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Coronavirus Kent: Firefighters trained as ambulance crews during pandemic

Firefighters have been trained to drive ambulances as the emergency service steps up efforts in the coronavirus outbreak.

The first batch of responders are now trained to crew ambulances, run by the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).

Firefighters have been trained to help paramedics. Picture: KFRS
Firefighters have been trained to help paramedics. Picture: KFRS

They can be called on at any time during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Their extra skills will only be used under the watchful eye of an already fully trained medic.

Assistant director for response, Mark Rist, said: "The firefighters began their course last week, during which they learnt to crew ambulances in support, and under the supervision of, a paramedic.

"The fantastic training from our friends at SECAmb has also given our crews enhanced skills and understanding to take back to their day-to-day roles.

"We’re pleased to already have a strong and established working relationship with SECAmb, and we’re happy to be able to assist them where we can, when they need us."

The move to train up firefighters was announced last Tuesday.

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