Ambulance service takes control of first aid and rescue charities

Saturday 04 April 2020

The Ambulance Service has taken control of two local rescue services, trained new call handlers, and is even teaching police and firefighters to drive ambulances to ensure islanders can keep getting emergency aid throughout the virus crisis.

St. John Ambulance and Normandy Rescue are now under the same command structure as the Ambulance Service, and a second station has been established at St. John’s headquarters in Midvale Road.

It comes as part of the Ambulance Service’s business continuity measures to maintain high-quality services during the covid-19 pandemic.

Pictured: The Ambulance Service has taken control of St. John's vehicles.

“St. John Ambulance Jersey is very pleased to help in the crisis by making its headquarters, its four ambulances and other equipment and facilities available to the States of Jersey Ambulance Service,” David Le Quesne, Chairman of St. John Ambulance Jersey, said.

“Our trained volunteers and members have offered their services, and we are very proud of them. In difficult times we are proud to continue to serve our Island.”

In addition to St. John’s ambulances, the move will see the Ambulance Service use two other vehicles from Normandy Rescue, as well as their equipment.

 “Our volunteer medics are looking forward to working alongside our full-time colleagues at the Ambulance Service as well as the many other voluntary agencies such as St John, ASU (Ambulance Support Unit) and the Jersey Lifeboat Association who are also mobilising to assist,” Andrew Scott-Miller, of Normandy Rescue, added.

“It’s times like these that the true community spirit of this Island comes to the forefront and we are very proud to be playing our part.”

Pictured: Drivers from the police and the Fire and Rescue Service will be trained to drive ambulances.

As part of the business continuity measures, designated drivers from the Police and the Fire and Rescue Service will be trained to drive ambulances, while staff from across government will be fast trained as combined control call handlers.

The Ambulance Service is also working with other trained people and volunteers, as well as former staff, student paramedics, staff from across government, Liberty Bus drivers and members of the JLA Lifeboat, who have all offered support.

“We are enacting our business continuity plans to ensure that we can maintain a level of service that fulfils our critical function,” the Chief Ambulance Officer Peter Gavey said. 

“It is vital that we are prepared, and we are lucky to be able to call on so many Islanders from various strands of our community.”