Council expands first aid support and beach welfare for the Summer

August 21, 2024

Southend-on-Sea City Council is pleased to announce enhanced first aid services for visitors to the High Street and seafront, made possible thanks to funding from the council's Public Health team.

In collaboration with Triple L Medical Support Services, a static ambulance with two trained first aiders will be stationed at The Forum, Elmer Square. This service will operate from 2pm to 10pm every Friday and Saturday, starting from August 9 and running for nine weeks until October 5.

This initiative follows previous successful trials, which helped ease the pressure on ambulance crews and emergency services. The first aiders will provide a triage service, offering immediate care and directing more serious cases to the appropriate medical services.

In addition, this year sees the return of beach welfare officers, who volunteer to help keep people who visit the cities beaches safe over the summer. The volunteers are qualified beach lifeguards who are also trained to deal with missing children, carry out first aid and support with water-based incidents.

The teams will be managed by the community safety unit (CSU) and will provide weekly performance reports. They will work closely with the CSU, which patrols the city centre and seafront, to offer a reassuring presence to both visitors and residents.

Simon Ford, head of community safety at the council, said: “Partnership working is absolutely key during busy periods in a coastal city and I’m grateful my team will be supported by these extra resources throughout the summer season. This will help make sure anyone that visits our beaches or town centre has assistance should they need it.”

Councillor Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, said: “I’m delighted that we can offer additional first aid support this year thanks to funding from our Public Health team. I also welcome the return of the beach welfare officers who volunteer in their own time to help keep our beaches safe. These services have previously proved very effective in reducing pressure on our emergency services.

“We are enjoying a busy summer season and hope these services will help reassure and assist anyone who may require their services while demonstrating our commitment to public safety and health.

“I’d also like to thank our community safety team, the first aiders and the beach welfare officers for their invaluable support.”