Eastbourne District Scout
(Fellowship) First Aid Team

Resources available

For EDSFAT to operate effectively we need to use a large range of equipment. Below is a short summary of equipment use. If you would like a more comprehensive version click on the link to download the full document.
Equipment used by EDSFAT The file size is approximately 1.7MB.

Ford Iveco - First Aid Unit

EDSFAT operate a Ford Iveco First Aid Unit as its front line Mobile First Aid point vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with all the First Aid equipment needed to operate at most events. This includes portable large and small First Aid kits, medical gases, Exposure Kit, Pulse Oximeter, Blood Glucose Meter, Blankets, Frac-Packs and Frac-Straps.
For the transportation of casualties the Vehicle is equipped with a number of stretchers both for use in the vehicle and in the field. The vehicle is not used for the transportation of casualties to hospital, if transport to hospital is required, depending on the severity, a leaders car or County Ambulance will be used or called.

The vehicle is equipped with both PMR and CB radio to allow communications at events. A complete set of incident and hazard lighting equipment is fitted to the vehicle, this includes high visibility markings all round the vehicle helping people identify the vehicle in the dark.
This vehicle is only used at events with access points on tarmac and solid roads.

Click here to see the dedicated poster for this vehicle.

Defender 110 Land Rover Ambulance

For hikes and events away from tarmac roads EDSFAT operate a Land Rover First Aid Unit.
This vehicle is equipped with a selection of equipment. Like the Iveco First Aid Unit, the Land Rover has Portable Oxygen and Entonox sets. It also carries a selection of both large and portable First Aid kits.

One item that is kept on the Land Rover is the Orange Rescue Stretcher.

This vehicle is also equipped with scene and hazard warning lighting. The usual two-way radio equipment is carried, as well as some specialised equipment for vehicle recovery when operating off road.
Whilst the Land Rover does not carry as much First Aid equipment as the Iveco it has the advantage of being able to reach casualties far from the nearest road.

Click here to see the dedicated poster for this vehicle.

First Aid Treatment Trailer

As part of our Large Event First Aid provision EDSFAT owns a dedicated trailer converted for the treatment of casualties. The Trailer was bought from St John Ambulance and came in state almost ready for use.
The trailer is equipped with a York 4 treatment stretcher (so it is compatible with all or vehicles), and large quantities of basic First Aid provisions. The trailer is also equipped with a number of radio systems, the first is EDSFAT's own PMR radio system to allow communications with other EDSFAT staff at events A CB radio has also been installed to allow communication with event organisers at some events, the third radio is a normal FM stereo and CD player which helps with the quiet times at events!

Click here to see the dedicated poster for this vehicle.

First Aid Control Vehicle

The control vehicles main purpose will be to provide a fully set up and functional First Aid control. The vehicle replaces the caravan that an EDSFAT member has kindly allowed us to use at events such as hikes and large camps.

The vehicle was previously a major incident control vehicle for Sussex Ambulance Service. The vehicle is still fully kitted with all desks, cupboards and wiring as well as an automatically inflating mast that passes through the roof of the vehicle. Additional radio aerials also allow EDSFAT to provide First Aid radio control for a number of radio networks (PMR and CB primarily).

The vehicle has four seats in the front (one for the driver) with space in the back for two operatives with dedicated desk space, a large whiteboard and map pocket and large amounts of drawer and cupboard space.

The vehicle is also fitted with an outside awning so members not on duty may sit outside in relative comfort.

Click here to see the dedicated poster for this vehicle.

Immediate Response Vehicle - Seat Alhambra or Land Rover Discovery

EDSFAT currently have two vehicles that can be used as Immediate Response Vehicles (I.R.V). The first is a SEAT ALHAMBRA. The vehicle has a large amount of storage space, for equipment, and is regularly used to by the EDSFAT doctor when at large events. The vehicle can be marked up in reflective and can have a varying array of lights and sirens fitted if required. The vehicle has four seats and is suitably comfort for long journeys and duties.
The second vehicle is a Land Rover Discovery (see also below) which again has large storage space, as well as the added advantage of off road ability. Again the vehicle is suitably comfortable for longer journeys.
The I.R.V's carry the majority of their First Aid equipment in large plastic equipment boxes which are designed to deal with incidents before more assistance arrives. As well as the equipment in the boxes, Medical Gases, Aspiration Equipment, Pulse Oximeter and a Portable First Response bag are carried.

Land Rover Discovery

This vehicle is used by EDSFAT, principally at Hikes and events on the South Downs but also as an I.R.V (see above). Walking First Aiders and other walking staff with their equipment can be transported to most points both on and off road. With the Land Rover's off road ability, it is a perfect vehicle for these roles.

Vauxhall Fronteria

General purpose 4x4 used at events to transport staff, casualties and equipment. Has off road capability and towing facility. This vehicle can be used to fulfill a large number of roles. From general transport at a hike or other event, to the transportation of minor casualties to hospital. This vehicle has equipment specific to its role, with nothing fitted full time.

Logistic Support Unit (LSU)

This vehicle, which is permanently equipped with orange beacons, is used to provide a general-purpose transport facility. It is used for duties including sign and cone placement/retrieval and escorting county ambulances on site. The vehicle can be used by EDSFAT to transport large volumes of equipment and/or items around large events.

Antenna and Mast Transportation Trailer

This trailer is used to transport the two 50', two 25' and one 20' Clark Masts and associated equipment used by EDSFAT. As well as the masts, a selection of Directional and Omni-Direction aerials are carried. These give EDSFAT the required aerial equipment to operate on both P.M.R. and C.B. radio. As well as the radio equipment the trailer can be used to transport large items of equipment to and from events.

First Aid Bikes

EDSFAT is now using First Aid bikes by to provide a quick but safe method of responding to casualties at large events. The bikes can be equipped with a selection of equipment, which can be fitted into panniers. The bikes are also marked in high visibility materials to make them obvious and include blue flashing repeater lights.

Large Event Cases

When attending large events (>500 people on site) EDSFAT uses a number of specially equipped hard wearing plastic First Aid Equipment Cases. These cases carry large quantities of First Aid equipment commonly needed at large events.

Large Camps and Major Events First Aid and Medical Points

When EDSFAT attends Large and International Camps and Major Events it usually establishes a First Aid/Medical Point. This First Aid/Medical point is usually established in a building with bedded accommodation and treatment areas. At shorter events, usually over a weekend we use the First Aid Trailer and First Aid tent set up if a building is not available.

Large Event First Aid Control

At large events, where there can be several thousand people on site, EDSFAT usually establishes a Large Event First Aid Control. This Control is established in a room with limited access to non-EDSFAT members.

The Controls are equipped with both communication and I.T. equipment, allowing the First Aid Controllers to actively support the First Aiders in the field.

Event Flags and Signage

EDSFAT uses a large number of different flags and signs to make people aware of our location, who we are and what our role is. The most important part of the signage used by EDSFAT is the tripod mounted panel signs. A wide variety of different panels can be fitted to the metal tripods. They are made out of retro-reflective materials, so they work both during the day and the night.

EDSFAT also uses banners and flags to help identify our location as well as a dedicated self standing Quadrapod sign.

Radio Communications

To allow for easy communication between members of staff, EDSFAT uses a number of different radio systems. The main system is a VHF PMR system, which has hand portable, Mobile and Control Radios

Resources previously used by EDSFAT

Mercedes - First Aid Unit Ambulance

The first purpose built ambulance owned by EDSFAT. This vehicle was fully equipped to provide both a mobile and fixed First Aid facility. Complete with equipment cases and grab bags this vehicle was an excellent 'First Aid Unit' intended to deal with the majority of casualties in situ, and only transporting non-urgent ones.

Once it had reached the end of its life with EDSFAT, it was sold on. Its new owner planned to use it as an Ambulance vehicle in an Eastern European country.

Series III Land Rover Ambulance

In January 2007 EDSFAT replaced the old Series III Land Rover Ambulance that had been kindly loaned to EDSFAT by a member. The current vehicle follows a very similar internal set up to the old Land Rover Ambulance which had been refined in the old vehicle. Due to it age and deterioating condition it was decided by all parties to replace it. Unlike the newer vehicle this one was only used at events that required 4x4 ability due to its high running costs.
It is believed that the vehicle will be sold for parts (Land Rover parts demand a high price).

BMW 3 Series Immediate Response Vehicle

To allow for an immediate provision of First Aiders around large sites and camps, EDSFAT used an equipped BMW car. This vehicle was equipped with a very wide selection of equipment including Medical Gases, Burns Kits, Eye Wash Kit, Ice Packs and Cool Packs.

When used on a campsite the vehicle was equipped with a blue beacon and roof mounted spot / working lights.

This vehicle was replaced with the Land Rover Freelander which has since been replaced by the SEAT ALHAMBRA and Land Rover Discovery Land Rover Freelander Immediate Response Vehicles.

Land Rover Freelander

Following on from the success of the BMW 3 series as an Immediate Response Vehicle the owner was able to replace it with a Land Rover Freelander. This also gave the advantage of some off road capability. As with the BMW the vehicle was equipped with a very wide selection of equipment including Medical Gases, Burns Kits, Eye Wash Kit, Ice Packs and Cool Packs.

When used on a campsite the vehicle was equipped with a blue beacon and roof mounted spot / working lights as well as suitable sirens.

This vehicle was replaced by the SEAT ALHAMBRA and Land Rover Discovery Land Rover Freelander Immediate Response Vehicles.

Top of the Page