MP Bob Seely is looking at ways to improve partnership working between the three blue light services on the Isle of Wight – Police, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue – to ensure every Islander who needs support receives the most efficient and appropriate response.
He said: “There is a model operating in Cornwall where they have joint-funded emergency service officers delivering both emergency and preventative policing, healthcare and fire services.
“These officers are able to solve community issues in more remote local communities whilst reducing demand on individual emergency services.
“For example, these roles assist elderly residents who have suffered a fall which otherwise would require an ambulance response and they help tackle antisocial behaviour which has not escalated to an emergency.
“I think a similar approach could work on the Isle of Wight.”
In Cornwall, the official responsibilities of the Tri-Service Safety Officers, or TSSO’s, include emergency fire response; emergency medical response; addressing health inequalities; prevention of anti-social behaviour; safeguarding; youth intervention; community engagement and problem-solving; early intervention and prevention; multi-agency and partnership working; raizer chairs (for lifting patients after a fall); and mental health first aid.
Mr Seely has written to Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, with a suggestion that the Isle of Wight adopts a similar model.
In his letter, he said: “I know that the Isle of Wight Council, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust have expressed aspirations to increase joint working between ‘blue light’ services.
“As you may be aware, the Policing and Crime Act 2017 also places a duty on Police Forces, Ambulance Services and Fire and Rescue Services to keep collaboration services under review.
“I ask if you would consider working with other blue light services on the Island to introduce tri-service officers? Would the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary consider leading the introduction of joint-funded TSSOs on the Isle of Wight?”
The TSSO model was highlighted by Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell, in Parliament earlier this year with the Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, Chris Philp, describing the TSSOs as “a shining example” of how police, ambulance and fire services can better work together to provide a response.
