Fire crews in Tower Hamlets are better prepared than ever to treat casualties at incidents after being kitted out with the improved first aid equipment, that London Fire Brigade is fitting to all of its fire engines, fire rescue units and fire boats over the next four years.
From early November, the new equipment will be carried in a specially designed backpack on all fire engines at Bethnal Green, Poplar, Millwall, Shadwell, Bow and Whitechapel.
The new equipment includes defibrillators, as well as other new items such as suction devices to maintain open airways, cervical spinal collars and improved wound dressings.
The introduction of the improved first aid capability and training – known as Immediate Emergency Care (IEC) – will mean that as part of their normal firefighting duties, firefighters attending incidents will be even better prepared to treat casualties who need immediate medical care until paramedics can take over.
The plans are supported by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and the Brigade has worked in partnership with LAS paramedic trainers to develop the training package for its firefighters. IEC will therefore enable fire crews to provide emergency treatment to casualties to the exacting standards prescribed by the London Ambulance Service.
London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for Tower Hamlets, Bruce Epsly, said: “The people of Tower Hamlets will really benefit from this new equipment. It will be particularly useful when we attend an incident that prevents early access for paramedics, such as blocked access or unsafe structures, or where we are the first emergency service on the scene. It also allows firefighters to look after each other if the need to administer emergency care arises.
“In an emergency, this kit could significantly increase the chance of a casualty surviving.”
The Immediate Emergency Care capability will be introduced to around one quarter of the Brigade’s vehicles each year, with the full roll out of equipment and staff training being completed within four years.
