Medics join forces with police as customers return to pubs in Sheffield city centre

Medics have joined forces with the police in a trial project in Sheffield city centre as more customers start to return to pubs after the coronavirus lockdown.
By Claire Lewis
Published 29th Jul 2020, 07:50 BST
Updated 29th Jul 2020, 07:53 BST
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First aid charity St John Ambulance stationed a mobile treatment centre in Sheffield city centre last weekend to help relieve the pressure on police officers on Friday and Saturday night.

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The idea was to free up police time by medics responding to incidents involving minor injuries, allowing officers to tackle more serious issues.

St John Ambulance volunteers were stationed in Sheffield city centre last week as customers returned to pubsSt John Ambulance volunteers were stationed in Sheffield city centre last week as customers returned to pubs
St John Ambulance volunteers were stationed in Sheffield city centre last week as customers returned to pubs

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Sheffield Superintendent Cherie Buttle said: “The treatment centre means St John Ambulance’s fantastic medics are on hand to help us support vulnerable people and those who may need medical assistance for minor injuries. Ultimately, this means demand on our officers and other emergency services is reduced.

“Naturally, policing a city centre over a weekend means helping people who have been drinking, who might have indulged a bit too much, or have had a fall or been involved in other minor incidents.

“We will always be there to help, but sometimes our officers’ time is better spent on more serious incidents, which need a full police response.”

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On Friday night, the treatment centre was based in the Peace Gardens and on Saturday it moved across to Barker’s Pool.

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Supt Buttle added: “We have had some great feedback from the public, our officers on the ground and also the charity itself about how the weekend went.

“As people begin to resume their social lives, while taking measures to continue to protect themselves and others from Covid-19, it’s a perfect time to try new ideas and look at new ways to support people who are enjoying a night out in our city.”

Community Operations Manager for St John Ambulance Graham Ellis said: "We are delighted to see the night time economy returning to something resembling business as usual.

"At its very core, St John Ambulance is the charity that steps forward in the moments that matter, and we are extremely proud to have forged this partnership with South Yorkshire Police, supporting the local community. Long may it continue."