A NEW medical kit is going to be rolled out to all Hampshire fire fighters so they can save more lives than ever before.

Officers will be give training to all of those who are getting the new medical bags next month.

The bags will contain a defibrillator, a resuscitation mask, thermal blankets and a variety of dressings and will replace the current basic first aid kits.About 60 of these new medical kits will be given out to officers.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has also recently finished placing Immediate Emergency Care (IEC) enhanced medical bags, also containing a defibrillator, on all it’s 85 fire engines.

Station Manager David Heybourne said: “We now have IEC enhanced medical bags on 85 fire engines and in 19 of our co-responder vehicles.

“With these additional 60 officer bags, this makes a grand total of 164 extra bags of medical equipment with added provision of suitably trained medical fire personnel to assist with any situation.

“The equipment will save lives and, combined with the extra training that we are giving to our staff, will give them the resources to help keep the residents of Hampshire safe, on or off duty.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire as a Health Asset team is also involved in preventative projects such as the pioneering STEER programme, an exercise class for the over-65s which reduces the risks of a fall, and has received plaudits from geriatricians.

They also run the A Better Me scheme to promote healthy living among youngsters through a variety of fun activities.