FIREFIGHTERS from Dawlish answered almost 400 calls to co-responder incidents in 2022 which were to respond to medical emergencies.

Figures for the on-call stations calls for last year show of a total of 523 incidents, 394 were as co-responders.

Co-responders are firefighters who receive additional training in basic life support and can respond to life-threatening situations for ‘rapid intervention’ if needed.

The Dawlish team of on-call firefighters, which is currently recruiting for new members, has released details of its activities for 2022.

The crews answered 129 fire-related calls.

These included 16 calls for controlled burning, seven to commercial fires, 18 to domestic fires, six to vehicle fires and two for rescues of animals.

One call was to an open water rescue, another to internal flooding and one to a dangerous structure.

Other alerts were to carbon monoxide alarms, two to gas or hazardous incidents and to 44 automatic alarms.

Crews also dealt with nine life rescues, two road traffic accidents and nine incidents to gain access to premises.

Crews at Dawlish station have announced they are currently recruiting and ask anyone interested to get in touch.

Details are available from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service website.