Agenda item

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer presented an update on the mobilisation of Three Person Crews from on-call stations.

Cllr Reece asked about road traffic collisions and if the crew would be sufficient to take people out of a car.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer confirmed that was the case, adding that fire fighters were not going in a burning environment although there was still a level of risks that needed managing especially due to the road.

The crew could stabilise the vehicle, administrate casualty care and manage the glass of the systems in place, close the road and support ambulance calling.

Specific training in relation to road traffic collisions had been implemented and was provided to all on-call firefighters who were also in possession of the right equipment including battery powered lighter gear allowing them to undertake actions such as making cuts to take roofs off to create space.

Cllr Reece enquired about fire alarms activating.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer advised that the vast majority were false alarms. In the event of a real fire incident the full crew was immediately mobilised.

Cllr Reece wondered about the Olive Branch referral systems.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer responded that a dedicated team of technicians along with fire crews would come and provide home fire safety visits.

Cllr Whieldon mentioned her visit to the fire station thoroughly looking at all apparatus and talking to members of staff who provided direct transparent answers to all questions raised and should be commended for it.

The Chair who also attended the visit along with Cllr Lewis seconded Cllr Whieldon who added that other members would benefit from visiting the station.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer acknowledged the kind words which would be passed on to the crew.

The Fire Station Manager provided an overview of the station performance, highlighting the importance of smoke alarms.

Cllr Brown thanked the Fire and Rescue Services for the educational work carried out in terms of fire safety and enquired about the rise of houses in HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) across the country in relation to incidents.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer advised that there was a special interest when it came to HMOs with crossovers between enforcement and regulation activities from a protection point of view and work was being done in collaboration with landlords.

Cllr Brown commended the Fire and Rescue Service response to the social disorder that had followed the Southport killings tragedy.

Cllr Dymond asked about the contact details of Safe & Well Service.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer responded that there was a dedicated web page which would be shared with members after the meeting.

Cllr Whieldon wondered if there were any plans in relation to ongoing construction works involving bigger buildings and different style of accommodation.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer advised that the Fire and Rescue Services were involved as consultees for planning and building regulations. They had also invested and found match funding for the fitting of sprinklers.

The Fire Station Manager added this was included in the training provided to firefighters. The protect department had been involved in identifying the potential issues which had then been passed on to the team. All crews had also been asked to visit the premises to familiarise themselves with where systems were located.

Cllr Heesom thanked the team for the comprehensive overview and update on the three-person crew.

Cllr Reece asked if the Home from Hospital programme had reduced the delay in hospital discharges.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer confirmed that was the case as independently explored through Chester University.

The Chair wished to commend the initiative which was a great example joined up services that were needed to help relieve the pressure the NHS and care services were currently under.

The Chair also commented on the open day event that took place the previous year and seemed to have gone very well and inspired people.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer said that similar events would be organised again in the future and thanked members for their kind comments.

Resolved:    That the presentation be received.

Watch the debate here