The fire and rescue service has published a five-year strategic plan that will underpin its vision of ‘Making the Island Safer’.
The document, which was laid before Tynwald this week, is aimed at reducing risk within the local community.
It focuses on five strategic areas of work needed to maintain a high performing service that meets future demands:
People engagement
Partnership evolvement
Protecting the vulnerable person
Delivering a high quality, effective and efficient service
Development and growth
The fire and rescue service has evolved over recent years to provide a wide range of emergency and fire safety functions. As well as attending fires, firefighters deal with events including road traffic collisions, water rescues, line rescues and hill searches. They also work with other emergency services to support the response to environmental emergencies such as snow storms and flooding.
The fire and rescue service has changed in recent years in order to meet budget savings targets. The Department of Home Affairs has reiterated that it has no plans to close any fire stations and remains committed to protecting frontline emergency services wherever possible.
It has not been universally popular.
Earlier this firefighter Justin McMullin resigned, complaining about the cuts. Our story about that online was one of the most-read stories on iomtoday.co.im this year.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/firefighter-stands-by-web-comments-after-quitting-1-7616719|Click here for a reminder.}
Chief fire officer Kevin Groom said: ‘People are living longer and are being encouraged to stay in their own homes wherever possible, so we need to keep them safe. Partnership working is vital. Something as simple as a volunteer identifying and reporting a faulty smoke alarm during a home visit could help save a life. As well as the human cost, UK statistics show that one fire death costs the economy £1.65million.’
He added: ‘The strategic plan identifies continued investment in our people and infrastructure, including the new live fire training facility, a replacement fire and ambulance station opposite the airport in Ronaldsway and the relocation of Port Erin fire station to the current southern ambulance station. Our people are our greatest asset and I am proud to lead such a team of dedicated professionals to deliver this plan.’