Volunteer medics sought for people on nights out

A team of medics who help people in need of medical and welfare support on nights out has appealed for more volunteers.

PT Alpha aims to reduce strain on the ambulance service in Kettering, Wellingborough, and Corby in Northamptonshire, particularly at the weekend.

It was funded by a grant from the county's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in 2023 and is also supported by local authorities.

It said all volunteers were qualified emergency care assistants and it was able to provide training to those without the qualification.

PT Alpha volunteer Stuart Murray told BBC Radio Northampton it had been "an eye-opening experience".

He said: "We are always looking for more volunteers, the idea is we want to expand this.

"Anything we can do to assist the ambulance service and police, we're more than happy to do."

PT Alpha, part of First Line Medical, works closely with streetpastors, town CCTV operators, door staff, and venue managers.

Members coordinate responses via a dedicated radio network and contact number, dispatching medical teams either on foot or by vehicle.

They provide treatment where possible, referring patients to out-of-hours healthcare services or arranging emergency ambulances, if necessary

Volunteer Dan Stanton, 21, said: "Mainly, we see a lot of assaults and drunk, vulnerable individuals.

"We drive through town centres, responding to calls, but also assisting people we come across who need help.

"We aim to reduce pressure on emergency services and hospitals by offering the right care at the right time."

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