Firefighters help lift obese people more than 120 times in five years

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is called out on average more than 20 times a year for bariatric rescues to assist ambulance crews with transporting overweight people, a freedom of information request has revealed.

The fire service has declared it is part of their role to help 'vulnerable' people as well as tackle fires.

Firefighters even receive special training to learn the proper lifting techniques.

Councillor Frank Finlay, responsible for health in Stafford where the fire service carried out 11 bariatric rescues between 2011 and 2015, said: "I don't know what the figures are like nation-wide, but that does sound like a lot of people rescued for that particular reason.

"Obviously, under the circumstances the fire service are probably the best people to deal with that situation but it's not really their main purpose, which is to keep people safe from fires."

He added: "Obesity is an issue everywhere, particularly in recent times with people's eating habits and lifestyle, it seems to be on the rise.

"It is a concern for this generation and unfortunate that people have to be rescued in that sort of way."

Incidents have been falling steadily since 2011 when firefighters carried out 34 bariatric rescues.

There were 25 incidents in 2012, 23 in 2013, 20 in 2014 and 19 last year.

But the figures showed firefighters assisted seven obese people between January and March alone this year.

By contrast West Midlands Fire Service were called out in the Black Country just four times last year.

Deputy chief fire officer Rob Barber said: "Our main role relating to bariatric patients is to use our hand tools to alter the entries and exits of properties so that paramedics can reach the casualty, provide medical treatment, and transport them out of the building.

"Firefighters may be asked to help the ambulance service to carry the person.

"This is normally done with equipment provided by the ambulance service which has a range of specialist items, including a purpose-built bariatric ambulance.

"We also undergo joint training through the 'First Person on Scene' courses, where firefighters are able to familiarise themselves with the equipment and are able to learn the correct lifting techniques.

"The number of incidents we have attended that involve bariatric patients has remained fairly stable between 2011 and 2015.

"Our role is not just about fighting fires, we are here to support vulnerable members of our community and to assist in carrying out their vital and potentially life-saving work."