New Emergency Equipment for Local Fire Crews

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Special care back packs promise to save lives

Fire crews in Hammersmith and Fulham have been kitted out with life saving emergency care packs, which will make them better prepared then ever before to treat casualties at the scene of incidents.

The new gear, called Immediate Emergency Care equipment, will be carried in a specially designed backpack on all fire engines at Hammersmith and Fulham fire stations.

London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for Hammersmith and Fulham, Steve Lumb, says: " This new first aid equipment means that firefighters will be able to treat casualties who need urgent medical care until paramedics can take over. This could certainly increase the chance of a casualty surviving. "

The IEC kit includes defibrillators, which are electronic devices used to establish a normal heartbeat, as well as other new items such as manual suction devices to clear blocked airways, stiff-neck collars, improved wound dressings and airway adjuncts, which help to maintain a clear airway in unconscious patients.

The kit will be used when firefighters attend an incident that prevents early access for paramedics, such as blocked access or unsafe structures, or where fire crews are the first emergency service on the scene. It also allows firefighters to look after each other if they should require emergency treatment.

The Fire Brigade worked in partnership with the London Ambulance Service to develop the  new training package for firefighters. This means fire crews will be able to provide emergency treatment to casualties to the same exacting standards practised by the LAS.

Paul Smith, Ambulance Operations Manager for Hammersmith and Fulham borough says: " Our staff are getting to patients quicker than ever before, but in these situations every second is vital so having first aid equipment available on fire brigade vehicles is excellent news for people in Hammersmith and Fulham. "

October 14, 2009