Policy introduces three-person on-call firefighter crews

A trial by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, running since June 2023, has now been approved following improvements to emergency response times.

The trial involved deploying teams of three on-call firefighters to incidents instead of waiting for the next available fire engine with a crew of four.

These teams can respond to smaller incidents, such as bin or car fires, and provide additional support at larger emergencies.

During the 17-month pilot period, teams of three attended over 600 incidents.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Glynn Luznyj said: “We will always strive to have at least four firefighters on a fire engine.

“However, having a minimum of three on-call firefighters available to respond as an extra resource means that they can attend incidents quicker than the next nearest fully crewed appliance, which may be several miles away.

“Time is critical at emergencies, and having firefighters arrive earlier can help limit the escalation of an incident.”

Public and staff support for the policy

The service conducted a public consultation as part of its upcoming four-year plan, with 83% of respondents supporting the policy.

Additionally, internal staff surveys indicated significant support for the initiative.

Luznyj acknowledged some concerns from representative bodies and confirmed adjustments to the types of incidents the three-person crews would attend.

“We’re confident that we now have a new policy that improves response times, maintains firefighter safety, and also increases on-call firefighter morale,” Luznyj said.

Increased training and operational experience for on-call crews

The policy applies solely to on-call firefighters and aims to provide faster responses while enhancing their operational experience.

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue, and Crime Ben Adams said: “I am supportive of Staffordshire Fire & Rescue’s decision to give the crewing in threes pilot the go-ahead, as it brings real advantages to both the fire crews themselves and our communities.

“Crewing in threes allows the Service to greatly improve the safety of the public.

“They will be able to attend more incidents, some which the team can resolve themselves and some where they will provide valuable support for other full teams.

“It also builds up the on-call team’s experience, local knowledge, and confidence.”

Immediate implementation of the policy

The newly approved policy has been implemented immediately across the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

It specifically applies to on-call firefighter crews.

Full-time fire engines will continue to operate with a minimum crew of four firefighters.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service trial improves emergency response times: Summary

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has approved a policy following a 17-month trial involving teams of three on-call firefighters responding to emergencies.

The pilot demonstrated faster response times, with crews attending over 600 incidents.

The initiative, supported by public consultation and staff surveys, aims to provide quicker responses to smaller incidents and additional support at larger emergencies.

Adjustments have been made following concerns from representative bodies.

The policy, which enhances on-call firefighter experience, took immediate effect and applies only to on-call crews.

Full-time fire engines remain staffed by a minimum of four firefighters.