The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was delighted to welcome MSPs Annie Wells and Miles Briggs to the National Training Centre to find out about efforts to support the elderly and vulnerable yesterday.
The Scottish Conservative MSPs were given a guided tour of the world-class facility in Cambuslang before being taken to view the Service’s recently launched Safe and Well House.
Assistant Chief Officer David McGown – SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection – told the MSPs how the Safe and Well House recreates a domestic environment with hidden hazards.
It helps to train firefighters to spot the signs as they are increasingly being called upon to help a growing elderly and vulnerable population to stay safe.
The facility can also be used by partners to share knowledge and expertise.
Following his tour, Miles Briggs MSP, Shadow Minister for Health and Sport, said: “We have had a really interesting visit and a chance to see how the fire and rescue service is changing in Scotland and actually how in the future the role will be completely different.
“So it has been a fantastic to see this state of the art facility and actually meet some of the people that are training in the future to deliver our fire and rescue service.”
Ms Wells described the Safe and Well House as “phenomenal”. She said: “You think a firefighter just goes into a house to put a fire out, but there’s so much more that goes with it – I was completely surprised by the number of scenarios on offer.
“The work with the Safe and Well House is definitely something we could use when we look to build houses for the future.
“The house shows that small things, small adaptations, can make a big difference to people – the facilities here are brilliant.”
The SFRS is committed to ensuring those who are at a higher risk from fire are visited by firefighters as a matter of priority.
Firefighters are available to carry out free home fire safety visits for everyone across Scotland. They will assist in developing an escape plan and supply and install smoke detectors free of charge.
To arrange a visit call 0800 0731 999 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk
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