A SUCCESSFUL medical emergency scheme, which has involved firefighters from Romsey taking part in a successful trial, has been launched in Hampshire.

The Co-Responder partnership involves specially-trained fire fighters providing medical treatment to members of the public.

And Romsey, New Milton and Bordon were the three trial areas when the scheme was first put to the test last year.

Since then, the number of firefighters at the station in Romsey's Alma Road who have been given the specialised training has been increasing steadily.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said that between 15 and 18 of the town's firefighters would be fully-trained Co-Responders by the end of this month.

She added: "So far, Romsey have attended approximately 45 medical emergencies under this scheme."

One of the Co-Responders, Calvin Tongs, said that in their first week, Romsey attended about 15 calls.

"They ranged from asthma attacks, chest problems and cardiac arrest. I've no doubt that over a period of time we will save lives in the community," he said.

In a joint statement, the Ambulance and Fire and Rescue services explained that the Ambulance Service provides basic training in life-saving skills and in the use of semi-automatic defibrillators and oxygen.

The Co-Responders are asked by the Ambulance Service to go to incidents when, due to their location, they are able to provide a faster initial response. They do not replace emergency ambulances but can give early medical treatment until an ambulance arrives.

The Fire and Rescue Service's project leader of the scheme, Rob Cole, said: "Under this new partnership, a Co-Responder who has received life-saving training can be on the scene very quickly and assist the patient until the ambulance arrives."

Dave Watts, deputy director of patient services for the Hampshire Ambulance Service, said there was "clear clinical evidence" that rapid basic lifesaving skills, with the use of semi-automatic defibrillators and oxygen administration saved lives.

"We look forward to developing this innovative scheme further in partnership with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service," he said.