WARNING: This audio contains distressing content.

An audio recording of a 999 call received in Renfrewshire has been released to illustrate the critical role of managing these for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

Firefighter control Beth McInnes took the emergency call during a night shift at Johnstone Operations Control room earlier this year.

It was made by a woman in a block of flats in Glasgow who alerted Beth that a fire had taken hold in the stairwell and that smoke was coming through her door.

The woman was audibly frightened and Beth remained calm and provided reassurance and guidance, staying with the caller until firefighters arrived to rescue her.

Beth, who joined the Service in 2024, said: “It was a team effort.

“As much as I was the one on the phone, the rest of the team in the control room supported me.

“I’m glad that the caller was brought to safety.”

During the audio, Beth can be heard saying to the caller to stay near the window for fresh air.

The caller, who has been kept anonymous, added: “I feared for my life that night.

“I'm incredibly thankful for all the help from Beth and all the firefighters who helped me.”

SFRS has shared the audio amid a recruitment drive for operations control staff across its three sites in Johnstone, Dundee, and Edinburgh.

As the initial point of contact for emergency calls, firefighter control in these control rooms are the first responders that callers speak to in times of crisis.

For Beth, who previously worked in the hospitality industry for a decade, the transition to working in this role was a significant career change, but one which she is glad to have made.

She explained: “I was longing for new challenges in my career.

"When the opportunity presented itself, I seized it.

“Every moment in this job brings me great satisfaction.

“I find my job to be both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

“It's truly fulfilling to know that I could potentially be a source of reassurance and comfort for someone in their time of need and have the opportunity to make a positive impact every day.”

Area commander control Jacqui MacDonald said: “Our firefighter control play an important role in responding to various emergencies, from fires to water rescue.

“I encourage those who have strong teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills under pressure to apply.

“Our dedicated instructors will provide full support and guidance throughout the training to ensure that every individual becomes a skilled firefighter control capable of handling emergencies of all kinds.”

To find out more about the role click HERE.