Personnel from various stations who are already qualified as co-responders – volunteers trained to be first on the scene before ambulance crews arrive – underwent extra training at RAF Honington, Suffolk. Following an Emergency Response Driving Course they are now bolstering the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST). This qualifies them to answer all emergency calls ‘on blue lights’ as Emergency Care Support Workers (ECSW). The EEAST condensed its usual training course into a week to get the co-responders up to speed.
Corporal James Saunders, of 1 (Tactical) Police Squadron, based at RAF Honington, said:
“I am very proud to be involved in the frontline fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, not only for myself but also as a representative of the RAF.
“I became a military co-responder because I wanted to spend my spare time making a difference and helping out those in need. It has been an amazing experience and I will continue what I am doing to provide support for the NHS during this significant time and uncertain future.”
Corporal James Saunders
1 (Tactical) Police Squadron
RAF co-responders are not from medical trades but have received training, DBS checks and wear EEAST IDs and uniform when on call.
RAF Regiment Flight Sergeant Albert, from 3 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, RAF Marham has been a volunteer Co-Responder for six years.
He said: “I feel privileged to continue to work alongside EEAST being up skilled to ECSW. I am proud of the team for stepping up further to support EEAST during this unprecedented time of need. I have more responsibility than I did before but feel confident as I am fully supported.”
The RAF Police and RAF Regiment co-responders will be working primarily within Suffolk and West Norfolk but they can be utilised across the Trust.
