Fire service employee praised for potentially life-saving intervention

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service's Home Safety Administrator, Sally Coleman has been praised for potentially saving a woman's life during a routine phone call. The incident unfolded during a conversation with a resident in Southend while booking a home safety visit for her daughter.

During the call, Sally heard a persistent beeping sound in the background and, concerned for the resident's safety, enquired about it. The resident revealed that it was her carbon monoxide alarm, which continued to sound despite a recent battery replacement. Worryingly, the resident also mentioned feeling unwell.

Without hesitation, Sally advised the resident to immediately call the emergency Cadent number (0800 111 999).

When Sally called the woman back to follow-up, she revealed that the carbon monoxide readings were "off the scale" and was told that the outcome could have been vastly different if Sally had not urged her to seek immediate assistance.

Lyndsey Fatt, Home Safety Data and Performance Officer, said:

"Although the Home Safety Information Team are normally the first point of contact in a non-emergency, they quite often provide residents with advice, as well as booking visits. We always ensure they are included in any training being provided to officers. It shows the importance of this as it enables them to ask the right questions, listen, and take immediate action should they need to. Well done Sally!"

For more information about carbon monoxide visit: https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/carbon-monoxide