FIREFIGHTERS AT RISK FROM OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

FIREFIGHTERS AT RISK FROM OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT

November 19, 2008 12:00 PM

A recent report by the Fire Brigade has found that nine firefighters died on duty between April 2007 and March 2008. Eight firefighters died on duty in 2007 alone - the worst year since 1985. These figures stand in stark contrast to the period of February 1996 until October 2002 when there were no recorded fire deaths in the UK.

Representatives from the Fire Services visited Parliament last week to launch their latest report 'In the line of duty, Firefighter deaths in the UK since 1978' and lobby for more training and investment. When the firefighters came to Parliament they met with Julia, Matthew Taylor, Andrew George and Colin Breed of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Team for Cornwall to discuss the recommendations made in the report and what can be done to make fires safer for our firefighters.

The MPs were alarmed to hear that there are no integrated radio and breathing apparatus sets despite the technology existing. This means that when a firefighter goes in to a situation where he or she needs breathing apparatus they are no longer able to communicate with other members of their team at the time when they are most vulnerable. The MPs have written to Minster Sadiq Khan to express their concern that proper equipment and training is not being provided and is putting firefighters at unnecessary risk.

Commenting, Julia said:

"The government has a responsibility to ensure that the emergency services have access to equipment that best protects their safety. Firefighters should not be put at unnecessary risk - this means the government doing everything in their power both to understand the dangers they face and to provide the tools they need to do their job."

Matthew Taylor, MP for Truro and St. Austell added:

"It was very concerning to hear that the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to save others are being asked to do so without the equipment which could keep them safer. The firefighters told us that it is impossible for them to communicate with their team mates whilst in a fire is which we think is unfair. We thank the firefighters for the hard work they do in trying to prevent fires but sometimes prevention is not enough and they need to step into the fray. It is essential that they have the proper equipment and training to be able to do this safely."