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.
trauma first aid training
Paramedic educator, Phil Barlow, who has 15-years of frontline experience being seconded to the brigade to provide trauma first aid training to fire crews, who may be first on the scene of an emergency.
Over the past six months the instructor from NEAS has been working with firefighters from across 17-community fire stations, staff from Service Headquarters in Barmston Mere, and with recruits.
twelve training packages
A paramedic has been seconded to work alongside firefighters in a bid to ensure crews can respond effectively
In total, the NEAS instructor has delivered twelve training packages since November to over 100 members of staff, and between June and October 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 a paramedic has been seconded to work alongside firefighters in a bid to ensure crews can respond as effectively as possible.
The benefit of a trauma support training program
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Lynsey McVay, 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 by the partnership trauma support training program currently being delivered alongside our colleagues at the North East Ambulance Service.
“The knowledge is 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."
Skill development
It’s a credit to TWFRS and NEAS to forge this affiliation that can be recognized and applauded"
“Through to our 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."
“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
Karen Gardner, Head of Workforce Development at North East Ambulance Service, said, “The program intends 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."
theory and practical scenarios
It also ensures the protection and safety of emergency service personnel as they enter an incident"
“The course is a combination of theory and practical scenarios with the 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. 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 watching it grow over the coming years.”
innovative evidence-based training
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 then design, develop and deliver an innovative evidence-based training package to be rolled out as part of the Training Centre program.
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 setups including RTC (Road Traffic Collision), a pylon location that recreates falling from a height, a metro transport incident, and a confined space (collapsed building).
