Fire bosses in U-turn over plans to make firefighters deal with calls from lonely people
Fire bosses have been forced to U-turn over plans to take firefighters off the front line to deal with calls from lonely people and help the elderly up from falls.
The Fire Brigade's Union claimed West Midlands Fire Authority planned to use flexible contracts to make firefighters undertake non-emergency work – including transporting people to and from hospital and helping pensioners who fall in their home.
But the scheme has now been ditched after a backlash from furious union members, who had threatened to go on strike.
Steve Price-Hunt, the brigade secretary for the Fire Brigade's Union in the West Midlands, said the work was 'completely inappropriate' for firefighters and would have changed the role.
"Being a carer or nurse takes a unique individual to cope with the mental and physical demands," he said.
“A lot of firefighters did not sign up for a medical or carer role and are not equipped to deal with the mental pressures that come with it.
"You wouldn't expect a nurse to run into a burning building, so why should it be the other way round?"
The FBU says firefighters were asked to respond to falls in the home, half of which were intended for other emergency services, and operators would handle calls from lonely members of the public.
"This would have seen firefighters in the emergency control room tied up on non-emergency calls – putting 999 callers at risk and people who needed us in a life or death situation," added Mr Price-Hunt.
“Our message was clear; if firefighters are tied up with non-emergency work then they cannot be there for you and your family in your time of desperate need."
Following opposition from the FBU the contracts have now been withdrawn, putting off the threat of potential industrial action after union members voted to strike.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service, said: "We are pleased to confirm that, as a result of our continued discussions regarding the ongoing trade dispute, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, the fire service and the FBU have signed a collective agreement which resolves a number of the issues concerned.
"As such, the FBU cancelled their two announced industrial action dates.
"Whilst this agreement resolves a number of issues, it is recognised that there are some issues still outstanding. However this is a significant contribution to an overall resolution.
"We welcome this progression and remain wholly committed to a positive conclusion of the dispute."
