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Firefighters protect themselves in hot-spots

Nicole Kenny
25/ 5/2007

LAST Friday in Openshaw County Fire Officer Barry Dixon and Chief Constable Michael Todd launched the first ever training course in the UK to help fire crews deal with potential hostilities.

The training, delivered by specialist officers from Greater Manchester Police, will be rolled out to over 1,900 Fire Officers across Greater Manchester.

It is a mixture of classroom and practical scenarios to equip fire crews with a wide range of skills.

The training is not self defence or riot training, but includes conflict management, scenario role play, legal awareness and how to gather evidence.

Chief of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Barry Dixon, said: "With over 240 reported attacks on our fire crews last year alone, it is vital that we do whatever we can to protect them from this unacceptable behaviour.

"Our partnership with Greater Manchester Police is crucial for helping us address this issue, and ultimately helps us achieve our common goal of improving public safety.

"For any emergency service the job of saving lives is tough enough without coming under unprovoked attack.

"We hope the skills acquired through this course will go some way to help firefighters deal with the many difficult situations they face."

Michael Todd, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, said: "There can never be any excuses for attacks on firefighters, as anything that prevents them from doing their work could mean the difference between life and death for those they are trying to help.

"In some areas, crews have been targeted and fire engines vandalised, sometimes putting essential equipment out of use.

"Firefighters should not have to put up with this, and hopefully the training we have developed will help them deal more effectively with incidents, should they occur.

"We will, of course, continue to prosecute those who attack firefighters, and help create an environment where they can carry out their job without fear."

CLICK on the video link below to see Channel M's report ...