The model in context

  • The co-responder model would form part of the wider delivery of out of hours and emergency services within West Ardnamurchan
  • It would deliver early intervention, backed up by a range of specialist resources including emergency retrieval service (with specialist acute doctor on board)
  • The model would support enhanced clinical skills and experience of local people
  • It would guarantee a wider and more inclusive response to local emergency situations
  • Kilchoan Nurse Base will still be operated by NHS Highland. It will be used as a clinical and office base
  • NHS Highland has agreed that a second community nurse will be recruited and they would use thebase at Kilchoan. They will form part of the West Lochaber Community Team but will be encouraged to live in the West Ardnamurchan area and participate in the scheme
  • Community Nursing services will continue to be provided as required during working hours. The changes proposed are specific to unscheduled emergency and urgent response only
  • For end of life or other planned care at home, the West Lochaber Team will operate a specific on call service and where necessary will stay locally to ensure timely response

For Further Information

Alan Knox

Area Service Manager

Scottish Ambulance Service

Lochaber, Skye &Lochalsh District

Tel: 01397 702382

E-Mail:

This proposal is a joint venture between:

Scottish Ambulance Service – Lead Agency

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service

NHS Highland

27September, 2011

DRAFT

Outline Proposal

Co-Responder Model

A partnership response to provide safe and lasting local emergency services for West Ardnamurchan

How wouldthis scheme work?

“This co-responder model is not a substitute for ambulance or access to other services, but immediate support until theroad or air ambulance arrives.”

Pauline Howie

Chief Executive

Scottish Ambulance Service
How would this service work?

Call for Help

  • 999 call would triggera request forappropriate response using patient triage system
  • The 999callwould be directed to local co-responders (two people)AND
  • Ambulance supportwould be dispatched
  • GP support would be dispatched when available
  • In life threatening situations the air ambulance would be dispatched
  • There would always be two people on call (24/7) with both responding to a call. They would carry appropriate response and communications equipment
  • The First person on the scene wouldassessthe situation andthe patient and they would initiate patient care procedures
  • Co-responderwould call for Paramedic advice (available by phone) and communication links to responding BASICS GPs would be established
  • Responderwould have the authority to call for further back up, supported through the Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre
  • The emergency retrieval servicewould have specialist acute doctor on board

Further Clinical Support, Advice and Back-Up

  • Ambulance Paramedics and/or BASICS trained GP would attend the incident under instruction from ambulance control (whoever is closest to the incident)
  • Paramedic or GP would take immediate clinical hand over and assume responsibility
  • Patient will be transferred if necessary

Making this model of service work

Co-responders

  • The service needs a minimum of 6 and ideally around 8 individuals (responders)
  • The plan is to recruit mainly from retained fire service men & women and health workers
  • All Co-responders would be paid to be formally trained by the SASto Intermediate Level - First Person On Scene
  • There would always be two people on call (24/7) and two responders would always be dispatched to any call.
  • The model would need to operate a planned minimum of 1 in 3 rota
  • Responders would be paid for every response
  • Co-responders must commit to local availability and maintenance of clinical skills. They would be paid to take part in training including maintaining skills

Other critical elements

  • Contact wouldbe maintained with SAS control centre
  • All vehicles, equipment and tracking devices would be provided and maintained by SAS
  • The model would be subject to ongoing clinical review and refinement
  • Co-ordinated and pro-active approach to ensure local people understandthe service
  • During working hours, other members of the West Lochaber Community Team who have been trained and have tracking devices, would be available to respond to urgent and emergency situations