Emergency services in Hertfordshire have joined forces to help tackle the social and economic impact of dementia.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hertfordshire Constabulary and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust have signed the Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia pledge.

This will commit them to working towards supporting colleagues who care for people with dementia or develop dementia themselves, as well as ensuring staff have the awareness, skills and understanding to recognise and support people living with dementia.

Chief fire officer Darryl Keen said dementia is now the UK’S biggest killer.

He said: “People living with dementia have a higher risk of being involved in a fire, so we want to do everything we can to reduce that risk and help people living with dementia live safe and independent lives.

“I’m therefore really pleased that the fire service can support Alzheimer’s Society in their work to create dementia-friendly communities in Hertfordshire.”

Assistant chief constable Jane Swinburne said: “Signing the dementia pledge shows our commitment to supporting people with dementia so they can live well in the community and do the everyday things we all take for granted.

“We recognise that the onset of dementia may make some people more vulnerable. As a result we must work with partners to ensure that they are properly protected and ensure that dementia is not a barrier to accessing our services.”