Friday 7th April 2006 saw the launch of the British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support (FESS) vehicle at Littlehampton Fire Station, providing an invaluable service for the entire District and beyond.

The FESS provides emotional care and practical support to victims of unforeseen tragedies. More than 50, 000 people are affected by domestic fires in the UK every year, with many forced to flee blazing homes in the middle of the night. FESS volunteers are on call ready to respond, providing assistance that can include setting up a temporary shelter, finding short-term accommodation, or simply somewhere warm to rest and recover.

All FESS volunteers are fully trained in First Aid, fire ground procedure and health and safety, and provide assistance from a specially adapted vehicle that can be at the scene of an incident within one hour. In addition to immediate support, British Red Cross volunteers can also signpost people to agencies where they can receive long-term assistance.

“FESS volunteers dedicate their free time to helping people in need and providing that extra reassurance when tragedy strikes,” commented Councillor Tony Squires, Chairman of Arun District Council.

“I think that this is an amazing and immensely important part of supporting those affected by fire or other such dire emergency. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the volunteers all the best in their new home, and would hope – in the best possible way – that the vehicle is used as little as possible!”

“The immediate support offered by the volunteers can maintain the independence of those that have lost their belongings - in some cases even their homes - and ensure people receive the help they need to start putting their lives back together,” said Gloria Moss of the British Red Cross.

“I am delighted that we now have a vehicle in such a prominent position on the South Coast, with such good access around the County. This latest vehicle will join others in the South East, helping people to cope with emergencies when, and if, they occur.”

The British Red Cross has a key role to play in emergency response activities, and is included in local authority emergency plans for every county in the UK. When the London bombings exploded last July, experienced FESS crews rushed to the sites of the blasts and worked alongside the emergency services, providing First Aid and comfort for those affected.

Statistics show that since the service’s inception in the east of the county the Fire and Emergency Support vehicles have attended approximately 296 fires

Volunteer teams are available on a 24/7 basis to provide practical and emotional support to victims. The arrival of the mobile home at the behest of fire control enables users to have the privacy of a warm sanctuary, which is manned by sympathetic listeners.

Resources carried are clothing, baby foods, pet baskets and food, light refreshments and information on insurance issues and how to replace important documents such as passports.

The vehicle phone is a critical resource for telephoning insurers or social services for emergency housing.

The critical benefits are dignity, shelter, care and support, and enabling Fire and rescue service to complete their duties and move on.