Firefighter embraces new emergency service career after learning to walk again

A firefighter who broke her back after a fall on holiday has spoken of her joy in finding a new career within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Operations Control team.

Chelsea Taylor, 34, started her career with SFRS as a firefighter at Perth Community Fire Station in 2014.

She quickly fell in love with the job and became a qualified appliance driver.

However, a dream trip to Costa Rica in 2022 changed the course of Chelsea's life after she broke her back just 36 hours before she was due to return home.

The injury from a fall had a devastating impact on Chelsea's health and saw her spend several months in a wheelchair and move in with her parents for support.

Surgery and painstaking rehabilitation followed, with Chelsea effectively learning to walk again.

She reflected: "I went from having a really active job and lifestyle to being in a wheelchair, being stuck in bed and moving back in with my parents for support.

"My life changed a lot and it was really hard. I had to undergo spinal surgery and learn to walk again.

"But I was determined to get my life back and was back on the run as a firefighter six months after my first surgery."

Chelsea initially returned to firefighter life but a second surgery in 2024 meant she had to step back from the job she loved.

After a spell within the SFRS Community Action Team, Chelsea spotted vacancies for the SFRS Dundee Operations Control room.

After successfully navigating training, Chelsea started life as a Control Firefighter in September of this year and is relishing her new role.

Control firefighters provide life-saving guidance to people in need and play a critical role in mobilising fire appliances and specialist resources in response to emergencies.

Chelsea said: "Stepping back from being on the run was a bitter pill to swallow.

"But joining Operations Control is one of the best decisions I have ever made. You learn something new every day and the job is so much more than people realise.

"The variation of calls we get is incredible and there's always something we can do to help.

"I still feel like I'm making a real difference and that's really important to me."

The SFRS is currently recruiting Control firefighters for its three Operations Control rooms in Dundee, Edinburgh and Johnstone.

You can learn more about the role and application process on the SFRS website.