Glasgow man given months to live when he was a baby now helps fire crews save lives
A Glasgow man who was given months to live after being born with a rare disease is now helping fire crews save lives.
Samuel Bell, from Knightswood, was born with Hirschsprung’s disease - a birth defect that leaves sufferers missing nerves in parts of the intestine. The condition causes the bowels to become blocked which can create dangerous infections.
As a tiny tot, Samuel was given only months to live due to the condition and doctors warned that even if he did survive he would face a 'lifetime of challenges'. However, the 26-year-old is now working as a 999 call handler for the fire service after overcoming the odds.
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Now a dad of one, Samuel - who is fed through a tube and carries a lifesaving kit in a backpack - said: “I have spent my whole life overcoming challenges, so being able to help others feels like a natural progression. It’s an honour to be in a position to help others and be the light in the darkness.”
Samuel joined SFRS as a Firefighter Control last year and is based at the Operations Control room in Johnstone, Renfrewshire. As part of his role, he is the first point of contact for people during emergencies which involves offering life-saving guidance to callers, communicating with firefighters responding to incidents, and helping to co-ordinate SFRS resources across Scotland.
Samuel explained: “This role is not just answering the phone, it’s about helping people. It is fast paced and can be high-pressured and emotionally intense.
“Every day is different, and every decision counts. You never know what the next call will bring, but you know it’s urgent.
“It’s a privilege to be able to work here. The training and support I have received have been instrumental in ensuring that I can perform well at my best.”
For Samuel, the role is deeply personal. He said: “I know what it’s like to feel vulnerable. Being able to offer someone help and to keep them calm, all while sending the right support, is incredibly fulfilling.”
Now Samuel hopes people will consider following in his footsteps as SFRS recruits the next generation of Firefighter Control staff across its three Control centres - also based in Dundee and Edinburgh.
He said: “We need more people who care about helping others. The job is not easy, but the rewards are beyond anything you can imagine.”
Area Commander Control Jacqui MacDonald said: “I’m proud of Sam’s resilience, especially when facing personal challenges. Instead of letting it define him, he continues to thrive in his career.
“Sam’s story serves as a reminder that challenges can be overcome. We are seeking new recruits who share the same spirit of perseverance and help to improve people's lives.”
Applications for the role of firefighter control close on Tuesday, October 1. More information can be found on the SFRS website.
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