Fire service takes on additional tasks to aid in Covid-19 response

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

The fire service will be assisting with carrying out Covid-19 antigen testing, driving non-blue-lighted ambulance transport and carrying out ambulance driver training, reflecting the scale of the national crisis and the urgency of the response required.

Following an agreement reached on 26 March between the Fire Service National Employers, National Fire Chiefs Council and Fire Brigades Union, firefighters will be able to transport NHS outpatients to appointments or to receive urgent care (excluding known Covid-19 patients).

Other work being carried out by fire and rescue service staff includes: face fitting for masks to be used by frontline NHS and clinical care staff working with Covid-19 patients, delivery of PPE and other medical supplies to NHS and care facilities, moving people who have died, and supporting the most vulnerable through deliveries of essential goods.

Councillor Nick Chard, Chair of the National Employers, said: “We will continue to work at pace to bring an extra resource to the battle against the impact of Covid-19, working collaboratively with the FBU and NFCC for the benefit of local people.”

“Fire and Rescue has always played its role in meeting immense challenges and this crisis is no exception. We have stepped up our assistance to support our over stretched public sector colleagues, especially ambulance services, with our can-do attitude and sense of community spirit and will continue to do so.”

Firefighters will continue responding to core emergencies, such as fires and road traffic collisions.