New ambulance on roads for Fife charity thanks to community fundraising

It’s been nearly two years since the order for the specialist vehicle was placed, but now it’s in service for the volunteer team.

And they are delighted to have the first class vehicle.

Alex MacDonald, chairman of the trust, said the vehicle is exceptionally versatile due to its many refinements.

He said: “It was deployed for the first time within a few days of delivery when its four-wheel drive gave very smooth off-road performance.

“It enabled us to give prompt assistance to patients with head and arm injuries, ensuring they were made comfortable and stable prior to follow-through attention in hospital where needed.

“Our previous ambulance gave us excellent service over nearly 15 years, but it really was time for it to be retired.”

The new ambulance has a planned life expectancy of ten years and it is designed to provide a comprehensive and first response at major events, no matter where they may be.

Alex continued: “Last year we supported about 150 events over seven local authority areas.

“This year is clearly exceptional.

“We’ve had over 60 events cancelled due to the lockdown, but there are at last signs that things are slowly getting back to normal.

“Right now, we have events in the diary up to August of next year and we plan to be well-prepared for all of them.

“As part of that process we are nearing the end of advanced training for our regular volunteers.

“There will then be follow-through training to ensure that all concerned are able to make the best use of the facilities which are now available.”Burntisland First Aid Services Trust intend to continue offering public and commercial training in First Aid at Work as soon as the government’s social distancing expectations make it possible.

In the meantime, the team would like to hear from people who are already qualified in first aid and who want to sharpen up and extend their skills by joining Burntisland FAST as volunteers.

For more information visit www.bfast.org.uk