Hartley Wintney fire station has received a double boost after achieving a coveted award as well as taking delivery of a new life-saving vehicle.
The Brew House Lane station was awarded Beacon Station status by Hampshire Fire and Rescue, and will be used as an example of best practice to other stations in the county.
And on Friday, fire chiefs unveiled their new co-responder vehicle. The four wheel drive BMW XI is shared between the fire service and the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) to allow firefighters to provide emergency life support quickly, and in tricky situations.
Station manager Rob Cole, who heads up the fire service’s co-responder scheme, said: “This scheme means that our firefighters are able to provide a first response to patients as quickly as possible to give the public the support and care they need before an emergency ambulances arrives.
“The BMW X1 is ideal for driving through snow and ice and will enable help to reach the local residents who may otherwise be cut off from help during adverse weather conditions.“
The vehicle was bought with cash from Odiham Road-based Vista Healthcare who have supported the fire station by allowing members of staff to act as part time, retained firefighters.
The new vehicle was welcomed by community responder and training for the ambulance service liaison Howard Farley.
He said: “This fantastic opportunity has been made possible through the generous support of Vista Healthcare and allows the continued partnership between both SCAS and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in providing this valuable service to Hartley Wintney and the surrounding communities.”
The new vehicle comes in the same week the station was awarded Beacon Station status, which picks out stations that are operated at a high standard. In Hampshire, five stations have been given the status since the scheme launched in April 2008.
It will remain a beacon station until October 2012. By gaining the award, the station will share best practice procedures to stations across the county to follow.
Hartley Wintney fire station commander Dave Bartlett said: “It is a proud moment for all of us at Hartley Wintney Fire Station to have achieved Beacon Station status. This award recognises the dedication from everyone at the station to ensure that targets are achieved and high standards are continually maintained.”
