Crew and personnel involved in running Alderney’s ambulance service have been marking two years since a new chapter opened.
In April 2023, Ambulance and Rescue Guernsey took over Alderney’s ambulance service too – offering a pan island approach to the vital emergency and community service.
The change happened after a report had found the island’s previous voluntary ambulance service model was not fit for purpose.
It was replaced with the first permanent, full-time, professional, ambulance operation in Alderney’s history.
The new service was set up as a ‘satellite’ of the Guernsey organisation, meaning clinical governance, leadership, and oversight was all managed from Guernsey.
The satellite service can also rely on other support from Guernsey including for training or staff cover. There is a daily briefing for all on-duty staff with Alderney’s crew joining via video link.
Demand for Alderney’s ambulance service was previously estimated to be three calls a week, but Ambulance and Rescue has seen an average of ten calls per week over the past two years, it said.
The service is crewed by four qualified staff working on a rota pattern. They are all Alderney residents who have undertaken extensive clinical and driver training to obtain nationally recognised qualifications.
There are also six Community First Responders in Alderney who are trained and equipped to respond to immediate life threatening medical emergencies.
Clinicians from Guernsey cover when Alderney based team members are off island or on leave.
Alderney Care Board Representative, Kevin Gentle thanked all of the crew for their efforts.
“The island is extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service.
“Alderney faces unique challenges when it comes to emergency services and we value the Alderney crews continued commitment and the support provided by the Ambulance and Rescue team.”