New military co-responder team partners with ambulance service to respond to 999 calls

The team is based at Northwood HQ and is made up of military personnel from across all three branches of the Armed Forces, who will volunteer their own time in addition to their military duties to respond to appropriate medical emergencies and help patients get the care they need.

Military co-responders are trained volunteers who respond to emergency calls on behalf of EEAST, and can provide immediate care and reassurance while waiting for ambulance crews to arrive. They play an important role, particularly in life-threatening emergencies where early medical interventions and support can save lives.

The Northwood team will start responding to 999 calls from early December. They join a number of military co-responder schemes already operating across the east of England – at RAF Henlow, RAF Honington, RAF Marham, RAF Wyton and St George's Barracks. Since January this year, these teams have collectively volunteered more than 6,000 hours and helped more than 2,300 patients. Co-responder teams have arrived first on-scene in 90% of incidents attended.

Squadron Leader Steve Hagerty, one of the volunteers in the Northwood co-responder group, said: "Our volunteers are proud to serve their country, in their military roles and now in supporting patients in their communities. The skills we develop through military service, including teamwork, leadership and remaining calm under pressure, are directly transferable to helping people in medical emergencies.

"Our team is looking forward to working closely alongside EEAST and making a positive difference for patients when they need help most."

Tom Barker, Head of Co-Response at EEAST, said: "We're delighted to welcome the Northwood team to our military co-responder portfolio. The success of our existing military co-responder schemes demonstrates the tremendous value these teams bring to local communities.

"Together, our military co-responders have supported thousands of patients over the past year and regularly arrive first on-scene, helping to deliver lifesaving interventions and vital patient care. We're grateful to the Northwood co-responder team for their commitment and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make locally support the ambulance service."

Photo caption: Volunteer military co-responders at Northwood HQ.