THE fire co-responder from Holsworthy Fire Station attended Holsworthy Football Club on Monday, February 5, at 9.32pm to assist the Devon Air Ambulance HEMS team who had landed following a 999 call to South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT).

The call was a medical emergency and the crews landed at Holsworthy Football Club, the designated night landing sight for the Devon Air Ambulance. The male casualty was later taken by helicopter to North Devon District Hospital to receive further treatment.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service works in partnership with SWASFT to ensure there is emergency medical cover to areas across the two regions including Holsworthy and the hamlets. These are among the areas that have been identified as having a greater need for ambulance cover. The aim of the co-responder team is to preserve life until the arrival of either a Rapid Response Vehicle or an ambulance. Co-responder’s vehicles, also known as emergency response units, are equipped with oxygen and AEDs and can attend a scene in place of a fire engine.

There are nineteen stations across Devon and Somerset that operate as co-responders.

Regular enhanced training is given to ensure each co-responder’s skills are maintained and this is confirmed by assessments from SWASFT paramedics.