The Bain Report states firefighters are expected to undertake paramedic training. This is misleading.
The recommendations are that firefighters are trained in the use of defibrillators as part of their first-aid training, which takes an additional four hours.
To use a defibrillator does not mean the person is a paramedic, which takes three and a half years of training in total.
The other role of the firefighters would be one of a community responder. This is to carry out basic life support, first aid and defibrillation - this is not to be viewed as a paramedic role either.
-Mike Bjarkoy, paramedic, Picton Street, Brighton
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