On-call firefighters showcase skills in challenge against BBC journalist

by Featured News

Firefighters compete against BBC journalist in skills test

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has reported that two on-call firefighters from Hanley participated in a skills challenge against BBC Radio Stoke journalist Matt Weigold.

The event, held at Hanley Fire Station on 5 February, aimed to demonstrate the range of skills required for the role and encourage recruitment.

Firefighters Ria Cole and Ben Watson competed in five different challenges against Weigold, securing a 5-0 victory.

The challenges simulated high-pressure situations that firefighters face, including donning protective gear quickly, deploying and using a hose reel, and navigating a smoke-filled room to search for a casualty.

Challenges test firefighting skills in realistic scenarios

The tasks were designed to reflect the practical and problem-solving demands of the job.

Weigold attempted to match the speed and precision of the firefighters but was unable to keep pace.

One of the key tests involved quickly putting on protective equipment, replicating what firefighters must do when their alerter sounds.

Weigold also learned how to handle and store a hose reel, a crucial part of firefighting operations.

Another challenge involved navigating a smoke-filled environment to locate a casualty.

This exercise demonstrated the importance of spatial awareness and teamwork in low-visibility conditions.

Raising awareness of the on-call firefighter role

The event was organised to highlight the contribution of on-call firefighters in Staffordshire and to encourage more people to consider joining the service.

Firefighter Ria Cole said: “We were thrilled to have Matt take part in this challenge.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the skills and dedication of our on-call firefighters and hopefully inspire more people to consider joining the service.”

The demonstration provided insight into the varied responsibilities of firefighters and how their training prepares them for real-life emergencies.

Recruitment opportunities for on-call firefighters in Staffordshire

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service continues to recruit on-call firefighters, offering an opportunity for individuals to earn additional income while serving their communities.

On-call firefighters respond to emergencies when needed, balancing the role alongside other employment or commitments.

The service provides training and support to ensure new recruits develop the necessary skills.

Those interested in applying or learning more about the role can visit Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website.

On-call firefighters showcase skills in challenge against BBC journalist: Summary

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service hosted a skills challenge at Hanley Fire Station on 5 February, where BBC Radio Stoke journalist Matt Weigold competed against on-call firefighters Ria Cole and Ben Watson.

The event featured five tasks designed to replicate real firefighting scenarios, including speed-dressing in protective gear, deploying a hose reel, and navigating a smoke-filled room.

The firefighters won all five challenges.

The initiative aimed to highlight the role of on-call firefighters and encourage recruitment.

Firefighter Ria Cole described the event as an opportunity to showcase the dedication and skills required for the job.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is actively recruiting on-call firefighters, offering training and flexible work arrangements.

Interested individuals can find more information on the service’s website.

FBU condemns Staffordshire Fire and Rescue for sending reduced crews to incidents

by Featured NewsFire Brigades Union

The Fire Brigades Union has condemned Staffordshire Fire and Rescue’s decision to send on call firefighters to incidents in under resourced crews of three per engine change.

A team of five firefighters is the safe operational standard; three firefighters arriving at an incident are unable to operate breathing apparatus, or to respond to high-risk incidents.

On-call firefighters will continue to attend automatic fire alarms, which have the potential to be life threatening.

One hundred and thirty Staffordshire firefighters signed a letter in opposition to the reduction in crew size, citing concerns that teams of three do not have the capacity to safety respond to high-risk incidents.

Fire Brigades Union Brigade Secretaries statement

Martin Starkey, Fire Brigades Union Brigade Secretary for Staffordshire said: “A crew of three firefighters is fundamentally incapable of safely responding to high-risk incidents upon arrival.

“The public consultation cited to support this reckless policy was deeply flawed, with only 1,500 respondents answering a question deliberately framed to elicit a specific answer. Such a low level of participation cannot be taken as evidence of any meaningful support for this dangerous approach.”

Fire Brigades Union General Secretaries statement

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said: “Firefighters should never be put in the terrible position of waiting at an incident for back-up, unable to take action safely because there are only three in the team. A team of five firefighters is the professional and safe operational level.”

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Services condemned by Fire Brigades Union: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union have called Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Services decision to send three firefighters to an incident a dangerous policy that must be ended immediately.

Brigade Secretary for Staffordshire, Martin Starkey, reiterated the importance of a firefighters safety and how when a fire engine arrives to an incident there is an expectation that the necessary resources will be available. Starkey added that with a limited crew of three, back-up is needed.

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service launches new community risk management plan

by Featured NewsTraining

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service unveils 2025-2028 risk management plan

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service has officially launched its Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2025-2028.

The CRMP outlines priorities for protecting local communities and improving safety standards.

According to Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, the plan was developed following a 12-week public consultation conducted last year.

Over 1,500 responses were received.

The plan focuses on three primary priorities: developing a professional workforce, reducing risks through prevention and response activities, and minimising the organisation’s environmental impact.

Key priorities of the CRMP

The first priority, “our people,” aims to foster a diverse, healthy, and professional workforce.

The second priority, “our communities,” emphasises risk reduction from fires and emergencies.

This includes a mix of prevention, protection, and response strategies to safeguard the public.

The third priority, “our environment,” seeks to reduce the service’s carbon footprint while promoting resilient and sustainable communities.

Consultation feedback and community input

The CRMP reflects feedback gathered during last year’s public consultation.

Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said: “We’re really pleased that so many people took the time to give us their views as part of the consultation.

“We’ve taken these comments on board and used them to shape this final plan.”

Ben Adams, Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, added: “Their views and the references to my Local Fire and Rescue Plan have contributed to a CRMP that thoroughly reflects both current and emerging risk, and community expectations of their fire and rescue service.”

Focus areas and availability

Feedback from the consultation highlighted areas for improvement, including preventing incidents, working with vulnerable individuals, and conducting fire safety inspections in buildings such as high rises.

The CRMP is available to view on Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service’s website.

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service unveils 2025-2028 risk management plan: Summary

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service has launched its 2025-2028 Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP).

The plan prioritises workforce development, community safety, and environmental sustainability.

It incorporates feedback from over 1,500 respondents to a public consultation held last year.

Areas of focus include incident prevention, vulnerable populations, and fire safety inspections.

The CRMP is available on the service’s website.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue launches new Home from Hospital service

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

New initiative aims to support the vulnerable and reduce NHS pressure

In a continued effort to support vulnerable individuals in Staffordshire, the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has introduced a new initiative named ‘Home From Hospital’.

This scheme is designed to ease the transition of patients from Royal Stoke University Hospital back to their homes, ensuring they receive essential care and support post-discharge.

Launched following the success of the award-winning falls response service, Home From Hospital seeks to provide comprehensive in-home care.

Specialised Fire and Health Partnership Technicians are responsible for delivering an array of services.

These include ensuring patients are seated comfortably, conducting home safety checks, and providing necessary refreshments, among other supports.

The aim is to create a safe and welcoming environment for patients returning home.

Enhanced care and support for discharged patients

Ian Read, Head of Prevent, Protect and Partnerships at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative: “I am delighted that the Home From Hospital service is now up and running.

“Serving our communities, and especially the most vulnerable, remains a priority for us, and I believe that this new initiative is just the latest endorsement of that.

“Our hope is that this will provide a welcome supplement to the valuable existing discharge services.

“With the additional capacity and ‘settling in’ element that we are offering, we are ensuring that all patients will get the appropriate care.”

Since its inception on 19 April, the service has already supported over 550 patients.

Read added: “I think it’s the personal touch makes all the difference.

“Treating people with dignity, respect and humanity has always been at the forefront of everything that we do, and we expect that to only strengthen through the scheme.”

Impact on NHS capacity and patient well-being

Hayley Bishop, Director of Integrated Discharge at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, commented on the service’s efficiency and its benefits to NHS operations: “This incredible service has supported more than 550 patients since December 2023 and in most cases the patient was returned home within an hour of the request.

“This responsiveness has enabled beds at Royal Stoke University Hospital to be released earlier in the day and ensure our older patients who live alone are home before dark and feel settled back at home, with the assurance they are both safe and warm.

“It has been an exceptional project to work alongside and the Integrated Discharge Hub team at Royal Stoke have all found working with the fire service a very positive experience.

“The fire service has made a real difference to our teams and our patients as evidenced by the feedback we have all received.”

IFSJ Comment

The Home From Hospital initiative by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service underscores the potential of innovative community care programs to enhance patient outcomes and support NHS operations.

By integrating medical care with home safety checks and personal attention, the service ensures a seamless transition for patients returning home, significantly contributing to their recovery and well-being.

This initiative serves as a model of effective collaboration between healthcare providers and emergency services, showcasing how such partnerships can effectively address community needs.