An East Sussex firefighter is very seriously ill in hospital following an incident during a breathing apparatus training session last Thursday, 25 June.
The firefighter was on the fourth day of his initial breathing apparatus training when the incident occurred. He was immediately rushed to hospital, where he remains.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) immediately contacted East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and demanded that the training cease until an investigation had established the circumstances that led to the trainee’s collapse. This request was initially refused but the training has now been halted. The FBU are attempting to work with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that the investigation is thorough.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Our immediate concern is with our member and his family and we are doing everything possible to provide support at this incredibly difficult time. We are of course hoping very much that he makes a full recovery and our thoughts are with him and his family. East Sussex fire authority has shown a disregard for firefighter safety in the past. We will make every effort to reveal the circumstances of this tragic incident.”
