Home Fire Safety Visits by the Fire and Rescue Service:A qualitative study of the perspectives of firefighters, advocates and service leaders

Background: The UK Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) routinely deliver Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) in people’s homes. HFSVs offer support with fire safety and a range of health-related issues. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of those delivering and designing the HFSV service. Methods: 28 members of the FRS who deliver HFSVs and service leaders involved in HFSV service-design were interviewed. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Participants described a cultural shift within the FRS from response to prevention and public health work. Most felt positively about this change, though some reported difficulty adjusting to their new role. Working with other services was seen as integral to the HFSV service due to the links between fire risk and other facets of health. However, participants felt the FRS were expected to plug gaps in other services, despite not always feeling equipped to do so. Challenges were identified in reaching and supporting underserved groups (e.g. mental health issues and dementia). Conclusions: HFSVs could address a range of health-related needs. However, whether the FRS should be expected to fill gaps in other services needs further exploration. Supporting underserved groups via HFSVs is important and warrants further investigation. Key words: Fire and Rescue Service, older patients, integrated care