"There's no other job like it" - Control firefighter's message to potential applicants
Control Firefighter Chris Fleming is appealing to others to consider a career with SFRS.
No two minutes are the same in this job, let alone two days. There's no other job like it.
Chris Fleming never imagined working within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) until his friend encouraged him to apply.
The 37-year-old was working in a hospitality role when a friend brought to his attention a vacancy within the SFRS Operations Control room in Dundee.
Keen for a career change, Chris researched the role, applied, was successful in his interview, and joined the SFRS. He's never looked back.
Operations Control Firefighters answer 999 calls and provide life-saving guidance to people during emergency situations. Then they help to mobilise SFRS resources, like fire appliances and specialist teams, to the correct locations.
As the SFRS prepares to recruit the next generation of Operations Control Firefighters, Chris is keen to use his experience to show others that they can rise to the challenge and succeed with SFRS.
He said: "No two minutes are the same in this job, let alone two days. There's no other job like it.
"I had no previous links to the fire and rescue service and didn't know much about it.
"Joining was an eye-opener because you realise how much the Service does, how big it is.
"You're trained and supported from the word go and it feels like one family."
The Operations Control role can involve offering support and guidance in a number of areas. One of the most challenging aspects of the role can be taking a fire survival call and providing potentially life-saving guidance to someone experiencing a house fire.
Chris took his first fire survival call a few months after joining SFRS.
He reflected: "At the time, the family involved thought they were in real danger.
"Everything I said to them was about getting them to a safe space and providing them with key safety guidance before firefighters arrived.
"Thankfully, the people involved were okay.
"During a fire survival call you feel a real connection and support for a stranger on the other end of the phone.
"In the heat of the moment, when you are giving survival guidance, all the training and support clicks in. It's a well oiled machine."
Chris has a message for anyone who has the slightest inkling that this may be the job for them.
He said: "There's nothing holding you back and you won't regret it.
"You'll be supported every step of the way and are never alone."
You can find out more about the Operations Control role and recruitment process on the SFRS website.