Fire prevention
Fire prevention
© JohnnyGreig via Getty Images and to highlight key areas where therapists can incorporate fire prevention in their practice , including :
• enhanced assessment of cooking safety
• risk enablement with ‘ safer ’ smoking , where the individual does not wish to quit
• fire safety and medical devices ( air flow mattresses , emollients , home oxygen , incontinence products and medication )
• safer access arrangements
• education and advice for families and carers .
Lauren Walker , RCOT Professional Adviser , added : ‘ I encourage all occupational therapists to use the new resource and embed fire safety in their practice . The evidence shows that many of the people occupational therapists work with are likely to be at increased risk from fire , and we have huge opportunities to reduce this risk by considering the relationship between the person , their occupations and their environments .
‘ I ’ d also urge members to consider how they can link with their local Fire and Rescue Service to develop collaborative approaches to fire prevention in their communities .’
It is hoped that this resource will increase professionals ’ confidence with addressing fire safety in the community and promote closer partnerships working with Fire and Rescue Services nationally .
Greater awareness of fire safety in the wider workforce also has the potential to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities , reduce duplication across services and Make Every Contact Count .
R
Gov . UK ( 2023 ) Detailed analysis of fires attended by fire and rescue services , England , April 2022 to March 2023 . Available at https :// bit . ly / 3UoeWJn [ accessed 29 April 2024 ].
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service ( GMFRS ) and Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust ( MMHSCT ) ( 2015 ) Health and Social Care , Fire Safety Guidance . Health and Wellbeing Service MMHSC .
National Fire Chief ’ s Council ( NFCC ) ( 2021 ) National Operational Guidance : Person Centred Framework . National Fire Chiefs Council . Available at https :// bit . ly / 4dmXduM [ accessed 29 April 2024 ].
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service ( 2018 ) Business Case for Continuing the Employment of an Occupational Therapist within Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service . NFRS .
Words MATTHEW HEIGHT
Matthew . Height @ wales . nhs . uk , GAIL MUIRHEAD muirheadg @ RBFRS . co . uk , REBECCA SANDY rebecca . sandy @ notts-fire . gov . uk and VICKI FULCHER
Vicki . Fulcher @ westberks . gov . uk . Access the fire prevention CPD resource at www . rcot . co . uk / deep-dive-learning
May 2024 OTnews 33