A collaborative unit of Kent Special Constabulary officers and South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics has expanded its coverage across North Kent after proving highly successful. The Joint Response Unit (JRU) was originally launched in March 2018, covering Medway and Swale two days a week.
The JRU pairs two Special Constables with a paramedic to respond together to incidents requiring both police and medical assistance. This joint approach has allowed the team to tackle a variety of situations effectively.
Following the achievement of key targets and demonstrating its value, the JRU has increased its operations to seven days a week during peak times. The expanded coverage now includes Dartford, Gravesend, Medway, and Swale, with additional officers joining the squad.
Since its inception, the team has responded to over 2,750 incidents, ranging from vehicle crashes and medical emergencies to assaults and mental health crises.
Working side-by-side, police officers have successfully prevented drunken and drug-fuelled disturbances from escalating, enabling paramedics to work safely at scenes. The unit received high praise in the Care Quality Commission’s report for South East Coast Ambulance Service, with independent reviews highlighting its role in reducing calls and improving service efficiency.
Superintendent Jason Wenlock from Kent Police’s Citizens in Policing Team said, “This Special Constabulary and South East Coast Ambulance Service initiative has proved to be an effective and efficient way of providing an improved response to the public. We’ve prevented situations getting out of hand and ensured the right reinforcements arrive when needed. I’m thrilled this service is now rolled out across North Kent and we’ll keep working with partners to make it even better.”
Will Bellamy, Paramedic and Operating Unit Manager for North Kent at SECAmb, added, “We’re chuffed to have expanded the unit to a seven-day model. The overlap in incidents we attend with police is huge, so this joint approach really benefits patients and strengthens our understanding of each other’s roles.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
