• IFESA - The Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association
  • IFESA - The Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association

Potential for Combination of Ambulance and Fire Services in Guernsey

" Potential for Combination of Ambulance and Fire Services in Guernsey.The Steering Group was tasked with investigating all possible options and wanted to understand the potential for the Ambulance and Fire Services to be provided by one fully integrated Ambulance & Fire Service under the control of the States of Guernsey ‟ s Home Department.

Dublin Fire Brigade model is examined in this document .

It is clear from the international comparisons that combined Ambulance & Fire Ser vices can operate in both metropolitan and rural areas. The degree of amalgamation between Ambulance and Fire Services appears to be very dependent on the historical development and organisation of emergency services, along with the characteristics of the communities they serve. The success of total integration of Emergency Medical and Fire Services has been extensively documented by the United States. In the US, 51% of Fire Departments provide emergency medical services and of the 200 largest cities, 97% have Fire Service based emergency medical response. By offering first responder and patient transportation services, Fire Services include pre-hospital medical care as part of their commitment to public safety. Literature in support of combining Emergency Medical and Fire Services also emphasise the strategic advantages and increased levels of customer service. The key feature of a Combined Emergency Service is that all personnel are trained not only in Ambulance care, but also as a Firefighter. These may be found in smaller towns and cities, where size or budget does not warrant two separate Services. This multi-functionality makes the most of limited resources or budget and provides a single team to respond to any emergency.

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