An inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) confirmed that Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service (RBFRS) has adapted and responded to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic effectively, thereby highlighting the additional support that the fire service has been offering its communities, throughout this public health crisis.
RBFRS response to COVID-19
In August 2020, the UK Home Secretary commissioned HMICFRS to examine how fire and rescue services are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. On January 22, 2021, the findings of this virtual inspection were released. The inspection focused on activities undertaken by RBFRS, between April and June 2020.
The findings highlight that the fire service maintained its critical core services
The findings highlight that the fire service maintained its critical core services, adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, supported its communities and partners through additional activities, while also continuing to manage its resources well and prioritized the well-being of its staff throughout.
Personal Protective Equipment for frontline Workers
Between April and June 2020, notable additional activities that the fire service undertook included working with colleagues across the Thames Valley, in order to deliver over six million pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to frontline health and care workers, and RBFRS’ on-call firefighters supporting Slough Borough Council, by visiting over 200 residents that were vulnerable and shielding to check on their welfare.
Since June 2020, this work has continued for the fire service, with a number of additional activities now underway. These include training a group of firefighters, who are now driving ambulance, in support of South Central Ambulance Service, supporting Slough Borough Council with their mass rapid COVID-19 testing, and supporting the community rollout of the vaccination program.
Carrying out COVID-19 inspections and tests
Chairman of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFRS), Councillor Colin Dudley, said “The COVID-19 inspection provides our residents with a clear and independent view, on how the Fire Service is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspection findings highlight a number of areas of good practice from within the fire service demonstrating the work we have undertaken, to play our part in the response to this dreadful virus.”
I believe that Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service provides a fantastic service"
“I believe that Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service provides a fantastic service. This inspection has highlighted the great work of the amazing staff at RBFRS, in ensuring we maintain the delivery of our critical services, providing enhanced and tailored support to our staff, while also supporting our partners in the wider response.”
Supporting local communities in fight against COVID-19
RBFRS’ Chief Fire Officer, Trevor Ferguson, said “While we recognize that there will still be challenges ahead of us, we are really pleased that the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the team have been recognized, and that the people of Royal Berkshire can be confident in the service they are receiving.”
Trevor Ferguson adds, “We are continuing to work in support of our local communities, and have already built on the positive work highlighted in the COVID inspection to ensure that our residents continue to receive the best possible service from us.”