River Clyde rescue prompts firefighter to speak about mental health

Content warning: This article discusses mental health issues, which some readers may find distressing.

A Glasgow firefighter has spoken about the lasting impact traumatic incidents can have on emergency service crews, after responding to a dramatic rescue on the River Clyde.

Watch Commander John-Joe Parker was part of the crew responding to reports of a man in the water in Glasgow, when the rescue took unprecedented turn.

As the boat approached the casualty, the man briefly disappeared under the water just as firefighters were about to reach him.

John-Joe said: “When he came back up, it was behind the boat near the propeller, which created another risk.

“Thanks to the training we received for water rescues, we were able to manoeuvre safely and bring him to safety.”

For the crew, the job was competed. But for John-Joe, the experienced lingered.

He added: “I couldn’t stop thinking about it afterwards, so I asked my Watch Commander at the time if we could talk it through.”

John-Joe, 38, has spent 19 years with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), mostly based at Polmadie Community Fire Station. The station’s typical patch stretches from busy city centre calls to water rescues along the Clyde.

While firefighting is often seen as a physically demanding role, John-Joe says the mental impact can be just as challenging.

John-Joe said: “Firefighters arrive on the worst day of someone’s life.

“It’s our job to bring calm and control in the middle of chaos.

“It’s a high-pressure job and it can hang around long after the incidents ends.”

After the Clyde rescue, he chose to speak up. The conversation made a difference.

Across SFRS, more staff are being encouraged to have those conversations earlier. John-Joe is one of a number of employees wearing a green lanyard as a wellbeing champion, offering informal and confidential support to colleagues who may be struggling.

John-Joe is also involved in Lifelines Scotland, an NHS initiative supporting the mental health of emergency services responders. He said: “What got me through was my Watch looking after me and keeping me connected.

“This job is not for everyone. It can be traumatic, physically demanding and emotionally heavy.

“But if we have strong support within the Service.

“I believe the job is life-changing and you won’t be doing it alone.

“It’s the best decision I ever made.”

Assistant Chief Officer David Farries said: “We are looking for people from all backgrounds who are committed, resilient, and motivated to serve the communities of Scotland.

“Whether you are interested in frontline operational response, prevention work, or developing into specialist roles, the Service provides pathways, professional training and ongoing support to help you build a long-term career.

“Our firefighters attend some of the most challenging incidents, but they also play a vital role in educating communities, reducing risk and keeping people safe.

“I would encourage anyone who is considering applying to find out more about what the role involves and take that first step.”

Recruitment for wholetime firefighter in the SFRS opens Tuesday, 24 March at 12.30pm until Friday, 27 March at 12.30pm. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit firescotland.gov.uk.