Life-saving emergency services partnership in Norfolk shortlisted for award

A collaboration between Norfolk's ambulance and fire services, designed to provide faster medical assistance, has been nominated for a national award. 

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has seven fire stations across the county that respond to medical emergencies. Firefighters, trained by the ambulance service, can be sent to life-threatening medical emergencies in their communities. 

This partnership is in the running for the Collaboration of the Year at the Excellence in Fire & Emergency Awards. The winner will be announced on 6 December. 

Since January, NFRS co-responders have been sent to 48 cardiac arrest calls, and in 40% of cases fire crews arrived ahead of paramedics. Firefighters arrived on average three minutes before an ambulance in those incidents. 

In a life-threatening emergency such as a cardiac arrest, getting medical help on scene as quickly as possible increases the chances of survival. 

Paul Seaman, Area Manager for Operational Response at NFRS, said: "I am extremely proud that our teams have been shortlisted for this national award, rightly recognising the commitment shown to their local communities in Norfolk. 

"By early 2025 we will have 11 stations fully trained and taking part in the co-responding work, covering a large part of rural Norfolk. It has been proven that our crews can add a significantly increased chance of survival where a member of our community suffers a cardiac arrest. 

"Being shortlisted for this award truly demonstrates the great work that is going on every day, and I wish our teams all the very best." 

Tom Barker, East of England Ambulance Service's (EEAST) Head of Collaborative Response, said: "It is fantastic to see our partnership with our fire service colleagues in Norfolk recognised, by being shortlisted for a national award. We have successfully demonstrated that by working closely together with other blue light services, patients can benefit. 

"With many fire stations in Norfolk located in rural areas, they are often much closer to the scene of a serious medical emergency. Having on-call firefighters trained to respond to these emergencies and support the ambulance service means patients get the help they need faster. 

"We are looking forward to the awards on 6 December, and it would be amazing if our partnership won the award!" 

The co-responding fire stations are in Sheringham, Cromer, North Walsham, Dereham, Hunstanton, Heacham and Sandringham. Two more stations are currently being trained before going live as co-response stations.