Your community needs firefighters
Due to the geography of Cornwall, many people do not live and work in the same place. While fire stations may have adequate personnel to cover the station during the evenings and weekends, day cover is not so easy. This can mean that a fire engine is not available to attend an incident in its own areas due to lack of available crew. Should there be an emergency, a fire engine from a different area will have to respond. Any delay in attending an emergency call could mean the difference between life and death. Allowing one of your employees to respond during the day may make the difference.
On-call firefighter information page
Key benefits for employers
Firefighters learn many skills in their training. Their knowledge of fire and road safety could enhance your company. It is also transferable to the workplace. Their work is vital to the safety of people and properties in the area and the support of employers allowing their staff to respond is essential.
Transferable skills
During training firefighters learn many useful skills. They learn to work well in a team, to think quickly, take responsibility and use their initiative. To communicate fast and accurately and to keep calm in a crisis.
Trained in first aid
Firefighters learn firs aid to the highest standard. This will help to keep other employees safe but also contributes to legal obligations for first aid cover, cutting the cost of training.
Large goods vehicle training
Some firefighters are trained to drive LGVs. They also receive Emergency Fire Appliance Driver (EFAD) training. It is like an advanced driving test. It raises their awareness of road conditions.
Trained in manual handling
All firefighters are trained by a recognised instructor in the correct procedures for lifting or moving items. The training involves simple techniques that could prevent injuries. This may reduce time lost at work due to sickness. The training for firefighter skills includes risk assessments and fire hazards. It will help health and safety officers improve staff safety.
Motivated staff
Staff who are able to fulfil their ambitions and potential are usually happier and more productive in the workplace. Firefighters must be highly motivated to take on the tasks and this motivation will help them in everything they do.
Committed employees
Taking on the role of a firefighter takes commitment and energy. Committed firefighters responding from work are likely to be committed staff.
Improved health and wellbeing
Our service is committed to supporting staff in both physical and mental health. This means that on-call firefighters are fitter and healthier. Employers benefit in both workplaces.
Good publicity and local reputation for your company
The PR opportunities can be tremendous. Promoting your company's care for its community can be very beneficial. It can encourage the workforce to know a colleague is doing something worthwhile with their employer's support.
Trained to deal with emergencies
Firefighters are trained to deal with a whole range of situations, never knowing what they might find when responding.
This helps them when dealing with the ups and downs of working life.
More information
We know it's inconvenient when an employee has to rush off. They may be gone for a while. However, there are many benefits. As an employer, you'll know you can make a difference.
The service knows on-call staff sometimes take time off from work to train. So, it tries to do as much basic training as possible on station during drill night and weekends. However, the initial training may take 30 weekdays in the first 2 years. It will only succeed with the full support of the firefighter, the community fire station, and the employer.
There is more helpful information for employers available from the National Fire Chiefs Council website
National Fire Chiefs Council website
We would also be happy to discuss with you how we would be able to support your business making this important commitment.
Please email us at people@fire.cornwall.gov.uk