Fire service satisfaction figures show exceptional public service

Firefighters

Fire service staff in Greater Manchester are delivering an exceptional public service, latest satisfaction figures show.

During October to December 2016, more than 2,500 people across Greater Manchester have been asked about their contact with firefighters and fire safety staff from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

Overall, 97.4 per cent of survey respondents said they were satisfied with the service received from GMFRS. Of those who had a house fire, 100 per cent said they were satisfied overall.

Respondents to the survey included people who had a fire in their home and local businesses receiving a fire risk inspection.

One couple who responded to the satisfaction survey said: “We can’t thank the Service enough. They [the firefighters] were very helpful, friendly and kept us at ease. Without the fast and effective service we wouldn’t have a house or pets. Thank you so much and keep up the good work.”

More than 1,000 people who had a visit in their own home from fire and rescue service staff were also asked for their views on their experience of the recently introduced Safe and Well visit, where the satisfaction figures show that 97.2% were satisfied with the service provided by GMFRS.

David Acton, chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Our Safe and Well visits are carried out by trained staff – either firefighters or community safety teams. They aim to replicate our tried and tested fire prevention work across other areas of health and crime, taking pressures off partner organisations and helping to make the communities of Greater Manchester safer and healthier.

“Those people who suffer with health issues are also at the highest risk of fires and tend to be our most vulnerable. Fire service staff look at how they can reduce risks, make positive interventions and direct people to other agencies to help people’s health and well-being.”

This broader approach to visits has been received well from local residents, with one saying: “I was really impressed with the visit and they even informed my daughter who is deaf what to do. They were also great with my grandchildren – professional and helpful.”

If you know someone who is elderly, vulnerable or who you think could be at increased risk of fire, book a free Safe and Well visit: 0800 555 815