Ambulance service trials use of Penthrox by community first responders

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) has launched a three-month trial that will see community first responders (CFRs) in Tangmere and Worthing to carrying and administering the pain-relief drug Penthrox.

The trial is designed to improve patient care by enabling CFRs to provide fast and effective pain relief when they are first on scene, where clinically appropriate. Until now, Penthrox has been carried and administered only by ambulance crews.

Penthrox is a fast-acting analgesic that patients self-administer by inhalation and is typically used for traumatic injuries. By extending its use to CFRs, SECAmb aims to improve patient comfort while they await further clinical support.

Throughout the trial, the trust will closely monitor patient outcomes and operational impact to assess how the medication can best support both patients and responders at incidents.

Danny Dixon, SECAmb’s Head of Community Resilience, said the initiative marked a significant step in supporting volunteers and enhancing early care.

“The trial represents an important step forward in how SECAmb supports our volunteers and the patients they care for,” he said. “By equipping our CFRs with additional tools such as Penthrox, we can improve the immediate care patients receive while continuing to ensure safety, governance and high clinical standards.”

Danny Dixon, SECAmb’s Head of Community Resilience.

Subject to the results of the trial, SECAmb will consider a wider rollout of Penthrox to volunteers across Kent, Surrey and Sussex to further support patient care in local communities.

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