A new wave of struggle for the quality of emergency services is unfolding in Spain’s capital region. After a high-profile statement by the firefighters’ union about a critical situation in the medical unit, Madrid’s authorities have taken decisive action. In the coming days, the head of the Emergency Directorate is expected to be replaced, and firefighters will finally receive long-awaited improvements to their working conditions.
It all started when the fire department’s medical division was pushed to the brink of shutdown. At the beginning of the year, the unit was forced to suspend operations temporarily due to a shortage of doctors. This sparked a storm of outrage among staff and unions, who have repeatedly pointed out chronic problems with staffing and overload.
In response to the union’s demands, the regional government has proposed a new plan. For the first time in the service’s history, a psychologist will be added to the staff along with an additional doctor and nurse. This move is seen as a real breakthrough for a team that for years has faced the aftermath of traumatic incidents without professional support.
Leadership changes
Alongside staffing changes in the medical unit, authorities have decided to replace the head of the Emergency Directorate. The current director, who has held the position for more than two years, will step down by the end of the month. Officials acknowledge his contribution to developing the service but have not disclosed the reasons behind the abrupt reshuffle.
The firefighters’ union had long called for a change in leadership, accusing the previous director of ineffective management, especially during the recent bird flu outbreak. According to union representatives, the situation became so tense that further cooperation was no longer possible.
During an emergency meeting with the relevant minister, the union received confirmation: a change of leadership was unavoidable. This decision became a turning point in the negotiations and allowed both sides to agree on further steps to reform the service.
New conditions for medical staff
One of the main achievements of the negotiations was an agreement to increase salaries and improve the status of medical workers in the fire service. The head of the medical unit will now receive a higher pay grade, and doctors can expect decent working conditions. This is expected to attract new specialists from the state healthcare system, which is especially important given the ongoing staffing shortages.
Firefighters emphasize that without these changes, the future of the medical department would remain at risk. The new conditions will not only help retain the current staff but also ensure the stable operation of the unit in the long term.
Particular attention has been given to mental health issues among staff. Introducing a full-time psychologist is a much-anticipated step for the service. Firefighters face tragedies and stress on a daily basis, yet until now they had to seek help from general practitioners through a cumbersome bureaucracy. Now, support will be more accessible and effective.
Psychological support
The union particularly highlights the importance of having a professional psychologist on the team. According to them, the specifics of firefighting require a special approach: constant stress, working with victims, and participating in disaster response—all these take a serious toll on mental health.
Until now, firefighters were forced to turn to family doctors, who did not always understand the unique nature of their problems. The process of getting help was time-consuming and inconvenient, and the results weren’t always effective. The new specialist will not only provide urgent support but also carry out preventive work, helping staff cope with professional burnout and anxiety disorders.
Firefighters openly say that psychological support was their main demand. They are convinced that only this way can the health and efficiency of a team facing daily tragedy and danger be preserved.
Team response
After reaching a preliminary agreement, the union canceled the protest planned for January. The workforce remains cautiously optimistic: for the first time in a long while, the authorities have heard their demands and offered genuine concessions.
Firefighters emphasize their readiness for further dialogue but plan to closely monitor compliance with every aspect of the agreement. They believe that only by working together can they achieve lasting change and ensure the safety of local residents.
Madrid authorities, in turn, have pledged to continue with reforms and do everything possible to strengthen emergency services. However, the question of who will head the Emergency Directorate after the leadership change remains unresolved.
