A 40-strong team of Kent clinicians has been created to operate in any 'hot spot’ at a major incident where hazardous chemicals are present.

The team have just completed 10 weeks of intensive training involving breathing apparatus and gas-tight chemical suits.

Additionally they have been trained to work safely at dangerous height levels.
At a moment’s notice they are geared to dash to any chemical incident in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and even beyond if required.

Ashford was chosen as their base because it’s a major town with good road, rail and air links.

Called the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) it is part of the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Senior manager Matthew England said patients will now receive treatment at a much earlier stage than before.

He explained: “Traditionally, at certain incidents, the ambulance service relies on firefighters making the scene safe before entering, or it has to wait for fire crews to bring patients to us.

“Fire crews will of course still perform this vital role but HART clinicians will be able to help remove patients from smoke-filled environments. They have received the necessary specialist training to enable them to bring high-quality care to those who urgently require it.”

It’s all part of a national rollout initiative funded by the Department of Health.
The team will be based on a temporary site at Brookfields Industrial Estate for about 12 months before moving next year to a permanent base elsewhere in the town.