A MOBILE networking company will connect with first responders in a bid to boost patient response in Hampshire.

Vodafone UK announced that it is to provide South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) with mobile devices and an app to improve efficiency and response times for its 1,200 community first responders (CFR) and co responders (police, fire and military) in Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

CFRs and co responders are volunteers trained to attend medical emergencies and start lifesaving interventions prior to the arrival of an ambulance, which can have a significant positive impact on patient outcomes.

Nic Morecroft, head of operations for community engagement and training at South Central Ambulance Service, said: “We recognise there is a huge opportunity to improve patient care using digital technology.

“Our partnership with Vodafone highlights how implementing technology solutions can have an immediate and real impact on the service we offer to patients.

“We have already seen improved efficiencies and feedback from our first responders has been extremely positive.”

The Vodafone solution includes a bespoke app and the provision of mobile devices with 4G connectivity which can be securely managed, protecting patient information.

To date, more than 160 mobile devices are in operation across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire, with a further 400 to be issued over the coming weeks.

Developed in partnership with CommonTime, the app enables simple and reliable communication between the CFRs and their office-based control centre.

CFRs can login and report that they are available to respond.

On arrival, they can share critical information about the incident and request additional support from the emergency services.

For their safety, CFRs are tracked at all times through GPS.

Anne Sheehan, enterprise director from Vodafone UK said: “We are delighted to be working with the South Central Ambulance Service to help improve response times for this critical service.”