AN initiative which has seen Ryedale firefighters doubling as emergency first responders

(EFR) has been declared a success.

The scheme has led to firefighters in Pickering, Helmsley and Lythe responding to more than 150 life-threatening emergencies during the past year.

A recent review of the scheme shows that, between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017, these EFRs have attended 28 instances of breathing difficulties, four cardiac arrests, and 35 instances of chest pain, along with a number of other incident types.

The pilot scheme - a joint initiative between Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service - means an EFR is dispatched at the same time as ambulance.

Their location within local communities often means they are nearer to the scene in those first critical minutes of a medical emergency.

A spokesman for the fire service said that an example of one of the incidents involved an EFR from Pickering attending reports of a male suffering a cardiac arrest in Norton last year.

“They arrived on scene within 15 minutes of receiving the call,” the spokesman said, “and an ambulance was also mobilised from York.

“Upon the arrival of the emergency first responder, CPR was being performed by neighbours to an elderly male.

“The emergency first responder advised them to continue, and set up the defibrillator which advised that no shock be given.

“They then took over CPR

until the arrival and administration of drugs from ambulance personnel.

“The CPR resulted in the patient’s heart restarting prior to the individual being taken to hospital for further treatment.”

Each EFR has been trained in basic life support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and oxygen therapy.

Jon Foster, area manager and head of risk management for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are delighted to be part of this scheme which benefits people who require medical assistance in rural areas.

“Opportunities to extend response to other medical incidents by fire and rescue staff is being explored with Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

“We are also currently undertaking a consultation on whether we should increase our work with partners such as clinical commissioning groups, local authorities, Public Health England and the police to further assist in promoting health and wellbeing across North Yorkshire and the City of York.”