New emergency response service pilot for people in Wiltshire who fall at home

Housing association Aster Group has teamed up with the nation’s leading first aid charity to pilot a new emergency response care provision for people living at home in Wiltshire who subscribe to its Connect Living monitored alarm service.

The new partnership aims to ease pressure on the NHS by reducing the amount of ambulance call outs from customers who are vulnerable to falls. The service from St John Ambulance, which is available to Connected Living customers 24/7, will also provide reassurance to families that if a loved one falls, they won’t potentially face lengthy waits on the floor until an ambulance arrives.

St John has contributed more than one million hours to frontline health services since spring 2020.

Regional director in Wiltshire and Hampshire for Aster Group, Sarah Durrans, said: “This partnership with St John Ambulance is a great addition to the services we provide for our Connected Living customers. The charity has a wealth of experience working with the NHS and by working together, we hope to be able to alleviate some of the pressures on the NHS ambulance service and reduce waiting times for our customers who have fallen at home.”

Adam Williams, SJA head of community response, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Aster Group to bring an additional service and real benefits to those customers who need that extra support, as well as comfort and reassurance should they have a fall or need specialist assistance at home.”

Connected Living supports people to remain living at home confidently, safely and independently. With a range of monitored technology enable care solutions, including emergency call pendants and fall detectors, people are able to live at home for longer. When an alarm is raised and the St John responder attends, they will complete an initial assessment of the patient and only call an ambulance if needed. St John responders will then stay with the patient, offering a reassuring presence, until it arrives.

The one-year pilot in Wiltshire will launch in January 2022 and if successful, could be expanded to other areas covered by the Connected Living service.

For more information about the pilot scheme in Wiltshire please contact 0333 400 8299 or email ConnectedLiving@Aster.co.uk.