Emergency Services

Services

Emergency services on the Isle of Wight operate across the island, with the 999 system functioning as it does on the mainland. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary provides policing, with a main police station in Newport and community officers across the island. Crime rates on the island are generally low compared to mainland urban areas.

The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service operates from several stations across the island, including retained (part-time) crews in smaller towns. The service responds to fires, road traffic collisions, flooding and other emergencies. Like many island services, it must be self-sufficient as mutual aid from mainland brigades requires a sea crossing.

Ambulance services are provided by South Central Ambulance Service. St Mary's Hospital in Newport has an accident and emergency department. For the most serious cases, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance can transfer patients to mainland hospitals. The coastguard operates from stations around the island, and HM Coastguard coordinates maritime search and rescue.

The RNLI has lifeboat stations at Yarmouth and Bembridge, both operating all-weather lifeboats. Additional inshore lifeboats operate during summer from other locations. Ventnor has an independent lifeboat station. Volunteer coastguard rescue teams respond to cliff rescues and shoreline emergencies. The island's emergency services regularly train together for major incident scenarios.