Tuesday 1st April 2025 marks two years since Ambulance and Rescue took over the running of the ambulance service in Alderney. When it was launched in 2023 the new service was the first permanent full-time, professional ambulance operation in Alderney’s history. The service was set-up as a satellite of the Guernsey organisation, operating with clinical governance, leadership and oversight from Guernsey.
Since 2023 the new service has become established as an integral part of the island’s healthcare provision, with four qualified staff working on a bespoke rota pattern specially designed to meet the unique needs of the island. The ambulance team is made up of four Alderney residents who have undertaken extensive clinical and driver training to obtain nationally recognised qualifications. The team members have also gained valuable experience working alongside clinicians in Guernsey as part of their continuing development. Two of the Alderney team also spent two weeks working with ambulance crews in the Isle of Man to gain wider experience and increase their exposure to a broader range of medical cases.
When Ambulance and Rescue took on the service the predicted call volume was estimated to be three calls a week. However, actual demand over the past two years has averaged ten cases a week.
Being part of Ambulance and Rescue has given added value in a number of areas, the Alderney crews have access to clinical support and leadership from experienced paramedics, team leaders and senior staff in Guernsey. Every morning, they also join the daily briefing with colleagues in Guernsey, via video link.
There are currently six Community First Responders as part of the Alderney Life Savers scheme who are trained and equipped to respond to immediately life threatening medical emergencies and deliver lifesaving skills in the minutes before the ambulance arrives.
Clinicians from Guernsey have also been deployed to Alderney to cover for team members when they are on leave or off-island for training, giving additional resilience, greater flexibility and ensuring the provision of medical care. Additional resources have also been provided for Alderney Week.
Alderney has also taken part in World Restart a Heart Day, with free CPR demonstrations for islanders. Additionally, nine Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) have been donated to Alderney by Ambulance and Rescue, with the team on the island having taken on the checking and maintaining of the PAD sites.
In addition, the Flying Christine III continues to respond to medical cases in Alderney to provide paramedic-led ambulance transport to Guernsey. The marine ambulance is often requested when a patient has specific medical needs meaning they are unable to travel by air. It is also used when medevac flights are unavailable and in specific weather conditions.
Aimee Lihou, Head of Quality and Patient Safety, was instrumental in setting up the new service and is the senior officer responsible for Alderney. Aimee said: “On this anniversary I would like to thank the Alderney crews for their hard work and commitment. They have embraced the training and values of Ambulance and Rescue, delivering compassionate care to the people of Alderney on a daily basis. I would also like to acknowledge the support of the States of Alderney, the other emergency services and the wider island community. Alderney is unique, but we have successfully designed and delivered a model which specifically meets the needs of islanders, based on the recruitment and training of local staff. Supported by experienced paramedics and ambulance leaders in Guernsey, operating under one clinical governance framework model allows us to deliver the most appropriate patient care, whilst providing added value to the community.”
Alderney Care Board Representative, Mr Kevin Gentle added: “The island is extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the St John Ambulance & Rescue Service. Alderney faces unique challenges when it comes to emergency services and we value the Alderney crews continued commitment and the support provided by the Ambulance and Rescue team.”
To mark the two year anniversary Ambulance and Rescue are hosting an open afternoon for the public, media and States members. The ambulance station at Crabby will be open on Tuesday 1st April between 12:00-14:00 and again between 16:30-18:30.
