Cadets back smoking cessation partnership with NHS.

Feb 11 2010 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

AN innovative partnership aimed at reducing the lethal effects of tobacco has this week been launched by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and NHS Health Scotland.

By working together, the organisations aim to tackle the goals of reducing the number of people smoking and the number of fires that are caused by smokingmaterials.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue makes around 10,000 Home Fire Safety Visits each year. The visits are available free of charge to all members of the public and can be requested by contacting Strathclyde Fire and Rescue on 0800 0731 999 or www.strathclydefire.org

Lewis Ramsay, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's Assistant Chief Officer, said: “Fire does discriminate and a number of lifestyle choices including smoking feature regularly as contributory factors in serious house fires, many of which involve fatal or non-fatal casualties.”

Although fire officers will not offer health advice they will be able to direct smokers to 'Smokeline', NHS Health Scotland's freephone smoking cessation advice line.

Fire stations will be issued with supplies of the Smokeline promotional card, a passive smoking leaflet, Aspire magazine and smoking cessation posters for use in Home Fire Safety Visits and community safety talks.