By Stefan Morkis

A PERTH firefighter who broke safety rules to rescue a drowning woman demonstrated the “proud traditions” of the service, Tayside’s chief fire officer said yesterday.

Perth firefighter Tam Brown (42) dived into the River Tay after a woman fell from the Queen’s Bridge in Perth on March 6.

The incident nearly cost Mr Brown his own life but, after an eight-minute struggle, he was able to get the woman to safety.

He was later treated for hypothermia.

However, Tayside Fire and Rescue’s regulations, and those of every fire and rescue service in Scotland, say personnel should not enter the water even if someone is drowning.

They say firefighters should remain on dry land and use a “talk, reach and throw” method to rescue people from water.

An investigation into the incident has now concluded and chief fire officer Stephen Hunter praised the actions of Mr Brown.

But he said the issue must be discussed at a national level.

He said, “It is important to stress that at no time during this investigation did principal managers indicate that any firefighters involved in this incident would be the subject of a disciplinary investigation.

“This myth has been perpetrated by the Fire Brigades Union.

“Firefighters face dangerous situations on a daily basis.

“It is vital that safe systems of work are in place to ensure the safety of firefighters while working in these dangerous situations.

“Firefighter Brown and his colleagues on the green watch at Perth Fire Station were faced with a very difficult situation that night.

“After carrying out a dynamic risk assessment, the officer in charge of the incident put in place all necessary safety procedures before effecting rescue.

“Their actions on that evening reflect the proud traditions of the fire and rescue service.”

Mr Hunter added said Tayside Fire and Rescue’s statutory duties do not extend to rescuing people from moving water.

“No authority in Scotland has this statutory duty and it is important that this is considered at a national level,” he said.

“At the local level, however, Tayside Fire and Rescue is leading a multi-agency group, including our emergency service colleagues, to consider an effective way forward for Tayside.”

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called for fire crews to be given proper training and equipment for river rescues.

Jim Malone, FBU representative for Tayside, said he was pleased Mr Brown no longer has the threat of disciplinary proceedings hanging over him.

He said, “I am reassured that he doesn’t face disciplinary proceedings but disappointed at the length of time it has taken for that decision to be reached.

“Mr Hunter could have said there would be no disciplinary proceedings 20 days ago.”

Mr Malone added that firefighters face moral dilemmas every day about whether to breach safety protocols to save lives.

“What has to be given to the fire service nationally is the resources to properly train, equip and pay people to do the job properly,” he said.