The primary function of a Firefighter (Control) is to act as a link between the public and operational firefighters on the 50 fire stations throughout the county, together with the various senior officers and sections within the service.
This involves receiving 999 calls, direct contact with other emergency services and agencies, the use of a radio system and a computer-aided mobilisation system to the fire stations throughout the counties of Dorset and Wiltshire.
We work within a Network Fire Service Partnership (NFSP) with Devon & Somerset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight and Kent Fire and Rescue Services which allows Firefighters (Control) to answer emergency calls, mobilise resources, align procedures, identify best practice and demonstrate operational efficiencies and effectiveness.
In a service that frequently deals with life and death situations, there is a need for constant monitoring and updating of systems and information. This falls within the remit of the Firefighter (Control) in the form of daily testing of communication equipment, identifying faults and informing appropriate officers and other agencies and the constant updating of the various databases used within the control room environment.
Similarly, the life and death situations mean that the person making the emergency call can be in a distressed state and it often means that the Firefighter (Control) must remain calm and show sympathy, tact and understanding to obtain the essential information that the service needs. Click here to find out more about what happens when a call comes in.
The Control team is split into four Watches, (red, blue, green, and white) and cover is required 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, achieved by four Watches on a rotating shift pattern averaging 42 hours per week. This is covered by staff working two consecutive days (0800-1800hrs), followed by two consecutive nights (1800-0800hrs), and four days off. This includes weekends and bank holidays.
All Firefighters (Control) are trained to a very high standard and will be required to complete an intensive initial training course before joining a Watch.
This Rolemap outlines the varied responsibilities and duties expected of a Firefighter (Control).