A dedication service for the first St David's community co-responder vehicle has taken place in the special setting of St David's Cathedral.

The co-responder vehicle, the first of its type to be based at St David's Fire Station, has been funded by donations from the community and surrounding area as well as fundraising by St David's crew members and their families.

"The co-responder unit at St David's Fire Station is manned by all fourteen crew members, on a rolling rota," said Watch Manager Les Owen.

"Thanks to the fund-raising efforts we are able to provide the best medical emergency response to all who live, work and visit our area of Pembrokeshire."

Area Manager Iwan Cray added:

"Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is humbled by the generosity and efforts of the community of St David's to bring a co-responder vehicle to its local fire station.

"The dedication service highlights the importance placed on providing a first class medical response to the community.

"The fire service responds to a wide range of incidents, therefore our ability to deliver the best service possible depends on our means to diversify and evolve to these scenarios.

"Working in partnership with our fellow emergency services is an important aspect in our primary aim to protect our communities. We can often get to the scene first and respond to casualties with medical conditions, such as cardiac arrest."

He added that the co-responder scheme did not replace the ambulance service but aims to enhance it in a practical way by making good use of medically trained and suitably equipped firefighters.

Firefighters will provide an initial response to certain categories of call but ambulance crews will also be mobilised, taking over from the firefighters when they arrive.