THE MAYOR of Holsworthy will make his feelings clear on a plan to phase out funding for fire co-responders.

Cllr Jon Hutchings has said that he will make representations on behalf of the town at an upcoming meeting of Devon County Council’s health and adult care scrutiny committee meeting, describing the proposals as ‘ridiculous’.

The meeting, to be held on July 14, concerns South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) decision to phase out the fire co-responder role that the Trust has provided in collaboration with fire and rescue services in the region following a review into cost and other issues, including “timeliness of response to patients”.

The mayor of Holsworthy said: “Just wanted to update you all on my support as mayor for the fire co responders in Holsworthy. As you are probably all aware SWAST (South West Ambulance Service Trust) are planning to phase out our Fire co responders in Holsworthy and across Devon. I have lodged a representation to Devon County Councils health and adult care scrutiny committee meeting for Monday, July 14.

“Agenda item No. 7 South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust - Fire Co-Responder Service I have asked to make an oral representation at the meeting on behalf of Holsworthy. I have been given three minutes to make my points. I intend to make the committee and SWAST representatives aware of our unique situation here in Holsworthy and the fact that taking away this service is ridiculous, no matter how much money it may save.

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: “In recent years we have been developing and strengthening our Community First Responder (CFR) volunteering model…this development means we will be phasing out the Fire Co-Responder role.

“CFRs receive an enhanced level of clinical training to help them respond to patients. CFRs can, with clinical support from the trust, administer pain relief and discharge patients at scene.

“The cost comparator between a Fire Co-Responder and a SWASFT Community First Responder is significant, so as part of our responsibility to provide the best possible care to patients, while meeting national expectations for efficiency and value for money, we are investing into increasing volunteers across the South West.

“As part of the transition, we have invited Fire Co-Responders to train to become CFRs.”

The meeting webcast will be available to view on the Devon County Council website, with the meeting commencing at 1.30pm.