CSV's August 2006
Community Safety Vehicles – Response to Fire Brigades Union Concerns North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has launched its latest Community Safety Proposals for public consultation. As part of the consultation, it is proposed to increase the level of service to the public by enhancing its fleet of Community Safety Vehicles.
The Community Safety Vehicles are provided as an addition to the County’s fleet of Fire Fighting vehicles and will enhance the organisations’ community safety capability, especially in remote rural areas. The primary function of the vehicles will be to provide Fire Safety advice, education and other measures including Smoke Alarm fitting and Home Fire Safety Checks. Such facilities are a proven way of reducing the risks faced by all members of the community especially young children, the elderly and vulnerable groups. The vehicles will be crewed by fully trained professional Firefighters.
The latest proposal suggests equipping these vehicles with limited fire fighting capability and first aid equipment to provide a response to incidents that occur in the same vicinity to a Community Safety Vehicle. A standard Fire Appliance will be mobilised to such incidents and the Community Safety Vehicle will only be used as an initial means of dealing with the situation until the main appliance arrives. It is accepted that Community Safety Vehicles will not have the same capability as full scale Fire Appliances and the number of times they will be used will be very few. However, given the fact that professionally trained Firefighters will crew the vehicles and will be capable of assisting the public in the early stages of an incident, it would be irresponsible not to consider the benefits this may bring.
In recent weeks, the North Yorkshire Branch of the Fire Brigades Union has been critical of these proposals. Claims that ‘lives will be put at risk’ and allegations that the level of service is being reduced are inaccurate and misleading.
Chief Fire Officer Nigel Hutchinson explains “Whilst Community Safety Vehicles are carrying out Fire Safety work in rural areas, it is inevitable that incidents will occur in the area they are operating. A good example of this within North Yorkshire would be to consider a Road Traffic Collision, where persons may be trapped in a vehicle. Normal mobilising procedures will be followed, with a full scale attendance being sent at the time of call, which may be several minutes away from the scene.” He continues “It is proposed that Community Safety Vehicles properly equipped and with a fully trained crew could attend such an incident and take measures that could save lives. In doing so, the crew could provide scene safety and assessment information to oncoming crews, immediate first aid support, firefighting and preparation of the scene pending the arrival of standard appliances.” He further explains “Reducing the deaths and serious injuries following Road Traffic Collisions remains a firm target for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Getting a trained crew to the scene of an incident earlier will make a big difference.”
Chief Fire Officer Nigel Hutchinson finishes by saying “The Fire Brigades Union is causing unnecessary public concern in making these allegations. Safety is paramount to us, both that of Firefighters and the public. The Fire Brigades Union are clearly underestimating the professionalism and ability of North Yorkshire Firefighters. Should we introduce this capability, new procedures and equipment will be subject to a full risk assessment and training will be given. The Fire Brigades Union will be fully consulted about the measures to be introduced.” He continues “I would like to reassure the public that Community Safety Vehicles will be an addition to the already effective Fire cover in North Yorkshire. The vehicles are not a replacement for a full scale Fire Appliance, nor are they planned to be. Our aim is to respond to incidents quickly and effectively. The public can look forward to an increased level of service in rural areas that will enhance their safety and reduce the risk of fires occurring.”
The public consultation process allows people to have their say on this issue. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service welcomes all views on this proposal. Members of the public can visit www.northyorksfire.gov.uk and read the proposals in full, as well as completing an online questionnaire.
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