Brian Whittle has been visiting fire stations in Kilmarnock and New Cumnock to see how the different stations operate and learn more about the future of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The South Scotland MSP began by visiting Kilmarnock Fire Station, where he was met by Local Senior Officer, Jim Scott, and SFRS Board Chair, Dr Kirsty Darwent.
During the visit, Brian discussed proposed changes in the Fire and Rescue Service that could see firefighters trained and equipped for a broader role. Firefighters also have the capability to render first aid during a suspected cardiac arrest, using defibrillators mounted on every fire engine in Scotland. He was shown some of the vehicles and equipment they can use in an emergency. As well as traditional fire engines, the station is home to a Major Incident Unit, which is equipped to deal with anything from a severe road accident to conducting rescues in collapsed buildings. Among the rescues it’s been involved in was the incident when a police helicopter crashed into the Clutha Bar in Glasgow. Crews from Kilmarnock were also on hand during the fire in the Mackintosh Building at Glasgow’s School of Art.
Brian also got to see one of SFRS’s new Rapid Response Units which are being rolled out to a number of stations throughout Scotland including Arran and Troon. These new purpose built vehicles, built by Emergency One in Cumnock, will replace or augment other fire engines. While smaller than a normal fire engine, the RRU’s are packed with state of the art fire and rescue kit, including a powerful water lance that will allow firefighters to spray water into a building from outside by using a high pressure water jet that’s strong enough to cut a small hole in brick or concrete.
Kilmarnock fire station also runs a Young Firefighters group for 13-18 year olds who want to learn more about what it takes to be a firefighter. The group competes against other stations in drill competitions and a team from Kilmarnock are heading to London next month to compete for a chance to head to the championships in Europe.
From Kilmarnock, the MSP travelled on to New Cumnock Fire Station. Unlike Kilmarnock, the crew in New Cumnock have day jobs elsewhere in the area in addition to their work as firefighters. Brian spoke with the team during their weekly training session and learned more about the differences between being a full time and a retained firefighter.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“With stories in the press recently about how the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Transformation Strategy might affect local services, it was incredibly useful to be able to meet with firefighters and Dr Darwent and get a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground.
New technology and the changing nature of the kind of emergencies the SFRS might be called to face means that they have to change and adapt. The new Rapid Response Units will make a big difference to the capabilities of stations, particularly in more rural areas where narrow roads and other obstacles can be a challenge for a conventional fire engine.
Retained firefighters are a vital part of Scotland’s fire service. While they tend to have very close links within their own communities, I don’t think they’re as widely known about as they should be. It was great to be able to have a chat with them and learn more about how they fit in training and working as a firefighter around their other jobs.
I appreciate the crews in Kilmarnock and New Cumnock taking so much time to meet with me and I hope to have the chance to spend more time with them in the future.”
SFRS Board Chair Kirsty Darwent said:
“We are currently leading the way in Scotland’s public sector by proposing to transform.
“Firefighters exist to save lives, and a modern Scotland faces new and emerging risks.
“We are looking at broadening the role of the firefighter, to ensure they are properly trained, equipped and rewarded to continue protecting Scotland’s communities.
“The public deserves maximum value from the Service it funds - but can nonetheless be assured that the transformation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be planned and safe.”
