MF&RS 10 Year Movie

Summary

This script reflects a firefighter's journey from a reactive to a proactive approach in community safety. It highlights the evolution of the Fire Service from merely extinguishing fires to actively preventing them by engaging with communities, particularly the vulnerable, and collaborating with other agencies. The narrative underscores the importance of home safety checks, addressing social issues like smoking and alcohol use, and the impact of consistent engagement in schools and local organizations. The script concludes with the success of these efforts, as evidenced by reduced fire incidents and recognition through awards, emphasizing the Fire Service's integral role in community health and safety.

Takeaways

• 🚒 The script reflects a shift in the fire service from a reactive approach to fires to a proactive one, focusing on prevention.
• 🎖️ The speaker started in an era where being posted to a busy station was seen as a congratulatory event, highlighting the high volume of fires.
• 🔥 There was a significant loss of life and property due to fires in Merseyside during the 80s and 90s, with 200 deaths and many more injuries.
• 🛠️ The fire service recognized the need for a radical change, moving from merely extinguishing fires to actively working to prevent them.
• 👥 Firefighters began engaging with communities, wearing full uniform, to communicate fire safety and connect with the public.
• 🏘️ The most vulnerable members of the community were identified as those most likely to be missed in fire safety efforts and were at the highest risk.
• 🤝 Collaboration with other agencies was crucial to address the needs of the vulnerable and to prevent fires before they occurred.
• 👴 The goal was to increase safety for the elderly, making them aware of fire risks and the safety measures they could implement.
• 🛠️ Small, practical solutions, such as repairing stiff door handles or installing smoke alarms, were implemented to improve safety.
• 🚑 Firefighters and advocates worked together to address the root causes of house fires, such as smoking and alcohol use, and to reduce risks.
• 📉 Initiatives to reduce hoax calls and anti-social behavior were successful, resulting in a significant decrease in such incidents.
• 🏫 The importance of engaging with young people through schools and consistent communication was emphasized to instill respect for firefighters and fire safety.
• 🏆 The fire service received recognition for their efforts in reducing health inequalities, showing their impact on wider social issues.
• 🏠 A commitment to home safety checks for every home led to a significant reduction in fire deaths and injuries, proving the effectiveness of the proactive approach.
• 🤝 The success was attributed to the support of numerous partners and the dedication of the fire service staff.

Q & A

What was the traditional approach to firefighting as described in the script?

The traditional approach to firefighting was primarily focused on responding to and extinguishing fires rather than preventing them. Firefighters were congratulated for being assigned to busy stations, which indicated that the community was in trouble.

Why did the fire service decide to shift its focus from just putting out fires to preventing them?

The fire service realized that while they were doing an amazing job saving lives and property, the community continued to suffer. They concluded that it was necessary to focus on fire prevention to reduce the number of fires and associated casualties.

What role did community engagement play in the new approach to fire prevention?

Community engagement became a crucial part of the new approach, with firefighters going out into communities, talking to people in full uniform, and working to educate them on fire safety and prevention.

What challenge did firefighters face when trying to reach the most vulnerable people in the community?

Firefighters found that the most vulnerable people were often the hardest to reach. Reasons included difficulty hearing the doorbell, inability to get to the door, lack of a phone, and fear of opening the door.

How did the fire service address the challenge of reaching vulnerable community members?

The fire service collaborated with other agencies and brought in specialists who had the knowledge and skills to address the needs of vulnerable people. They focused on educating older people about fire safety and making necessary safety improvements in their homes.

What was the impact of the fire service's collaboration with other agencies on fire prevention?

The collaboration led to a more comprehensive approach to fire prevention, addressing underlying social issues such as smoking and alcohol use. This resulted in a reduced risk of accidental house fires and increased firefighter safety.

How did the fire service work to reduce hoax calls and attacks on fire crews?

The fire service worked closely with local media and the police to reduce hoax calls and bring perpetrators of attacks on fire crews to justice. Their efforts led to a significant reduction in hoax calls by approximately 47% over two years.

What change in perspective did the fire service undergo regarding their role in schools and youth engagement?

The fire service realized that to effectively engage with young people, they needed to maintain regular and consistent communication. They began to stay involved in schools and support or lead youth projects, rather than just delivering one-time presentations.

How did the establishment of fire stations in the heart of communities contribute to fire prevention?

By placing fire stations in the heart of communities, the fire service increased their accessibility and visibility, creating more opportunities for community members to engage with them and benefit from fire prevention initiatives.

What outcomes did the fire service achieve by focusing on prevention and community engagement?

The fire service achieved the lowest fire death and injury statistics on record, reduced health inequalities, visited 400,000 homes, protected more people, and became an integral part of the communities they served.

Outlines

00:00

🚒 Transitioning from Reaction to Prevention in Fire Services

In the 80s and 90s, working for the Fire Service was primarily reactive, focusing on responding to emergencies rather than preventing them. The narrator reflects on their experience of being posted to a 'busy station,' which meant a community facing frequent fires and related tragedies. Despite saving lives, there was a growing realization that more needed to be done to prevent fires rather than just extinguishing them. The introduction of proactive measures, such as community engagement and partnerships with other agencies, marked a radical shift. These efforts targeted vulnerable groups, who were often the most at risk, by addressing not only fire risks but also broader social issues like smoking, alcohol use, and hoax calls. Collaborations with advocates and other organizations helped implement effective strategies that made a significant impact on reducing fire-related incidents and injuries.

05:01

🏫 Engaging with the Community and Shaping the Future

The Fire Service recognized that its engagement with the community needed to go beyond responding to emergencies. This led to a new approach where firefighters became more involved in schools, youth programs, and community projects. The goal was to build lasting relationships with young people, ensuring consistent communication and support. The service also started building fire stations within communities to make them more accessible and welcoming. This shift in strategy, combined with home safety checks and partnerships with various organizations, contributed to a significant reduction in fire-related deaths and injuries. The Fire Service's success was further validated by awards recognizing their role in addressing broader social issues and improving public safety. Overall, these efforts strengthened the Fire Service’s connection with the communities they served, demonstrating their commitment to both fire prevention and community well-being.

Keywords

💡Fire Service

The 'Fire Service' refers to the organization responsible for firefighting and emergency response. In the video, it is depicted as having evolved from a one-dimensional focus on extinguishing fires to a more proactive approach that includes community engagement and prevention. The script mentions the transformation of the Fire Service from merely responding to fires to becoming a part of the community it serves.

💡Community Engagement

Community Engagement is the process of involving community members in activities that affect their lives. The video emphasizes the importance of firefighters stepping out into communities, wearing full uniform, and talking to people to prevent fires. This approach is shown as a radical shift from the traditional reactive firefighting to a more proactive and preventive strategy.

💡Vulnerability

Vulnerability, in this context, refers to the susceptibility of certain individuals or groups to risks, such as fires, due to factors like age or social circumstances. The script identifies the most vulnerable people as those most likely to be missed by traditional outreach efforts and thus in greater need of targeted fire safety interventions.

💡Advocacy

Advocacy within the video pertains to the act of supporting or promoting particular causes or interests, such as fire safety for older people. The script describes how advocates work to reduce risks, provide home safety checks, and connect residents with resources, illustrating a supportive role in community safety.

💡Smoke Alarm

A 'Smoke Alarm' is a device that detects smoke, often providing an audible or visual alert to the presence of fire. The script mentions the installation of smoke alarms as a simple yet critical measure to increase safety in homes, highlighting the practical steps taken to prevent fires.

💡Hoax Calls

Hoax Calls are false alarms intentionally made to emergency services, wasting resources and potentially delaying response to real emergencies. The video discusses efforts to reduce hoax calls, demonstrating a commitment to addressing behaviors that undermine the effectiveness of the Fire Service.

💡Health Inequalities

Health Inequalities refer to the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within different groups in a population. The script mentions an award for reducing health inequalities, indicating the Fire Service's broader impact on community health beyond immediate fire response.

💡Risk Reduction

Risk Reduction involves measures taken to decrease the likelihood or impact of a hazard. The video's theme of risk reduction is evident in various initiatives, such as home safety checks and working with other agencies to prevent fires, aiming to make communities safer from fire incidents.

💡Inter-agency Collaboration

Inter-agency Collaboration is the process of different organizations working together to achieve common goals. The script highlights the importance of working with local authorities, housing associations, and other groups to address fire safety and related social issues more effectively.

💡Education and Outreach

Education and Outreach are strategies used to inform and engage the public on various topics, such as fire safety. The video discusses the Fire Service's efforts in schools and communities to educate young people about fire safety, emphasizing the long-term benefits of early and consistent engagement.

💡Prevention

Prevention in the context of the video refers to the proactive measures taken to stop fires before they start. The script contrasts the traditional focus on extinguishing fires with a new emphasis on preventing them through community involvement, education, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.

Highlights

In the 80s and 90s, working for the Fire Service was primarily about responding to fires, with little focus on prevention.

Firefighters used to be congratulated for being posted to busy stations, which often meant serving communities in trouble.

During that decade, 200 people died in fires on Merseyside, highlighting the need for a shift towards fire prevention.

The realization emerged that while the Fire Service was good at responding to fires, more effort was needed in preventing them.

A radical change was introduced: Firefighters began going out into communities, engaging directly with people to educate them about fire safety.

The Fire Service recognized that the most vulnerable people were the hardest to reach, yet they were at the highest risk.

Knocking on doors alone wasn't enough; the Fire Service began collaborating with other agencies to better prevent fires.

The Fire Service admitted they didn't initially have the knowledge or skills to deal with vulnerable groups, so they sought help from experts.

The goal was to make older people more aware of fire risks and safety measures, sometimes addressing small issues like stiff door handles.

Advocates within the Fire Service played a crucial role in reducing risks, particularly in homes where smoking and alcohol use were prevalent.

Efforts to reduce hoax calls led to a 47% reduction over two years, demonstrating the effectiveness of community engagement.

The Fire Service began working more closely with schools and youth organizations, aiming to build long-term relationships and influence young people.

New fire stations were built in the heart of communities, making the Fire Service more accessible and integrated with the public.

A decade ago, the Fire Service promised a home safety check for every home, which significantly reduced fire deaths and injuries.

The Fire Service's approach has earned them awards, like the Beacon award for reducing Health Inequalities, showing their commitment to broader social issues.

With 400,000 homes visited and a record low in fire deaths, the Fire Service has successfully integrated into the communities they serve.

Transcripts

You only have to go back to the 80's and 90's to see that working for a Fire Service was pretty one dimensional.

You see, when I started I even got congratulated for being posted to a busy station.

Busy station, think about it. In simple terms it meant a community in trouble.

200 people died in fires on Merseyside during that decade.

God knows how many more were injured.

In the grand scheme of things we were doing an amazing job, saving lives and property.

But there comes a point where you think, there's got to be a better way than this.

We'd spent the last 50 years putting out fires, but very little energy or

time trying to prevent them.

The time had come to do something radical and that meant doing this.

Going out into the communities, stepping out onto the streets, full uniform and all,

and actually talking to people.

Thing is you know the old saying you can lead a horse to water.

Even in an ordinary street like this there's going to be some people you just can't connect with.

For whatever reason, unable to hear the door bell,

unable to get to the door, no phone, worried about opening the door, the list goes on.

But when we began to analyse the reasons why we weren't reaching some sections of our communities

we realised something crucial in this whole exercise.

It was the most vulnerable people who were likely to slip under the radar,

and yet it was the same social group who were most at risk.

So we were going to have to do something about it.

Just knocking on doors wasn't going to get the whole job done.

By working with other agencies to prevent fires instead of just passing the mess onto them after one,

it made us open our eyes and we could see we had a lot to learn.

And being honest enough to admit we didn't have the knowledge or skills yet to deal with the really vulnerable,

we were bold enough to go and get the people who did.

The aim was to keep older people safe from fire,

make them far more aware of the risks and the safety measures that they could take.

Sometimes some of the things - people might be perhaps not closing a door,

just because the handles are stiff, then in that case I can get a handy person out and repair anything.

Sometimes its only silly little tiny things that can make such a difference.

Knock on the door, two fire officers said have you got a smoke alarm? Came in and fitted it.

We had a bit of a natter and they explained that the Fire and Rescue Service had an advocate

system for older people and we found out that we were entitled to a lot of stuff that we just

didn't know about. So all in all it's turned our lives around quite considerably.

I think you'd find that most firefighters would agree that the majority of house fires are

caused by a combination of smoking and alcohol use. After the initial home fire safety check

if there's any concerns from the firefighters, they will refer the findings to me and see

if I can go in and reduce the risks even further. No matter how long they have been smoking

for there are all sorts of agencies out there that we can refer them into, such as

the Roy Castle Lung Foundation and there's the personal health trainers as well. The knock on effect

will be a reduced risk of accidental house fires which will increase our firefighters safety.

Starting the role as an anti-social behaviour advocate,

I got given the task of hoax calls and trying to reduce hoax calls. We work quite

closely with the local media, the radio, the local newspapers and over the last 2 years

we've seen a massive reduction of approximately 47% in hoax calls. We've had an attack on

a fire crew and we've been out, we viewed the CCTV from the fire engine, we picked

up a good footage. We've been out and spoken to the community which has lead to us working

with the Police and catching someone and bringing them to justice.

It's a good feeling to go home and think you are doing that job.

You become conditioned to social issues such as poverty and life style choices especially

around smoking and alcohol. The things beyond our influence, unsolvable if you like.

Just been to too many jobs I suppose.

It wasn't just the knowledge, the other crucial thing the advocates brought was time.

They had the time to look at the higher risks and get things done.

Time that we just can't guarantee.

There's over 100,000 young adults living across Merseyside. So lets get things into perspective for a minute.

There's only a tiny fraction of these who are causing us real problems.

Ten or twenty years ago we would have passed the buck, let someone else sort it.

Things were changing.

The schools were a great starting point. We needed to get the kids thinking about the firefighters.

The ordinary men and women behind the uniform.

As I said, this was a decent starting point, trouble is our work in the schools felt a bit like our work at an incident.

You know you get a call, you turn up, do your job and you leave.

We decided to take things to another level. If we were serious about engaging with young people,

we had to communicate with them regularly and consistently.

That meant going into schools and staying there.

Not every firefighter wants to go back to school, and lets be real we're not going to catch every kid in school.

Might catch them here though, the thing is it's important that once we're involved,

we stay involved.

Schools, sports clubs, any organisations working with young people. We're starting to look at how firefighters could support or lead their projects.

And the job, they just let us get on with it and find out for ourselves what was possible.

Be honest, if it wasn't for these dead giveaways you would never have even thought you were in a fire station.

But this one is right in the heart of the community. Right in the centre where it matters.

And we're building more just like this one.

You see the more time we spend out there, the more opportunities there are for people to come in here.

I'm just about old enough to remember that we weren't always as welcoming.

But ten years ago we promised a home safety check for every home in every street.

It changed the way we looked at the job.

And now with the lowest fire death and injury statistics on record, we know for certain that we took the right path.

We've achieved what we set out to do.

To reduce the risk of fire in every street.

And along the way achieved so many other things too.

The furthermost recent Beacon award for reducing Health Inequalities, shows that we

not only understand the wider social issues that effect our communities

but that we've got some solutions too.

400,000 homes visited, more and more people protected,

and a real sense that we have become part of the community we serve.

We couldn't have done it without the assistance of so many partners, Local Authorities, Housing Associations,

Primary Care Trusts, the Police... there's too many to name and of course, our fantastic staff.