“We aim to ensure all children and young people attending Porto’s schools receive basic life support training. This will greatly benefit their personal development and enhance city safety by increasing life-saving capabilities,” Manuel Pizarro stated during a visit to the Porto Integrated Management Center Fire Brigade Regiment.
The former Health Minister expresses hope for the Fire Brigade’s assistance in “expanding training” in Basic Life Support (BLS), which involves procedures to revive a victim of cardiac arrest until professional help arrives.
During the visit, discussions emerged about increasing the brigade’s personnel from 322 to 400 by 2028, marking its 300th anniversary, alongside calls for improved career progression opportunities.
Pizarro acknowledged the “very important” work often unrecognized by the public carried out by the firefighters.
“These individuals need appreciation, and we must ensure they have good working conditions. If there are unfilled positions in the Fire Brigade’s hierarchy, we must address this as everyone deserves career advancement,” he remarked.
Pizarro believes career progression “motivates better organizational performance and increases job satisfaction for those dedicating much of their lives to ensuring our safety.”
Porto’s mayoral candidates include Manuel Pizarro (PS), Diana Ferreira (CDU – PCP/PEV coalition), Nuno Cardoso (Porto Primeiro – NC/PPM coalition), Pedro Duarte (PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition), Sérgio Aires (BE), current vice-president Filipe Araújo (Fazer à Porto – independent), Guilherme Alexandre Jorge (Volt), Hélder Sousa (Livre), Miguel Corte-Real (Chega), Frederico Duarte Carvalho (ADN), Maria Amélia Costa (PTP), and Luís Tinoco Azevedo (PLS).
The current executive comprises six elected members from Rui Moreira’s movement and an independent councilor, with the remaining positions held by two from the PS, two from the PSD, one from the CDU, and one from the BE.
The municipal elections are scheduled for October 12.
