A NEW blue-light emergency service being tested in New Milton has saved two lives in the first three months.

The co-responders scheme brings together Hampshire Fire and Rescue and Hampshire Ambulance services.

It has been tried in New Milton, Romsey and Bordon, all places that have had problems with ambulance response targets.

And according to Steve Tolley, manager at New Milton fire station, it has been a great success, with firefighters clamouring to be trained to enhanced first aid standard so they can respond rapidly to a range of emergencies.

So far there have been 170 calls since the service started in October last year, with two lives saved.

"One was from a choking incident and one from a heart attack," said Steve.

"The aim is for us to get there in eight minutes, so we're sticking to calls on what is our own station ground at this time. In November and December we achieved that 78 per cent of the time, which is pretty good."

Co-responders can handle a number of different types of illness or injury until ambulance staff arrive on the scene.

At New Milton the emergency vehicle, a Nissan Almera donated by local motor dealership Williams Bridge Garage to celebrate its 30th anniversary, carries a range of basic first aid kit.

In addition it has a defibrilla-tor, oxygen equipment and equipment for clearing airways, plus blankets for the shocked and injured.

Hampshire Ambulance control decides when to call on the co-responders. The firefighter on duty is summoned by pager to enable immediate action.

"This has been a successful trial and I understand it may be extended and will carry on in the New Milton area.

"I think a lot of the guys get a lot of reward out of it," said Steve.

"It's made me appreciate what excellent work the ambulance service does and how underrated they are. It's opened my eyes.

"The co-operation we've had from the ambulance service, the local crews and officers has been excellent."

Hampshire Fire Brigades' Union secretary Lord Conrad Jordan said discussions had taken place with managers.

"What we didn't want to see is fire engines going out to do ambulance work," he said.

"Our view is that if there's a requirement for this particular service, then it should be given greater resources and finance."

First published: January 31