Leicestershire firefighters are helping to keep care workers safe by ‘fit testing’ facemasks

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are helping to keep care workers safe by ‘fit testing’ facemasks.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to multi-agency support to assist with testing the fit of facemasks worn by domiciliary and residential staff, personal assistants and carers in special schools in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Ben Bee, group manager at the fire service, helped to set up support to the care sector.

“The aim was to face fit test carers who look after some of the most vulnerable adults and children across the county, where airway support procedures are given. “Facemask fit testing is largely new to the care sector but it is part of their recommended PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for some procedures during Covid-19,” said Ben.

“We wanted to respond to this request for help.

“So Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service purchased a Portacount face fit testing machine and asked for volunteers from across the service to become face fit testers.”

There are now eight volunteers, including support staff, on-call and wholetime firefighters, who are trained to use the testing machine.

Over 250 care workers’ masks have already been tested.

John Miller, firefighter and face fit testing volunteer, said: “A few weeks back, I saw an advert within our internal newsletter asking for volunteers.

“I wanted to do it because I felt the fire service has done some great stuff recently around face shields some of the stations have been making.

“And around delivering medication and vital supplies like food and prescriptions to vulnerable people in our community.

“I just wanted to give a little bit back to the community that we all serve and that we all care about.”

Nigel Thomas, assistant director in Adults and Communities and chair of the PPE Covid-19 operations group at the county council, said: “The assistance and support provided by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been invaluable in ensuring that our care professionals feel confident in the correct fitting the masks in line with PPE requirements of their role, ensuring the safety of staff and service users.”