An elderly man became stuck in his stairlift, prompting firefighters to carry out a rescue operation.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received the emergency call on Thursday morning, March 26, in connection with a property in Eynsham.

After evaluating the situation and working to resolve it safely, crews used specialist equipment to move him down the stairs, getting him to safety without injury.

According to a fire service spokesperson, the incident demonstrated that firefighters deal with considerably more than just blazes. The spokesperson noted that from household rescues to road traffic collisions or medical emergencies, crews have the training and readiness to handle various situations. The spokesperson added that firefighting is not their sole purpose – they exist to protect communities, minimise hazards, and save lives.

Eynsham Fire Station crews reached the location in under five minutes.

This station is under threat of closure as part of three facilities that could be shut by Oxfordshire County Council, together with stations in Henley and Woodstock.

The county council maintains the proposal would boost operational efficiency, while opponents contend that cutting fire service provision creates serious dangers for public safety.

No final decision has been made, with the Lib Dem cabinet due to rule in the spring following officer recommendations and responses gathered during the consultation that ended earlier this year.