A new memorandum of understanding between the Isle of Man Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance means the charity will now provide full, front-line backup in the event of a major, mass casualty incident.
An initial training weekend for suitably qualified St John personnel will be held early next month, so volunteers can actively take part in their first emergency service major incident response exercise in December.
Deputy Chief Ambulance Officer, Russell Thornhill, says the agreement is a big bonus for the Service, and Commander of St John Ambulance Isle of Man, Professor Roger Berry, says the Island's isolation from UK emergency services means the new agreement is essential (audio file attached: Russell Thornhill, followed by Professor Roger Berry):
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