LIVES will be lost if rescuers work to the rule book.

That is the opinion of the boss of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Barry Dixon, who has also voiced criticism over the Health and Safety Executives decision to prosecute over the death of Ramsbottom fire fighter Paul Metcalf.

Speaking after a jury cleared the Greater Manchester Fire and Civil Defence Authority of breaching safety regulations in relation to the drowning of Sub Office Metcalf on September 9, 1999, Mr Dixon said: "The Fire and Rescue Service cannot operate by a rule book, such an approach could cost lives and that would be devastating.

"I don't think the HSE understands the specific problems which are faced by the emergency services of Great Britain.

"They seem to see the fire service as no different from someone that runs the corner shop.

"Firefighters are highly trained skilled professionals who are used to making swift decisions in unpredictable situations. They use their training and generic skills, in whatever emergency situation they attend to save lives, while minimising risk to themselves.

"Who is best placed to decide whether or not to attempt a rescue in the very few seconds we have? A rule book as the HSE wants, or a highly-trained, skilled and experienced fire fighter, used to making swift decisions in unpredictable, emergency situations.

"When a mother, relative or other bystander is at the side of a river bank, screaming for the emergency services to do something, do we really expect crews to consult the rule book while precious seconds tick away?"

Mr Metcalf (40) from Whalley Road, Shuttleworth, died after entering Simons Lodge at Holcombe with a rope tied around his waist while trying to save 15-year-old Darul Uloom student Reyaz Ali who also drowned.