20th March 2008
KFRS breaks down the language barrier
A new interpreting service is helping Kent’s firefighters to tackle potential language problems when working in the community.
All Kent Fire and Rescue Service appliances now carry a special Language Identification Card which allows limited-English speakers to identify their language and, through a freephone telephone number, crews are able to use the Telephone Interpreting Service to communicate efficiently.
The service can interpret in over 170 languages and is open to all KFRS staff who need to have phone or face-to-face contact with members of the community that have trouble communicating. It can be accessed via a home owner’s telephone line, without any cost to the householder, and can be used if no other help – like an English speaking relative or neighbour - is available to assist.
Assistant Director of Community Safety Steve Griffiths said: “When firefighters first arrive at the scene of a blaze or a road traffic collision, it is important to quickly establish the facts and let members of the public know what is happening.
This service means an interpreter is available in less than 60 seconds which will help in circumstances when our crews or community safety staff are having difficulties talking to people with a limited knowledge of the English language.
We already carry out a number of initiatives aimed at particular communities in Kent and Medway and we hope this service will further strengthen our relationship with residents of all backgrounds by allowing our staff to continue carrying out an excellent job.”
David Elgar from Language Line, the company behind the translation service, said: “Language Line Services is proud to be forging relationships with Kent Fire and Rescue Services and helping to meet their ambitious community initiative objectives. We work with the majority of Fire and Rescue services in the UK and endeavour to share and promote best practice”.
Note to editors:
A demonstration of the scheme will be held on
Wednesday 26 March when Maidstone firefighters will visit a farm which employs a number of Polish workers.
You are invited to send a reporter/photographer to Winterwood Farm, Chartway Street, Kingswood, East Sutton, ME17 3DN.
A photocall will take place at
1.30pm followed by the opportunity to interview Maidstone Fire Station Manager Greg Theophanides, David Elgar from Language Line and workers at the farm.
Please confirm your attendance by contacting our press office on
(01622) 692121.
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