Mid-Ross Community Partnership Station Manager Ricky Dibble Public Meeting 31st May 2018 Dingwall Town Hall TRANSFORMATION PRESENTATION – ITEM 5 OF 6 OF TRANSFORMATION RESOURCE PACK Station Manager Ricky Dibble

Future of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our communities and we will continue to do what we do today, but we must adapt to meet the new risks our country is facing. Whilst fires in Scotland continue to decline, our country is facing changing risk with other very real risks are emerging, including: The threat from terrorism Climate change Emergency medical response Changing demographics We as a Service need to transform to meet these risks and continue to provide an effective and efficient fire and rescue service for the people of Scotland now and in the future.

The Threat from Terrorism Recent tragic events in Manchester and London have underlined the threat that international terrorism poses to the United Kingdom. These terrorist incidents have seen firefighters at the forefront of emergency response – tackling fires, providing emergency medical response and responding to any other hazards. Scotland is not immune to this threat as was demonstrated by the past attack on Glasgow Airport. Should attacks occur again in Scotland, our crews will be among the first emergency service personnel to arrive at the scene. It is critical that our firefighters have the required skills, resources and assets available to respond effectively and efficiently to terrorist incidents and prevent further harm.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Climate Change The climate has changed over the past few years with most areas experiencing a marked rise in extreme and unpredictable weather conditions.  Severe storms, widespread flooding, significant snow fall and major temperature fluctuations can have a devastating impact on peoples’ lives and livelihoods. Dry spells may be welcomed after long wet winters, however, if these become prolonged Scotland’s vast grass and heath moorland are at a much greater risk of wildfire. We need to be prepared to deliver a safe and sustainable response.  We need to deploy our prevention and response resources to enable swift and effective actions where and when they are needed across Scotland.                                                                                                                             

Changing Demographics Over the next 20 years there will be a significant rise in the proportion of over 65’s in Scotland. This will generate new risks and demands within our communities. These trends will increase the number of people who are at risk of fire and other forms of preventable harm, such as trips and falls, within the home environment.   With transformation we have the opportunity to play an extended role working with partners to deliver effective harm prevention measures through a more holistic approach to assessing risk, reducing or removing it. With our population living longer and staying in their homes, if we undertake a greater preventative role we can improve their safety and wellbeing and reduce the demand on other Public Services.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Emergency Medical Response Almost 3,500 people in Scotland undergo attempted resuscitation each year after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, only one in 20 live to return home. By undertaking a role in emergency medical response firefighters can play a vital role in the Scottish Government’s prevention Strategy. Since November 2015 the Service has been involved in trials whereby fire appliances respond to Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) incidents where our firefighters are closer than the nearest ambulance.  

Transformation will help us: Improve availability of RDS appliances Improve firefighter and public safety through introduction of latest technology Make the role work better for our dedicated personnel.

More Flexible Mobilisation Need to improve appliance availability Appliance mobilising with crew of three Option to even look at crew of two for medical emergencies Better aligned to unique needs of rural communities All options will be safe. Crews will be trained, policies & procedures in place Better for our crews, better for our communities – more chance to mobilise.

Bespoke Appliances and Equipment

Dedicated Rural Wholetime posts 60 new dedicated Wholetime Rural posts to be created (3 years) Strengthened resilience Enhance local training Improve appliance availability Expand prevention role High value opportunities for rural communities Seeking RDS applications.

Any Questions ? Ricky.dibble@firescotland.gov.uk