Further to our financial support for the firefighters post Grenfell we were approached by the FBU for £3,600 to fund a project to improve the safety of firefighters in the course of their duty.
The Coroner’s Report from the Oldham Street, Manchester fire and The Serious Accident Investigation into an incident at the Fire Brigade’s East Sussex Training Centre had both previously highlighted the fact that Firefighters and Fire & Rescue Services don’t fully recognise or understand the physiological impact of working in hot environments.
Professor Alan Richardson (Brighton University) had undertaken a study of BA (Breathing apparatus) instructors who are the most regular wearers and therefore the most susceptible to regular ‘Hot Wears’. He looked at links between illness, issues with poor hydration, poor mental health and poor physical health.
Prof. Richardson proposed a package of educational materials, short films, discussion events and guidance on preparing for and recovering from Hot Wears. Firefighters at the Grenfell Tower tragedy were subjected to multiple Hot Wears of their BA apparatus.
Most Fire and Rescue Services focus on keeping firefighters operational fit and don’t do enough in dealing with heat exposure.
Our funding will support training workshop & supply a package of online study materials for review leading to the production of a valuable training resource in early 2019 which can be used throughout the UK and internationally.
Image: Dave Green (National Officer FBU) receives £3,600 of TUUT Charitable Trust funding from Marion Colverd (TUFMS)