A new contract between Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and LIVES will see firefighters that attend medical incidents all trained to the same standards in trauma response.

The LIVES education team are now carrying out the new training sessions with firefighters across the county, following the first sessions held in Bourne last week.

Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for emergency services, said:"We have long seen the benefits of emergency services training and learning together, and this is particularly apparent at medical emergencies which often involve multiple responders in hugely challenging situations. Firefighters have now carried out co-responding duties for more than 20 years in Lincolnshire, and saved hundreds of lives. It's such a valuable part of our service to the public."

Organisational Development Manager at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Richard Friend, said: "We have a strong history of working together with LIVES, as they have delivered our training and provided clinical governance to our co responder crews throughout our long collaboration.

"This new contract will not only deliver enhanced medical skills to all our frontline responders but will provide improved efficiencies by having one provider deliver the training for two key competencies.

"It will mean all fire crews have the same enhanced level of training in the latest equipment and techniques, adding to the existing ongoing training they already receive. Our fire crews can then do even more to save lives before the arrival of medical professionals."

Nikki Cooke, CEO at LIVES, said: "We are delighted to be working with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue to deliver trauma training for firefighters across the county. LIVES is extremely proud to have worked in partnership with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue for over 20 years, and we are thrilled that we can continue our strong working relationship by providing this enhanced training programme.

"The trauma training uses realistic simulations to give firefighters the skills and confidence to manage a wide variety of trauma before the arrival of other emergency services, and to form part of the team working together to save lives.

"We believe it's vital for colleagues across all emergency services to work closely and train alongside each other, as it really does take a team to save a life."

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