84% of incidents arrived ahead of an ambulance, EEAST said.

More than 3,200 individual volunteer hours have also been logged.

'Making a difference'

Mr Barker said: "The expansion will help get medical responders to emergencies faster, improving outcomes for patients.

"In a life-threatening medical emergency, the first few minutes are vital, and the sooner we can get medically trained responders on scene to start delivering vital interventions, the better for our patients."

In Welwyn Garden City, the 18 volunteers come from various backgrounds, including community first responders, police officers, and firefighters.

Tom Ward, vice chair of BHECCS, said: "We were amazed at the number of people who wanted to volunteer for us, and the huge variety of backgrounds they came from.

"I am proud of everyone involved in this partnership, which is making a difference in people's lives," he added.

EEAST An ambulance, emergency response vehicle, in yellow and orange in a room, with two vehicles behind it. EEAST
A new emergency responder vehicle will be based at Welwyn Garden City

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