Guidance for care workers to help reduce fire deaths

For the first time care workers are to be given new advice in a bid to cut fire deaths by helping them spot the tell tale signs of someone who is at high risk of having a fire.

Figures in a London Fire Brigade report reveal that one person receiving care is dying from fire every month in London.

According to the statistics, over the last three years, 36 out of 119 accidental fire deaths involved people who had some form of care services. All but three of the deceased smoked, half had mental health issues and 14 were known to drink alcohol.

Care workers in England will now get extra information about fire safety to support their introductory training. The aim is to give them extra potentially life-saving information on how to spot the signs of a person who is most at risk of dying or being seriously injured, should a fire occur.

Fire chiefs are asking care staff to get in touch with their local fire and rescue service if they notice any of the vital early warning signs. Care workers are often the first to see the tell tale signs like burn marks on carpets from cigarettes or a smoke alarm that has run out of battery.

The chair of London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority’s Strategy Committee, councillor Crada Onuegbu, said: “This is a great example of London Fire Brigade working with other organisations to make not only London but the nation safer from fire.

“Care staff do a fantastic job of supporting people within our communities and those who have mobility issues. Sadly these people are among the most at risk from dying in a fire. Now care staff will have the skills to spot the warning signs and help prevent these terrible deaths.”

 Sharon Allen the chief executive at Skills for Care said: “This report is a timely reminder that people who use care services are often at serious risk from fire so we welcome this pro-active approach from fire brigades to tackling this problem.

“Brigades across the country have made significant progress in preventing fires so we would urge care workers and their managers to contact their local officers who can offer free expert advice to anyone they think might be at risk.”