Firefighters learn life-saving sign language

Members of Red Watch being taught to sign by pupils at Broadwood Primary School

Firefighters are being taught sign language to help them communicate more effectively during an emergency.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service implemented the initiative after a visit to two schools where pupils with hearing impairments asked the crew how they would deal with someone who could not hear during an emergency.

The children taught the crew some key words and phrases, prompting the service to begin rolling out training to 600 members of staff.

Red Watch manager at Newcastle Central Community Fire Station, Steven Walker, said the training programme could save lives and would be "invaluable".

Red Watch Manager Steven Walker showing the sign for 'worry'

"It has been a fascinating experience to be at the heart of creating this new sign language programme," he said.

“What makes this extra special is the involvement and input of young people from the local community."

Firefighters will be given an interactive package containing an information guide and a video created by students, with 20 key phrases that could be essential during an emergency.

The phrases include "where is the fire?" and "are you hurt?".

Pupils from Broadwood Primary School and Jesmond Park Academy had initially invited the fire crew to visit as part of a class project entitled 'People who help us'.

During the visit, they queried how firefighters would be able to help if the people they were rescuing could not hear.

Kirsten Binns, who teaches students with hearing impairments at Broadwood Primary School, said the children benefited from understanding the nature of the firefighters' work, and were happy to teach them some basic sign language.