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Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS)

FESS responds to 1000th call out...

25 Jan 2010

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A volunteer team of British Red Cross personnel have responded to their 1000th call out.

Volunteers on call with the Red Cross in Hampshire leapt into action on Monday 11 January, to reports of a house fire in Portchester.

Mobilised by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) team made their way to Exton Gardens to provide emotional and practical support to the Walker family, whose home had been affected by fire. It appears the fire broke out in the kitchen and caused extensive smoke logging to the property.

When they arrived the FESS team invited the householders out of the snow and into the warmth of the specially adapted Red Cross vehicle while firefighters tackled the flames.

The FESS vehicle is kitted out with necessities such as a clothing bank, toiletries, a phone, documents and space for a team of fully-trained Red Cross volunteers to offer practical help and emotional support.

As well as immediate assistance at the scene of the fire, Red Cross volunteers can also contact a victim’s insurance company, arrange alternative accommodation, help to secure a property and sort out utilities.

In 2009 the volunteers responded to 148 call outs – 51 more than in 2008 when Red Cross FESS volunteers came to the aid of 211 individuals and a total of 100 call outs. The Walker fire was the 1000th call the service has received since its inception in 1996.

Householder Sharon Walker said:

“The Red Cross volunteers ran through what needed to be done and jollied me along. I’m normally one of these people who will cry every five minutes, but they kept me going and focused on how to move on from this.”

Ruth Crouch, Fire and Emergency Support Service co-ordinator for Hampshire, said:

“The service would not be anything without the dedication of the volunteers who leave the comfort of their own homes at all times of the day and night to help those in crisis. We have volunteers from every walk of life and of every age between 18 years old and 70 years old.

“Although the 1000th call represents many times of crisis for families and individuals - it also shows how often the Red Cross FESS volunteers have been there for vulnerable people in need of emotional and practical support. Without our volunteers we would never be able to give these people the help they needed. We depend on people who generously give up their time to help others.”

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