Fire Chiefs warn telecare growth must not come at expense of fire safety

Fire Chiefs are calling for stronger regulation of telecare services as reliance on home care technology continues to grow

Fire Chiefs are calling for stronger regulation and oversight of Technology Enabled Care (TEC) services as growing numbers of vulnerable people rely on telecare to live independently.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) estimates that around two million people across the UK use telecare. Many are among those most vulnerable to fire, including older people, people with disabilities and those living with long-term health conditions.

NFCC’s new TEC Policy Position Statement highlights longstanding concerns about the role of TEC services in fatal fires. Coroners’ Prevention of Future Deaths Reports have identified recurring issues including fire risks not being assessed, linked smoke detection not being installed, alarms not being connected to monitoring systems and critical information not reaching emergency responders.

Terry Pinto, Technology Enabled Care Lead at NFCC and Prevention Lead at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Telecare can be life-saving, but only when a person’s needs and fire risks are properly assessed and equipment is installed, maintained and monitored in accordance with recognised British Standards.

“We need stronger oversight, consistent standards and clear accountability across the sector. People who rely on telecare should be able to trust that these systems will provide the protection they expect when they need it most.”

NFCC said demand for telecare is expected to increase as the population ages and more care is delivered at home. More than a quarter of the population is projected to be aged over 65 by 2065.

The organisation is calling for all TEC providers to hold third-party accreditation, alarm receiving centre staff to receive accredited training and providers to demonstrate compliance with relevant British Standards.

It also wants fire safety prevention and mitigation to form part of health-based risk assessments, including linked and monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detection where residents may be unable to evacuate without assistance.

Alyson Scurfield OBE, Chief Executive of the TEC Services Association, said: “NFCC’s position is a strong endorsement of the importance of standards, independent certification and quality assurance in technology enabled care.

“We look forward to continuing our work with NFCC to support safer, higher-quality TEC.”

NFCC also called for adequate funding for local authorities supporting TEC provision and independent research into TEC patient safety and fire risk.