Fire prevention
Fire prevention
Feature
Identifying occupations that place people at risk of accidental fires
OTs from Nottinghamshire , Royal Berkshire and South Wales Fire and Rescue Services came together in 2021 , with an aim to enhance the awareness of fire prevention within the professional community . The end result is a new CPD resource for members , in collaboration with RCOT .
A lthough the number of accidental fires in the home are decreasing ( NFCC 2021 ), the cost of a domestic fire can have a huge financial cost to individuals and society , as well as an immeasurable impact on the health and wellbeing of those involved .
Across the UK , data shows that those at highest risk of fire injury or death share common characteristics , which include being in receipt of health and social care support , having longterm physical and mental health conditions , using alcohol and drugs ( including prescription medication ), and having reduced mobility and falls ( GMFRS and MMHSCT 2015 ).
The most common causes of accidental dwelling fires are consistently linked to the performance of everyday occupations , most notably cooking and smoking ( Home Office 2023 ).
This makes it extremely likely that UK occupational therapists are already working with some of the most high-risk members of our population and are the ideal profession to identify and assess occupations such as smoking , which place them at risk .
It is also felt that our core professional values and skill set are complementary to the approach adopted by Fire and Rescue Services across the UK , who deliver fire prevention activities in the home during safe and well visits .
Since 2021 , the National Fire Chief ’ s Council ( NFCC ) has endorsed a holistic view to fire prevention activities , which recognises the need for a person-centred approach recognising the individual ’ s wishes , needs and behaviours , as well as the impact of their environment ( NFCC 2021 ).
Occupational therapists share this holistic view and implicitly understand the complex interplay between person , environment and occupation . Involving occupational therapists in fire prevention activities has already been proven to be value for money , as well enhancing the health and wellbeing of the individual ( NFCC 2018 ).
Occupational therapists from Nottinghamshire , Royal Berkshire and South Wales Fire and Rescue Services came together in 2021 , with an aim to enhance the awareness of fire prevention within the professional community .
The end result is a new and innovative CPD resource for members , in collaboration with RCOT . The presentation and accompanying workbook can be used by either an individual or as part of team and is available to download from the website .
Jon Quinn , NFCC Home Safety Committee Lead , told us : ‘ The NFCC , the representative body of all UK Fire and Rescue Services , has been working with occupational therapists and colleagues working within Fire and Rescue Services to strengthen fire prevention messages for people under the care of occupational therapists .
‘ The causal links between frailty , reduced mobility , and a range of long-term conditions that occupational therapists encounter on a daily basis and the increased fire risk for those in their care are increasingly evident to FRSs .
‘ As such , NFCC welcomes this new resource and would encourage all fire and rescue services to reach out to local occupational therapy services to ensure we strengthen our partnership working to serve the needs of people that may be at increased risk of fire .’
The workbook includes guided activities to encourage reflection on existing practice
32 OTnews May 2024