Motion 45
Support for the Development of the Firefighter Role
“That this Congress recognises the critical role firefighters play in protecting communities across Scotland. The role of firefighters has continually evolved in response to new and emerging risks driven by societal changes.
“Congress notes that expanding the firefighter role to include co-response with the Scottish Ambulance Service to emergency medical incidents aligns with the Scottish Government’s Fire and Rescue Framework and its policy commitment to improving outcomes in Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) incidents, reduced hospital admissions and reliance on community healthcare.
“The University of Hertfordshire report on trials conducted in 2017 and 2018, demonstrated the life-saving potential of expanding firefighter roles. These trials highlighted significant benefits, including faster response times to medical incidents and improved survival rates in OHCA cases.
“In 2022, the Fire Brigades Union and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reached a historic agreement to develop the role of firefighters in Scotland. Congress is deeply concerned that the Scottish Government has failed to financially support this agreement, despite it aligning with their own key priorities. This inaction is a missed opportunity to deliver vital improvements in public safety and health outcomes.
“Congress demands the Scottish Government fully fund the 2022 agreement to expand the firefighter role, ensuring adequate staffing, training, and resources.
“Congress calls on the General Council to support the FBU in campaigning for a properly funded, modern fire and rescue service which ensures firefighters can respond effectively to evolving risks, enhancing their ability to protect communities and improve outcomes for the people of Scotland.”
Mover: Fire Brigades Union
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