Firefighters to Tackle More Emergencies Under Bold New Surrey Safety Plan
Firefighters in Surrey are set to take on a bigger role with a new 10-year Public Safety Plan. The county council’s strategy aims to boost emergency response by expanding firefighter duties — all while saving money by teaming up closer with other emergency services.
Fire Crews to Chase Medical Emergencies
Under the plan, firefighters will respond to medical emergencies if they can get to patients faster than an ambulance. This scheme is already being trialled across Surrey with promising results.
Firefighters will also help paramedics gain quick access to homes when patients can’t reach the door. Plus, they’ll assist people with telecare devices reporting issues like falls.
Prevention and Speedy Response in Focus
The plan puts extra emphasis on fire and road accident prevention work — ensuring crews tackle a wider range of emergencies, from floods to crashes.
Council Official Backs Expanded Role
Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Associate for Community Safety Services, said: “Our crews obviously have to continue to tackle fires in the way they always have but the reality is – thanks in part to our prevention work – they are now more likely to be called to different kinds of incidents. That’s why it’s vital that we widen the scope of the service so that, as well as responding to fires, floods and road accidents, they…”
The plan aims to keep Surrey safer by adapting emergency services to the county’s evolving needs — while making clever savings through teamwork.
