Control firefighter shares her experience to inspire others

Diane Macdonald was looking for a job where she could make a difference to people's lives.

She found it within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's (SFRS) Operations Control team.

Diane, a former dancer and business owner, applied to become a Control Firefighter earlier this year.

Control firefighters respond to emergency calls and provide life-saving guidance while ensuring specialist resources are mobilised to the correct locations.

Diane previously spent several years overseas working as a dancer before returning to Scotland, where she owned and ran her own children's educational business.

In February, after successfully navigating the recruitment process, she started life with SFRS in its Edinburgh Control Room.

Reflecting on her first nine months in the job, said: "I love the job, I really enjoy it.

"It's different to anything I've ever done before, but we're really well supported and everyone is really knowledgeable and happy to help.

"There is a lot to learn and the training is intense, but every day brings a new challenge because we get a huge variety of calls.

"There's day to day stuff and then there's more high adrenaline calls where you need to stay calm and focussed.

"You know you're helping someone at that moment and try to build a rapport with them to help keep them safe.

"People on the other end of the phone can be in real danger and we're part of the solution. I find that very rewarding."

Diane is keen to stress that her background proves anyone can succeed in the Operations Control role - as long as they are prepared to learn and work hard.

She said: "You don't need a certain background to succeed in this job.

"Have an open mind and go for it. You need to work hard and the more you put in, the more you'll get out of it."

The SFRS is welcoming applications for Firefighter Control roles until 12pm on Wednesday, 10 December.

You can find out more about the job and application process on our website.