INSPIRED by a Corrimal firefighter’s own experience in caring for his mother with dementia, an innovative use of smartphone technology is being trailed to protect elderly and vulnerable people from house fires.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is partnering with care providers to pilot the project, the brainchild of Corrimal Fire Station Captain, Paul Dorin, who was a stay-at-home carer for his mother, Margaret, who had dementia.

In his discussions with other carers, Captain Dorin recognised many elderly or vulnerable people didn’t consider fire safety either due to complacency or being ill-equipped.

Others were found to be short of time or didn’t have family or friends who could assist them in guarding their homes against fire.

“The relationship a carer has with their client is unique and personal, and they often become like family even if they’re not related,” Captain Dorin said.

“This program trial taps into that connection with the aim of making fire safety something that is top of mind and achievable for the elderly and vulnerable.”

The initiative relies on Quick Response (QR) codes – or two-dimensional matrix barcodes – which users can scan with their phone cameras to access fire safety resources.

These include an electronic form to book safety visits, where local firefighters will attend a person’s home to identify potential fire hazards, develop solutions to them, and offer fire safety advice specific to the resident’s living situation.

During these visits, fire crews will also ensure working smoke alarms are present within the homes or, if not, install new or additional smoke alarms at no cost.

FRNSW is rolling out the QR codes through its newly formed network of partners across the aged, disability and home care sectors in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands.

Participating carers are provided with A4 sheets and stickers containing the QR code, which can be placed inside their diaries and client communications folders.

This seeks to embed fire safety in routine discussions carers have with their clients.

FRNSW Acting Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the uptake of the QR codes among care providers has already been significant.

“Since Captain Dorin first came up with this idea, we’ve had many care organisations come onboard, including some major players in the sector,” Acting Commissioner Fewtrell said.

“We look forward to assessing the outcomes of this trial.”

State MP for Keira, Ryan Park said the initiative is an intelligent connection between firefighters and carers which could increase protection for elderly and vulnerable people.

“Captain Dorin is taking his role as a protector of our community to another level with this great idea,” Mr Park said.

“This idea is awesome, I’m very impressed by the ingenuity and proud that once again the Illawarra is leading the way in innovation.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said the ‘out of the box’ initiative has the potential to save lives.

“Our firefighters do more for their communities than just firefighting, and this initiative shows that.”

“If our firefighters can make fire safety a part of everyday life through these care communities, it will undoubtedly help achieve fewer incidents and better outcomes.”

“I congratulate our firefighters on seeking innovative ways to connect with their communities and lessen the burden fire has on people and their families.”

The QR code trial complements other community engagement initiatives across the Illawarra including attendance of clubs, healthcare clinics and social group meetings.

Anyone wishing to book a home safety visit can do so via the FRNSW website – https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits

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