Firefighter in charge

Conference is astounded that despite continuing firefighter fatalities and injuries to
operational crews, a number of Fire and Rescue Services are still pressurising
Firefighters to ride in charge of appliances in order to improve statistics. This practice
is being used by our employers to mask the true figures relating to availability and
crewing of appliances, and instead of investing in training and recruitment, Fire and
Rescue Services are putting the lives of firefighters and the public at risk in order to
save money.

Conference therefore demands that the Executive Council produce a policy statement
instructing our members not to take charge of any appliance unless properly qualified
to do so, regardless of the subsequent availability of any appliance. This policy shall
be produced within 12 months.