The UK's firefighters are stepping up to help people on their doorsteps, delivering medicines to elderly and vulnerable people confined to their homes.

It's just one of a number of ways in which the fire service is adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting people in their local community.

Called #ReadyWillingAble, the project has also seen firefighters become temporary ambulance drivers, and help with food parcel deliveries.

Image: Dorothy Fishwick, 82, stands in her doorway as her prescription is placed two metres away on her drive

In some areas, they're even offering a "buddying" service, with regular phone calls to lonely people who may be feeling isolated.

"I think it's brilliant that they've volunteered to do these things," says 82-year-old Dorothy Fishwick, standing in her doorway as her prescription is placed two metres away on her drive.


"I don't see a lot of people. My daughter picks up my groceries for me, and you kind of feel cut off.

"I was on the phone when I saw the fire engine stop outside. I couldn't believe it!"

Glenn Butler, station manager at Staveley Fire Station, said: "We were first approached by Derbyshire County Council a few weeks ago.

"They asked if we might be able to help deliver prescriptions to people in isolation, because pharmacies couldn't meet the demand."

In a small part of North East Derbyshire, that's meant 150 separate medicine deliveries a day, and a target of 10,000 essential deliveries by the end of April.

Image: Firefighters have joined the delivery effort in addition to their usual duties

Peter Cattee, managing director of Peak Pharmacy, says people would be forced to go without their prescriptions without the fire service stepping in.

He said: "The idea that you might not be able to find some medicines which your life might depend on, is pretty scary for people. Understandably, people have wanted to stock up.

"Pharmacies have been overwhelmed in recent weeks. The fire service was one of the first organisations to offer to help, and it's been a godsend."

Permanent and temporary firefighters have been making deliveries in addition to performing their usual duties.

Mr Butler said: "Of course, we still have to respond immediately to any emergencies that may occur - that's why our firefighters are delivering medicines in full kit, and on board the fire engine."