Mental health related emergency call handling

Conference recognises the important role that the Fire Brigades Union plays in shaping the fire and rescue service.

In recent years Emergency Fire Control Members have noticed a sharp upturn in the number of incidents involving members of the public suffering a mental health crisis. These incidents can range from panic attacks, to self-harm and, in the most severe cases, members of the public taking their own lives. With the current economic climate and the cost of living crisis we fear these call types will continue to increase.

Conference believes firefighters in Control do not currently receive adequate training on how to handle these calls, or how to deal with the physical and psychological pressures it places upon them. It is crucial this is remedied and that Emergency Fire Control Members are properly trained to deal with members of the public suffering a mental health crisis.

Conference calls upon the Executive Council to undertake the following;

• • raise this issue through the National Joint Council as an urgent health and safety concern
  • write to all fire and rescue services to ascertain the level of training provided, if any
  • conduct research to identify what training is available and appropriate
  • lobby for the implementation of appropriate training across all fire and rescue services.