A pioneering collaboration between Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has been extended, bringing continued relief to stretched NHS resources and vital support to vulnerable residents.
The scheme, which began as a pilot in January 2024, sees specially trained Community Wellbeing Officers (CWOs) from the fire service respond to non-life-threatening 999 calls – such as falls, minor injuries, and wellbeing concerns. Their rapid response helps prevent hospital admissions and frees up ambulances for more critical emergencies.
Over the past year, CWOs Oliver Ingrouille, Keaton Eccles, Adam Woolmer, and Dean Leibbrandt have answered hundreds of calls across Essex. In many cases, they’ve been first on the scene, providing immediate care and reassurance.
In one incident, a man who fell from a ladder suffered a catastrophic leg injury. The CWOs arrived swiftly and, thanks to their trauma care training, controlled the bleeding within minutes – undoubtedly saving his life before ambulance and air ambulance crews arrived.
In another case, the team assisted a 95-year-old woman who had fallen. Recognising signs of a possible cardiac issue, they initiated urgent support. After the ambulance arrived, they installed linked smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector for the hearing-impaired residents, enhancing long-term safety in their home.
Claire Monk, Live Safe Manager at ECFRS, said:
“We’re pleased to continue this valuable partnership, which has already had a meaningful impact on the lives of many vulnerable residents. By extending the programme, we aim to further strengthen community safety and wellbeing, while easing pressure on emergency response services.”
Tom Barker, EEAST Head of Collaborative Response, added:
“We are delighted to be able to continue our collaborative working with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, by extending the successful Community Wellbeing Officer initiative.
“Since its launch in January 2024, the CWOs have made a massive impact in their communities by getting support to patients who have fallen at home and avoiding the need for unnecessary ambulance journeys to hospital. This has freed up ambulances to respond to more serious emergencies.
“I’m very proud of the work that CWOs do across Essex, not only helping patients back onto their feet but also increasing awareness of fire safety and prevention.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, commented:
“Increasing collaboration between all services and partners has been at the heart of our approach to protecting vulnerable people and saving lives in Essex. The Community Wellbeing Officer pilot has been a great success, meaning the services coordinate their efforts and reduce the harm our residents suffer. I’m pleased we are continuing this effective partnership.”
The extension of the project will allow the team to carry out their vital work in the community, continuing to bring life-saving care directly to residents’ doorsteps, and comes amid ongoing challenges for the East of England Ambulance Service.
Recent data indicates that ambulance response times in the region have struggled to meet national targets. For instance, Category 2 calls – covering emergencies like strokes and heart attacks – have seen average response times exceeding the 18-minute target, with some patients waiting significantly longer.
In December 2024, the EEAST declared its highest alert level due to mounting winter pressures, highlighting the strain on emergency services.
Furthermore, the Care Quality Commission issued a warning notice to EEAST in early 2025, citing multiple failures, including staffing levels and call wait times.
These challenges underscore the importance of initiatives like the CWO programme in providing timely care and alleviating pressure on ambulance services.