Merseyside’s firefighters were called out 98 times to rescue obese patients over the last ten years, exclusive figures reveal.
According to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, 32 extremely overweight people were saved last year - a 640% increase in two years. A Freedom of Information request into MF&RS revealed crews were called out to deal with cases every fortnight since 2021.
More than half of calls in the past decade have been made since the first lockdown in March 2020. Between 2013/14 firefighters were called out once.
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A firefighter told the ECHO if the ambulance crew cannot move a patient they will contact their team. After they arrive a group of them will move the obese person with as much “care and dignity” as possible.
They added: “Sometimes there are just no answers or easy ways. Unfortunately, it just needs to be done and we literally have to find a way.
“No matter what, we will rescue that person… Sometimes it’s just a race against time, sometimes it’s an ingenious plan that takes time and thought.”
As well as bringing ladders fire services typically bring a Turntable Ladder (TTL) with them. The mounted steps, which resemble a cherry picker, carry the weight of a grand piano or small caravan (500kg).
A TTL is needed if the situation is too grave for anyone to bring the patient down from a building. Firefighters will attach a stretcher to the ladders, open a window and bring the person down.
A well trained technical response unit will travel with the team, according to the source. Once the fire engine arrives firefighters will move the patient while paramedics treat them.
A spokesperson from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: “The emergency services have a close working relationship and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service will support our colleagues in North West Ambulance Service when they need our assistance with patients who find themselves in difficult circumstances. We are built to help and will support every member of our community when they need us."
More than 21 million people will be obese by 2040, according to Cancer Research UK. The new report suggested overweight or obese people could out number the amount of healthy Britons in 20 years’ time.
