Satria Neo To The Rescue!
Lives are being saved in the New Forest and hundreds of people receiving emergency treatment, thanks to a rapid response vehicle provided to the local community by the Williams Bridge car dealership in New Milton.
The Satria Neo hatchback was donated by Williams Bridge to a joint emergency response programme run by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service.
Based conveniently at New Milton Fire Station, the Satria - which replaces other cars previously supplied by Williams Bridge - has been fitted with medical equipment by South Central Ambulance Service. But it is manned around the clock by a team of 14 retained firemen from New Milton who have been trained in life-saving procedures.
The co-responder vehicle can be despatched at a moment's notice to incidents in the mainly rural area encompassing locations such as New Milton, Milford on Sea, Hordle and Barton. The reaction time for the car supports the ambulance response due to its central location and suitability for use on the forest roads.
New Milton fire station's senior officer Steve Tolley, reports that since it was donated , the Proton has been called out across the region almost three times a day, seven days a week. The main type of incidents that officers have been required to deal with have been collapses, heart attacks and falls many of them life-threatening conditions requiring immediate attention.
Steve said that the rapid response capability of the vehicle has undoubtedly saved lives and he added: "The peace of mind that this gives to relatives when a situation arises is immeasurable. "A great deal of thanks need to go to Williams Bridge for their continued support for this very worthwhile project."
At South Central Ambulance Service, Community Responder manager Jim Hunt added his appreciation: "This is an extremely important addition to our service because the car can get to rural areas and provides a life saving facility to people in the area. The vehicle is part of our investment in the community and it is brilliant that a company such as Williams Bridge is involved."
Williams Bridge Managing Director Margaret Smyth, herself a local resident, says the company is delighted that the Proton has proved so successful and that as a direct result lives are being saved. "Williams Bridge has been a part of the local area for more than 30 years and we see this as a very worthwhile opportunity to put something back into the community. The people of New Milton and the surrounding area have supported us through the good and the bad times and this is just one way we can thank them."
