1 August 2024

Working alongside Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Service, Ryde on-call have now joined Ryde Green Watch and Shanklin on-call team, who already respond to cardiac arrests, unconsciousness and breathing difficulties calls.

Cardiac arrest responders offer immediate emergency care and give lifesaving first aid until the ambulance crew arrive, giving patients in need of urgent medical help the best chance, when every minute matters.

HIWFRS Cardiac Arrest Responders launched on the island in December 2022 and have since responded to more than 300 calls, with a track record of saving lives of all ages.

Victoria White, Director of Isle of Wight Ambulance Service said:

“The support Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are providing, as well as our community volunteers makes a real difference to the survival rates for someone having a cardiac arrest.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Ryde on call firefighters to work alongside our ambulance service and their colleagues from Ryde Green Watch and Shanklin on call to providing this valuable response. Thank you to Ryde on call from all of us at Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.

Will Newnham, HIWFRS Watch Manager for Ryde Fire Station said:

“We’re delighted as a station to be able to offer this extra support alongside our ambulance colleagues within our community.

"For the public to see a fire engine initially arrive for a medical emergency is not the norm, but if we are closer to respond than an ambulance, we can get to the incident first and start initial lifesaving first aid before the ambulance arrives to take over.”

Sean Harrison, HIWFRS Station Manager for Community Risk Management Planning said:

“We are thankful our cardiac arrest responders can continue to work alongside our ambulance colleagues, to provide a quick and timely response to those in need.

“The additional support Ryde on-call team can offer, will mean we can respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will result in more lives saved.”