Rapid response units are identified

BOLLINGTON and Poynton have been earmarked as locations for two of 13 ‘rapid response rescue units’ to cut the number of road deaths.

Cheshire Fire Authority is proposing the move in a draft four-year plan which went out to public consultation on Monday, December 16, until March.

It comes after 46 people died as a result of road traffic collisions across Cheshire in 2018 - more than double the number in 2017, and a trend that the authority says has continued so far in 2019. The units would mainly be set up in areas where response times for road traffic collisions tend to be slower.

Each unit would have two firefighters who would respond to road accidents and provide life-saving trauma care to casualties.

They would also carry out work prior to the arrival of fire engines to improve the amount of time it takes to remove a casualty from their vehicle and their chances of survival.

The units would also be tailored to meet local needs - such as carrying water response kits in areas prone to flooding, or wildfire equipment for moorlands.

Vehicles - which would be capable off-road - and equipment are expected to cost around £40,000 for each of the 13 units.

Mark Cashin, chief fire officer, and Councillor Bob Rudd, chairman of Cheshire Fire Authority, penned a joint statement in the draft plan which includes the proposal.

It says: “Ultimately, the authority is dedicated to providing the communities of Cheshire with a fire and rescue service that is committed to saving lives, changing lives and protecting lives to achieve its vision of no deaths, injuries or damage from fires or other emergencies.”