Fire chiefs are calling for stronger regulation and oversight of Technology Enabled Care (TEC) services as increasing numbers of vulnerable people rely on telecare to support independent living.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) estimates that around two million people across the UK currently use telecare services. Many users may be particularly vulnerable in the event of a fire, including older people, people with disabilities and those living with long-term health conditions.

In its new TEC Policy Position Statement, the NFCC highlights longstanding concerns about the role of TEC services in fatal fire incidents. Coroners’ Prevention of Future Deaths Reports have identified recurring issues, including fire risks not being adequately assessed, linked smoke detection not being installed, alarms not being connected to monitoring systems, and critical information not being passed to emergency responders.

Terry Pinto, Technology Enabled Care Lead at NFCC and Prevention Lead at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Telecare can be life-saving, but only when a person’s needs and fire risks are properly assessed and equipment is installed, maintained and monitored in accordance with recognised British Standards.

Demand for telecare is expected to grow as the UK population ages and more care is provided within people’s homes. More than a quarter of the population is projected to be aged over 65 by 2065, further increasing the importance of ensuring appropriate fire safety measures are incorporated into TEC provision.

The NFCC is calling for all TEC providers to hold third-party accreditation, for alarm receiving centre staff to undertake accredited training, and for providers to demonstrate compliance with relevant British Standards.

It is also calling for fire prevention and mitigation measures to be incorporated into health-based risk assessments. This should include consideration of linked and monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detection, particularly where residents may be unable to evacuate without assistance.

Alyson Scurfield OBE, Chief Executive of the TEC Services Association, said: “NFCC’s position is a strong endorsement of the importance of standards, independent certification and quality assurance in technology enabled care.

Alongside stronger standards and oversight, the NFCC has called for adequate funding for local authorities supporting TEC provision and independent research into patient safety and fire risk associated with these services.

The FIA supports measures that help ensure appropriate fire detection and alarm systems are specified, installed, monitored and maintained to recognised standards. As reliance on technology-enabled care continues to grow, ensuring fire safety is properly considered as part of wider risk assessments will be essential to protecting vulnerable people living independently.

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