Dorset’s Police officers have once again shown how they are much more than crime fighters as they step up to help with the Covid effort. 

Officers are helping drive ambulances as the health service falls under more stress from the pandemic. Four officers have already begun their ambulance training, with dozens more expected to volunteer their help. 

Chief Constable James Vaughan has said it will be “all hands to the pump” during the medical emergency.

Anna Harvey, Chair, Dorset Police Federation, said: “As we have constantly reminded people, this pandemic is about saving lives and we all have a part to play. My colleagues understand the need to support our ambulance service and will no doubt step up once again to meet this urgent request. 

“This is an example of how our police officers can adapt and are willing to help protect our communities. It’s not always about enforcing legislation and I hope the public remember this.”

Mr Vaughan told the Daily Echo this week: “The police are public servants. Our first and most important duty is protection of life. If that means driving ambulances rather than giving speeding fines, so be it – that is exactly where we will be.

“We, along with fire, military and other colleagues, will always help in this space. If we can have a dozen officers driving ambulances to help out in Dorset and they have got the relevant skills, we are very happy to help.

“The officers are happy to help and there is no shortage of them wanting to volunteer to drive ambulances on their days off or as their core duty. I am really proud of them. Dorset Police officers and staff, like all key workers and essential workers, have really stepped up.”

Will Warrender, chief executive of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are experiencing sustained and increasingly high levels of demand on our service due to coronavirus across the South West. This week I wrote to my police colleagues across the region to formally request their assistance in providing additional trained blue light emergency drivers to work alongside our crews.

“We work closely with the police and fire services every day, and our partnership working is a shining example of the way we all pull together to support the patients who need us during this difficult time.”

To see the story in full, go to: https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19009302.covid-dorset-police-officers-step-drive-ambulances/