Sheffield launches joint emergency services team

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust has joined forces with South Yorkshire police and firefighters with the aim of reducing the demand on 999 responders.

The Local Intervention and Falls Episodes (LIFE) team will attend lower priority incidents in Sheffield, seeing fire and police staff visit hundreds of homes in the city to reduce fire risk in properties, improve security and help people who have fallen and contribute to reducing the risk of falls.

Steve Helps, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s head of Prevention and Protection, said: “The fire service already does far more than simply fighting fires and rescuing people from road traffic collisions. Really, this team is just an extension of our vision to make our communities safer.

“We also know that there are huge links between the people who need the help of the police and health services, and those who are at risk of fire. So strengthening our knowledge and referral mechanisms through collaborative working such as this must surely benefit our public safety work.”

Dr Steven Dykes, deputy medical director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “This is a great example of a number of organisations working together effectively and using the skills of their staff to benefit residents in the local area by providing the most appropriate care and support for their needs. The pilot is a good opportunity to explore how we can further develop partnership initiatives with our emergency service colleagues.”