Firefighter (Retained Duty System)

What is the Retained Duty System (RDS)?

The Retained Duty System or part-time Fire Service is a vital part of the Modern Fire Service and is efficient, cost effective and reliable. Over 60% of the UK fire cover is provided by RDS staff which means that 60% of fire appliances are crewed by part time staff to ensure their local communities are protected from fire. Being part-time does not mean they are amateurs. They are provided with the same training, the same appliances, and the same equipment and uniform to perform their duties.

How does the RDS work?

Retained Firefighters agree to be available for a certain number of hours a week. During this time you carry a pager and must be able to get to the Fire Station within five minutes of a call. You can respond either from home or from work as long as you attend the Station in five minutes. This flexibility allows RDS staff to carry on with their day-to-day activities, whether at home or at work, and then responding to the call out as necessary.

A RDS Firefighter must be able to provide a consistent number of hours per week when they are available to respond to incidents but also to attend for regular training sessions.

If responding from your full time employer you must have their permission to attend for incidents and commit to the Service but there are some significant benefits for an employer who releases staff to support the RDS.

Retained Duty System Firefighters come from every walk of life; they include shopkeepers, builders, plumbers, farmers, secretaries, engineers and directors of companies. Previous experience is not required due to the comprehensive training programme provided.

General information about firefighting can also be found at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/