“Countless lives could be lost” if co-responder service ends – George 

Local MP and Health Select Committee member, Andrew George, has warned that countless lives could be lost if the Ambulance Trust goes ahead with its apparent decision to cease the long-standing cooperation it’s had with the fire service, which provides important early response first aid in hard to reach areas like the Lizard.  

Mr. George has written to Ambulance Trust CEO, Dr John Martin, to urge the Trust to reconsider before it’s too late. 

Mr George said, “This is a wrong decision at the worst possible time. When I was last MP, we had to fight to keep this vitally important service. But at a time when Treliske’s Emergency Department is constantly overrun and when the NHS managers are openly planning the closure of Minor injury Units – which could leave Lizard/Helston with just limited hours services at Penzance or Redruth – removing the co-responder service as well will leave residents on the peninsula extremely vulnerable. The Fire service confirm that co-responders’ actions have “saved countless lives”. So, it’s reasonable to conclude that the Ambulance Trust is aware that “countless lives could be lost” in those difficult to reach locations like the Lizard as a result of their decision to withdraw the service. 

“I have written to Ambulance Trust CEO, Dr John Martin, to protest and express my astonishment that this decision appears to have been taken without any consultation and in spite of disagreement from its key partner, Cornwall’s Fire & Rescue Service. Unless I receive a satisfactory response, I will take matters up with the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting,” said Andrew George. 

Local Cllr, Rory Gow (Mullion & St Keverne) who has called for an internal meeting of Cornwall Council next week to respond to the crisis, added “This decision is a bitter blow to our rural communities. The Lizard Peninsula already faces unacceptable delays in ambulance response times, leaving residents vulnerable in moments of crisis. Our firefighters have stepped up heroically, providing life-saving emergency care with professionalism, determination, and compassion. To strip away this vital service is yet another setback for those who rely on it most.” 

“What’s equally troubling is the lack of meaningful engagement with Cornwall Councillors and the communities we represent. Decisions of this magnitude should not be made behind closed doors, leaving local representatives scrambling to respond. This disregard for transparency only deepens public distrust in those responsible for safeguarding our emergency services.” 

“The Fire Co-responder Scheme has saved countless lives. It is not an optional extra; it is an essential lifeline. Its removal will have real consequences, and I will not stand by while our communities are left exposed.” 

A statement from Cornwall’s Fire & Rescue service is also set out below: 

“Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has supported the Fire Co-Responder scheme since its inception in 1996, working alongside South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to provide critical life-saving care in some of our most rurally isolated communities.  

Over the past 29 years of outstanding consistent service to our communities, our co-responding on-call firefighters from community fire stations based in St. Keverne, Mullion, St. Mawes, Helston, Polruan, and St Ives (not presently active), have responded to medical emergencies – particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Their devotion and commitment ensured those in need received timely emergency medical assistance, helping bridge critical gaps in emergency care and saving lives.  

The scheme is operated by the ambulance service, who have confirmed it will be phased out gradually over the next 12 months across the whole South West area as part of changes to their emergency response model. 

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to every firefighter who has served as a Co-Responder. Their professionalism, compassion, and dedication have made a lasting difference to residents across Cornwall.” 

Chief Fire Officer Kathryn Billing said: 

“I am disappointed by the decision to cease our Co-responding agreement. Our firefighters have provided a consistent, professional community response for nearly three decades. They have done this with passion and exceptional dedication, saving countless lives. This is an incredibly sad end to a partnership which I know has made a significant difference to so many in our most rurally isolated communities. I am incredibly proud of one and all who have been involved with our Co-responders partnership over the past 29 years, the passion, pride and professionalism and the lives saved will not be forgotten by us nor the communities they serve. 

We remain committed to working collaboratively with partners to support our firefighters and keep our communities safe.”