Fire crews record hefty increase in call-outs to help with obese people

The number of call-outs for fire crews to assist obese people in Scotland has soared by 52% in just four years, new figures show.

Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request shows that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) responded to 302 “bariatric” incidents between 2020 and 2024, with the number of annual calls rising from 50 in 2020 to 76 in 2024.

The figures show a 7% rise in call-outs between 2023 and 2024.

In 2021, there were 57 incidents, followed by a further rise to 67 in 2022, and 71 in 2023, before reaching the highest number on record last year.

From 2020 to 2024, there has been a 52% increase in calls.

Across the UK, firefighters were called out 2,169 times to assist obese individuals in 2023, a 390% hike from the 2013 ­figure of 442.

Health experts have warned that the sharp increases reflect the growing problem of obesity.

Data from the 2023 Scottish Health Survey found that approximately 32% of adults are classified as obese, marking the highest level recorded in the survey’s history – and up from 24% in 2003.

In 2023, it took 39 firefighters in more than 15 vehicles more than six hours to help a 50-stone heart attack victim from his home.

Britain’s heaviest man, Jason Holton, needed to be winched from his flat in Surrey by crane to be taken to hospital after his organs began to shut down. He died aged 33 in May of last year.

His mum, Leisa, said: “He’s probably had about eight lives, and I thought the doctors would be able to save him again, but sadly it wasn’t possible.

“He was put on kidney dialysis and an IV drip but his kidneys weren’t working. The doctor told Jason he’d pass away within a week as his organs were failing.”

The coroner’s report stated that Jason died from organ ­failure and ­obesity. He had started to overeat as a teenager while ­grieving his dad’s death.

Experts say that a major factor fuelling the obesity crisis is the prevalence of processed foods.

A recent study by Cambridge and Bristol universities found that ultra-processed products – including ready meals, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks – make up a staggering 66% of the average Scottish teenager’s diet.

These types of foods are linked to obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health problems, according to the experts.

Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance – a coalition of 60 organisations advocating for policies to improve population health and address obesity – said it is not a case of people living with obesity who are failing public services, but that the real issue is decades where governments have failed to act on diet-related ill health.

She said: “Obesity is a complex, long-term condition driven by a food environment flooded with unhealthy products aggressively marketed and promoted at every turn. Now we’re seeing the consequences: rising obesity rates, especially among younger age groups, with serious impacts on both physical and mental health.

“For lasting change, we must prioritise prevention – by tackling the root causes of obesity and shaping healthier environments. We can turn the tide on obesity, but we need our governments to act now.”

The Sunday Post previously highlighted a study showing that the marketing of junk food – especially online – disproportionately targets children and young people in Scotland.

It called for tighter restrictions on advertising and clearer labelling of unhealthy products.

Researchers said that, without government action, the current generation could face lifelong health consequences, including early-onset diabetes and heart disease.

Ads for unhealthy foods aimed at children are set to be banned on TV and online from October.

The SFRS said: “While the transportation and care of bariatric patients is a medical issue, we assist partner agencies whenever it is appropriate to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those involved.”