est feb 2013

February 2013 www.emergencyservicestimes.com Volume 14 | 1

www.emergencyservicest imes.com Emergency Services Times February 2013

ESTCONTENTS | 1

IN EVERY ISSUE Comment 5News 6Events 18People 40Profile 42Company 22, 24, 71, 72ProfilesProducts 74Efficiency Savings 84

IN THIS ISSUEESS2013 20Information regarding The Emergency ServicesShow 2013, which has moved to the NEC andtakes place from 25-26 September. The showwelcomed over 5200 visitors in 2012, an increasein attendance of 18 percent year on year.Currently shortlisted for Best Trade Show at thisyear’s Exhibition News Awards, organisers believevisitors to this year’s show will be delighted withthe content and calibre of exhibitors,demonstrations and additional show features.

Thermal Imaging 27Used predominantly by the fire and rescueservice, thermal imaging cameras (TICs) look setto play a major role in the future of policing. Thisfeature takes a look at the current trend forsupply partnerships, the highly sophisticated kitthat is currently in the marketplace, plus anarticle from Mike O’Mahoney and Mick Cotgravefrom Merseyside FRS and James Morton fromHampshire FRS discuss why TICs have become‘a key element of a safe system of work’.

Interoperability 33Following the launch of JESIP (the JointEmergency Services Interoperability Programme)at the National Interoperability Summit inNovember, JESIP Engagement Manager JoyFlanagan provides an update on the programme,while Fiona Barton QC believes JESIP providesthe perfect platform for emergency services toadopt national frameworks.

Severe Weather 45CFOA National Resilience lead Jon Hall providesanswers as to how the UK would deal with adisaster on the scale of Hurricane Sandy, whichdevastated the east coast of the US last October.The Environment Agency looks at how flood riskmanagement has progressed since the 1953 EastCoast floods and the RNLI reflects on its busiestever year.

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Emergency Services Times February 2013 www.emergencyservicest imes.com

4 | ESTA-Z

Company Name Page No Company Name Page No Company Name Page No Company Name Page No

Company Name Page No Company Name Page No Company Name Page No Company Name Page No

AA SORT ..................................................................54

Argo Vehicles Ltd.....................................................58

Babcock International..............................................34

Balcan Engineering Ltd ..........................................47

British APCO 2013...................................................64

British Red Cross......................................................58

Bullard GmbH ..........................................................32

Cyalume Technologies .............................................77

Draeger Safety UK Ltd............................................11

Environmental Defence Systems Ltd ....................44

Excelerate Technology Ltd................................38, 39

The Fire Service College .........................................21

GenQuip ....................................................................68

Getac UK Ltd ...........................................................73

Goliath Footwear Ltd (YDS Boots) .................17, 19

Haagen Fire Training Products ..............................68

ISG Infrasys .......................................................FC, 23

Land Rover .............................................................2, 3

Ledco Ltd..................................................................74

Life Connections 2013 ..........................................IBC

Lyon Equipment Limited .......................................28

MFC Survival Ltd....................................................54

MTF Training Consultants .....................................50

North Fire PLC ........................................................26

Peli Products (UK) Ltd ...........................................50

Pickup Systems Ltd .................................................67

Primetech UK Ltd .............................................15, 16

Rescue 3 .....................................................................83

Rigiflex Boats UK Ltd.............................................56

RSG Engineering Limited ......................................73

RUD Chains Ltd ......................................................50

Ruth Lee Ltd ............................................................56

Safequip .....................................................................54

Scott Safety................................................................31

SP Services (UK) Ltd ..........................................OBC

Specialist Vehicle Trading .......................................56

Strongs Plastic Products ..........................................60

Tactical Ventilation Solutions Limited..................58

Thomas Jacks Ltd ....................................................28

Tim Welsh Enterprises ............................................37

TOYOBO CO LTD..................................................63

University of Leicester.............................................79

University of Wolverhampton ................................83

Vauxhall Special Vehicles ........................................13

Vimpex Limited ................................................FC, 23

VW Commercial ....................................................IFC

World Congress of Disaster and Emergency Medicine .............................................9

Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show..............78

Zodiac Milpro UK.....................................................Ω

Advert isers

CompaniesAA SORT...................................................................70

Allbatteries UK Ltd .................................................25

Anoto..........................................................................14

Argo Vehicles Ltd .....................................................14

Arqiva.........................................................................14

Association of Air Ambulances...............................22

Association of Ambulance Chief Executives .........35

Association of Chief Police Officers .......................35

Avon Fire and Rescue Service...............................7, 8

Babcock International ................................................7

Balcan Engineering ..................................................62

Bay Search & Rescue ..................................................8

Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team...............................20

Bluelite Graphics Ltd.................................................7

Bristol Uniforms.................................................21, 80

British Red Cross..................................................8, 55

Broadwood International.........................................61

Bullard GmbH ..........................................................30

Cabinet Office ...........................................................42

Capita Plc.....................................................................8

CEGA Air Ambulance .............................................14

CFOA National Resilience ................................42, 61

CFOA Services Ltd ..................................................35

Chief Fire Officers’ Association..................35, 40, 61

Citroen .........................................................................8

Civil Contingencies Secretariat.........................35, 46

Cleveland Police..........................................................8

College of Emergency Medicine Scotland ...............6

College of Policing ......................................................7

Constructing West Midlands...................................84

Cool Logistics............................................................14

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service ....................10, 82

Cumbria Constabulary .........................................6, 14

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.............................8

Cyalume Technologies..............................................79

Department for Transport........................................15

Department of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentNorthern Ireland ..................................................57

Devon and Cornwall Police .....................................46

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.........................................6, 7, 40, 52

The Dog Unit ..............................................................7

Dr Martens ................................................................81

Draeger Safety UK Ltd........................................6, 77

e2v...............................................................................21

East Midlands Ambulance Service .........................10

East of England Ambulance Service...............6, 8, 40

Emergency Services Research Unit ........................71

The Emergency Services Show ..............................20

Environment Agency.................12, 29, 48, 49, 51, 57

Environmental Defence Systems Ltd ....................59

Evac+Chair International .......................................10

Excelerate Technology........................................21, 42

FCS.............................................................................14

The Fire Service College..........................................17

Fortek Computers.......................................................8

Frequentis..................................................................10

G4S ...............................................................................6

Getac UK ...................................................................80

Gloucestershire Constabulary .................................40

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service ...............82

Goliath Footwear Ltd...............................................10

Great Western Ambulance Service ...........................8

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service........12

Greater Manchester Police.......................................41

Hampshire Constabulary .....................................7, 12

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.......................27

Health and Safety Executive....................................46

Health Protection Agency ...................................7, 41

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.......................................................30

Highways Agency .....................................................15

Home Office ................................................................6

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.....................20

Ikanos Consulting.....................................................80

Independent Ambulance Association ....................40

Institute of Civil Protection and Emergency Management .......................................6

Intergraph..................................................................10

ISG Infrasys...............................................................24

Isle of Wight NHS Trust ..........................................12

Jaguar .........................................................................21

Kent Fire and Rescue Service .................................14

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.......................41

Land Rover................................................................21

Leatherman ...............................................................80

Ledco Ltd ..................................................................74

Lincolnshire Police ....................................................6

London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority ................................................7

London Fire Brigade................................................35

London Resilience Forum.......................................35

London’s Air Ambulance ........................................40

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service ......41

Maritime and Coastguard Agency ..........................61

Mercedes-Benz UK ..................................................21

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.................10, 27

Met Office......................................................49, 51, 57

Metropolitan Police ..............................................6, 41

MFC Survival............................................................70

Monitor ........................................................................8

Multitone ...................................................................12

National Flood Forum .............................................66

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service ......................12, 61

North East Ambulance Service .................................8

North Fire PLC ..................................................21, 29

Northamptonshire Police ........................................40

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service ............71

Nottinghamshire Police ...........................................10

PageOne Communications ................................14, 81

Peli Products (UK) Ltd......................................69, 81

Perry McGee’s National Tracking School..............72

Physio Control ..........................................................21

Police Service of Northern Ireland .........................14

Primetech UK Ltd ...................................6, 14, 21, 82

Ramora UK .................................................................7

Rescue 3 Europe........................................................66

Rigiflex Boats UK.....................................................70

RNLI..............................................................10, 52, 61

Royal College of Nursing .........................................10

Royal Life Saving Society UK ................................46

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents........6

RUD Chains Ltd.......................................................49

Ruth Lee Ltd.............................................................82

Safequip .....................................................................49

Scott Safety ..........................................................30, 81

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency..........57

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service ........................7, 41

Sniffer Dogs UK and International..........................6

South Central Ambulance Service ..........................40

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.....................41

South Western Ambulance Service.....................8, 10

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service ........12, 40

SP Services...........................................................21, 62

Specialist Vehicle Trading........................................69

Staffordshire Police ..................................................40

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue....................................41

Suffolk Police ............................................................41

Sunrise Software .........................................................8

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service...............................82

Tactical Ventilation Solutions Limited ..................25

Tayside Fire and Rescue.......................................7, 41

telent...........................................................................10

Tetra Tab ....................................................................10

Thames Ambulance Service ....................................40

Thames Valley Police ...............................................41

Thomas Jacks Ltd.....................................................29

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service ..........12, 76

UK Power Networks ................................................51

University of Derby Buxton ....................................40

Vibram .......................................................................80

Victoria Country Fire Authority.............................42

Vimpex Limited........................................................24

Wessex 4x4 Response................................................55

West Midlands Ambulance Service ..................10, 40

West Midlands Fire Service...........................8, 41, 84

West Midlands Police ...............................................84

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service..........12, 41

West Yorkshire Police...............................................41

WL Gore & Associates .............................................81


ESTCOMMENT | 5

Working together, saving livesWords: DCC Craig Denholm, Senior Responsible Officer for JESIP

Thankfully, major and complex incidents do not happen veryoften. But when they do we need to ensure that we have themost efficient, effective and, most importantly, a joined-upresponse that is possible.

How the emergency services operate together has comeunder some intense public scrutiny following the findingsfrom a number of recent major incident reviews. The London2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games brought about a veryhigh profile opportunity to test how they could better worktogether.

All of the training, preparation and hard work paid off asthe country staged an event, which provided one of the largestnational security challenges the UK has seen for many years.The emergency services and other multi-agency partners putin a huge amount of hard work, dedication, time andattention, working in collaboration with resounding success.

“The most important task will,of course, be the delivery andimplementation of guidance,

training and exercising toensure that interoperability isembedded within the Police,

Fire and Rescue andAmbulance Services for years

to come.”Ref: Letter from The Rt Hon Theresa May MP,

The Rt Hon Francis Maude MP, The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Brandon Lewis MP to

JESIP Strategic Leads 13 February 2013

In the summer of 2012 the Joint Emergency ServicesInteroperability Programme (JESIP) was initiated. It is aprogramme that aims to collate best practice from currentinteroperability projects and collaborations taking place acrossthe UK right now. It looks to ensure we can reflect and learnlessons from past incidents while finding ways to ensure ouremergency services can operate better together when dealingwith major or complex incidents.

Sponsorship of the programme has come directly from theHome Office. It also has wider ministerial support and hasfull sign-up from the three professional associations.

Ambitious programmeWith the programme team now in place, JESIP is set to

embark on an ambitious programme of work over the next 20 months.

It is without doubt, a very ambitious programme. Not leastbecause of the different cultures that exist between and withinthe emergency services. Disparate governance models for eachemergency service still exist and all this amidst some of the

deepest public sector cuts the UK has ever seen. However, asthe core values for all emergency services are to save lives andreduce injuries, it is widely accepted that it is imperativelessons must be learnt from past incidents and, whereimprovements are needed, we must act.

JESIP is not about the merging or blending of emergencyservices. It will recognise and respect the differences of eachemergency service and it will look to ensure that we do all wecan to address the challenges that have been laid at our door.

Some may have concerns about what can be delivered insuch a short time and what the programme aims to deliver.Nevertheless, it has already been identified that in manyinstances, some of the very issues we are seeking to addressnationally have already been solved at a local or regional level.This programme is about being clear in regard to the issueswe need to solve. It is about harnessing the good work alreadytaking place while breaking down any barriers preventingchange that will ultimately achieve true interoperability.

JESIP launchJESIP was launched at the first Interoperability Summit in

November 2012, held in parallel to The Emergency ServicesShow 2012. For those who didn’t make the summit, you canread an overview of the programme, summarising theworkstreams and what they will deliver as well as introducingthe team, on page 35.

We know there are many people and organisations that willbe affected by the work of JESIP. We have had to movequickly and that may mean we have some catching up to doin terms of communicating and liaising with many of theprogramme’s stakeholders.

We will be addressing this over the coming weeks andmonths with regular updates here in Emergency ServicesTimes. We also aim to inform all stakeholders withinformation distributed via the professional bodies as well asthrough our own website.

With only 20 months to go, the pressure is on and we aim tomake every month count!www.jesip.org.uk

ISSN 1472-1090

Date: February 2013

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6 | ESTNEWS

Cumbria Constabulary’s Dog Sectionhas received nine new StreamlightStinger LED torches thanks to a kinddonation from the charity SnifferDogs UK and International (SDUKI).The charity, which is the brainchild ofMaggie Gwynne from Hampshire, in2011 donated funding for a newpolice dog, Leo, for the force and heis now an integral part of the team.www.sduki.comwww.cumbria.police.uk

Draeger Safety UK Ltd has receivedthe first Home Office approval for adrug detection kit, which will be usedby police forces across the UK. TheDräger DrugTest 5000 will be used inpolice stations to detect cannabis. A positive saliva test with the newdevice means officers will no longerhave to call a doctor before asking fora blood sample if they suspect adriver of being on drugs.www.draeger.com

The Royal Society for the Preventionof Accidents (RoSPA) has presentedDevon and Somerset Fire and RescueService with a Diamond award – thehighest level in the accidentprevention charity’s Quality SafetyAudit (QSA) award scheme – afterthe service reduced the number ofinjuries to firefighters and other staffby nearly 40 percent in three years.An improvement programmelaunched on the back ofrecommendations by RoSPA led tostaff injuries dropping from 216during the 2009/10 to 136 in2011/12 – a fall of 80 casualties (37 percent).www.rospa.com

The East of England AmbulanceService NHS Trust (EEAST) hasgained accreditation from theInstitute of Civil Protection andEmergency Management (ICPEM) forits resilience training courses. Theassessment process, which hastaken place since November 2012,involved mapping all of the coursesto the Skills for Justice standards and the new Department of Health EPRR standards.www.eastamb.nhs.uk

Following a rigorous review processthe Police and Crime Commissionersand Chief Constables forBedfordshire, Cambridgeshire andHertfordshire have agreed not toproceed with further work exploringthe Lincolnshire Police outsourcingframework, with G4S as the supplier,for the delivery of the three forces’Organisational Support services. Thedecision was taken at a meeting heldat Welwyn Garden City on 29 January.www.bedfordshire.pcc.police.uk

Met Police’s ICTstrategy comesunder reviewThe London Assembly’s Budget andPerformance Committee has launcheda review of the Metropolitan Police’stechnology strategy and how it canfind technology savings of £42m in2014-15 and £60m in 2015-16.

This year, the Met plans to roll outalmost 30,000 new mobile devices toofficers across London. The commit-tee will explore how the force plansto use the new equipment to cut theamount of time officers spend onpaperwork and allow them to spendmore time on the beat. It will alsoexamine the Met’s plans to make sig-nificant savings by renegotiating orcancelling its ICT support contracts.The Met currently spends around£325m a year on technology, ofwhich over a third is tied up in a dealwith Capgemini that is due to end in2015.

John Biggs AM, Chair of the Budgetand Performance Committee, said,“The Met is facing budget cuts of 20percent over the next three yearsand it is inevitable that technologyspending is going to feel the squeeze,but it is clearly also the case that judi-cious investment in technology couldimprove productivity and be an aid tochange.

“Whether it’s backroom ICT sup-port or the use of innovative newdevices like smartphones or fingerprintscanners, the Met will need to ensurethat it’s getting the best value formoney.

“We all know that big IT projectsoften have a habit of getting out ofcontrol and falling victim to unforeseenglitches, compatibility problems andballooning costs. Our review is allabout ensuring that the Met avoidsthe pitfalls and gets the most out ofthe technology budget, because atthe end of the day, better deals andsmarter systems could mean a moreefficient police force and more officersout on the streets.”

The committee held the first oftwo public meetings in March toquestion academics and industryexperts about best practice, includingissues like major ICT contracts andthe roll-out of smartphones andtablets. Representatives from theMetropolitan Police Service and theMayor’s Office for Policing and Crimewill be questioned at a second meetingin June, following the publication ofthe Met’s technology strategy in thespring.www.met.police.uk

Over £50m will be invested over thenext three years to transform emer-gency and urgent health care servicesacross Scotland. The plans will: changethe way that people are seen whenthey are admitted to hospital tomake sure that they are treated asfast as possible; look at how staffwork so that people can leave hospitalas soon as they are ready; andimprove links with other areas ofhealthcare so that support is in placefor people to be treated in the com-munity if possible. With the invest-ment, health boards will increase thenumber of frontline staff and introducemore flexible hours, develop projectsthat offer options to be treated athome and offer separate facilities forminor injuries beside or close to theEmergency Department.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said,“We are seeing more people thanever before coming to hospital asemergency admissions due to theageing population. We also knowthat the majority of people who go

to A&E don’t need to be there andcould get more appropriate treatmentsomewhere else – such as a minorinjuries clinic.

“That’s why we have looked at thewhole system and developed thisaction plan to improve how quicklypeople are seen in our hospitals, whotreats them and how quickly we canget them back on their feet at home.

“Emergency and urgent care is oneof the great success stories of theNHS in Scotland, whether respondingto the anxious concerns of parentsabout their child, looking after anelderly person who has had a fall, ordealing with a major traffic accident.We are making sure these servicesare fit for the future.”

Dr Jason Long, Chair of the Collegeof Emergency Medicine Scotland,said, “This is an important initiativethat will improve emergency medicineacross Scotland, and we welcomethe opportunity to collaborate onthis initiative.”www.scotland.gov.uk

£50m investment in emergencymedicine across Scotland

Technology expert, Primetech, isnow an authorised supplier andinstaller of the innovative coldcut™COBRA cutting extinguisher system,which is revolutionising the way thatfires are tackled in more than 30countries.

Installed in all forms of fire responsevehicles, from small vans to speciallybuilt rescue services trucks, COBRAoffers a safer and faster means ofputting out fires by firing a water jetthrough walls. Henry Walker, Directorof Primetech, explains, “By installingCOBRA into smaller and faster vehi-cles, we can provide our fire serviceclients with a unique extension to ourrapid response technology offering.

“We have a reputation for providingpioneering technology and COBRAis a natural addition for us. Fireservices that are currently consideringCOBRA from an embedded opera-tional perspective will be able to takeadvantage of our Evaluation andTraining programme, which includeslow risk access to a fully operationalrapid response COBRA unit.

“Our specialist understanding ofthis market, the relationships that wehave built with our extensive clientbase stands testament to our consis-tently high standards of customersupport and a confidence in ourproduct offering.” www.primetech.co.uk

Cutting edge technology fromPrimetech aids rapid response


ESTNEWS | 7

Bomb disposal expert Ramora UKhas formed a strategic partnershipwith dog search company The DogUnit, to provide its clients with a‘complete package’ of specialistservices alongside its emergencyresponse capability. The Dog Unit alsoprovides specialist training and highlyexperienced instructors, accredited bythe National Association of SecurityDog Users.www.ramorauk.comwww.thedogunit.com

The ‘Case studies, Exercises,LEarning, Surveys and Training acrossEurope (CELESTE)’ consortium, led bythe Health Protection Agency (HPA),has been awarded the MultipleFramework Contract for ‘Scripting,planning, conduction and evaluationof exercises, training and assessmentimplementing the draft Decision oncross-border threats to health’. Thecontract, which is signed between theHPA and the European ExecutiveAgency for Health and Consumers(acting under the mandate given bythe European Commission(Directorate – General for Health andConsumers, DG SANCO)), is for threeyears, with one possible extension forone more year, up to the maximumduration of four years and is worth amaximum of €6m for the wholeduration (including the possibleextension). www.hpa.org.uk

A £2m training facility has openedat Kingsway East Fire Station inDundee that will allow firefightersacross Tayside to train for a numberof incident types. The new facility willallow the firefighters based at thestation to train for a number ofdifferent scenarios without the needto travel large distances to findsuitable locations. The centre willalso form part of the nationalapproach to rope rescue training,along with two other locations inScotland, when the Scottish Fire andRescue Services merge in April 2013.The new building also providesimproved accommodation for thestation personnel.www.taysidefire.gov.uk

Babcock International Group hasbeen awarded a contract with LondonFire and Emergency PlanningAuthority (LFEPA) to manage andmaintain their fleet of over 500vehicles and 50,000 pieces ofequipment, located across its 113stations. The contract, whichcommenced in November 2012, willrun over an 18-month interim periodduring which LFEPA will be running afull competition for the services.www.london-fire.gov.ukwww.babcockinternational.com

Fire and rescueservices explorecollaborationIn response to the challenges faced byreduced budgets, Avon Fire andRescue Service and Devon and Som-erset Fire and Rescue Service havebegun talks to see if there are waysthey can work together.

Councillor Terry Walker, Chair ofAvon Fire and Rescue Service, waskeen to point out that these talks areat their earliest stages. He said, “Duringthese challenging times we cannot ruleout new ways of working to help meetour reduced budgets, whilst aiming tomaintain the much valued service weprovide to the public. Our initial talkswith Devon and Somerset will lookinto how we work together.”

The initial talks will look to exploreall ways of working from potentiallysharing supporting functions to thepossibility of a full merger.

Councillor Mark Healey, Chairmanof Devon and Somerset Fire and Res-cue Authority, was keen to stress thatany developments considered wouldneed to have tangible benefits for localpeople. He said, “Working with AvonFire and Rescue Service could providereal opportunities for improving publicsafety. We recognise that the fire andrescue service has to change and, likeothers, face an uncertain financialfuture. The Government direction isclear and our times of austerity arenot behind us. Working with anotherfire and rescue service may helpreduce our costs, whilst continuingour aim to improve or maintain publicsafety.”www.dsfire.gov.uk

As the first national body to focussolely on strengthening professionalismin the police service, the College ofPolicing, which opened its doors on4 February, will be an inclusive organ-isation and its membership will includeall police officers, staff, specials andvolunteers.

Chief Constable Alex Marshall, for-merly of Hampshire Constabulary, isthe new Chief Executive of thecollege. He said, “On behalf of thepublic and the profession we will setand maintain the highest professionalstandards. The police hold intrusivepowers to allow them to protect thepublic. The public expect such powersto be used wisely and proportionatelyby people who are skilled professionalswith high levels of integrity.

“Our mission is to ensure thateverything we do equips everyone inpolicing with the right tools, skills andknowledge to reduce crime and pro-tect the public.

“We will work closely with policeforces and universities to ensure thatall forces and Police and Crime Com-missioners have access to the bestevidence available for effective inter-ventions, and that we remove unnec-essary bureaucracy. We will work tofind the best ways to deliver policingin an age of austerity and support thedevelopment of an evidence-basedprofession.

“Today is just the start of thejourney for the college. We are nowstarting a transformation programme,which will be driven by our membersto ensure that our work can best

serve the needs of the public and allin the policing service.”

Welcoming the launch, Policing Min-ister Damian Green said, “The Collegeof Policing will help forge a force fitfor the 21st Century, setting andmaintaining new standards that willbuild on the professionalism of policeofficers, ensuring they remain amongthe best in the world.

“Under the strong leadership ofAlex Marshall, it will promote thehighest standards of integrity andethics so important to public trust.

“Crucially it will be independent ofgovernment, with officers from allranks having a direct say in their train-ing and development.”www.college.police.uk

College of Policing open andready for business

Policing Minister Damian Green.

West Sussex-based Bluelite GraphicsLtd has been awarded ISO 14001certification following an assessmentby independent assessors, QMS Inter-national plc. Bluelite joins an elitegroup of less than one percent of UKbusinesses that have achieved thiscertification, an award that is sup-ported by the Government andrecognised worldwide.

Bluelite Graphics supplies high visi-bility livery and markings to theemergency services and has devel-oped a reputation for quality, innova-tion and customer support. Thecompany continuously invests in tech-nology, operating the latest digitalcutting and printing machinery fromits modern, spacious facility.

Lorraine Avery, General Managerof Bluelite Graphics, said, “I’m delighted

that we have achieved this award,which will sit comfortably alongsideour existing ISO 9001 and BS 8555accreditations – it further confirmsthat our service really is quality assuredand meets rigorous environmentalstandards. We are proud of theservice we offer our clients and the

way that we conduct our business inan environmentally friendly manner;with the award of ISO 14001 certifi-cation, this has been confirmed byoutside experts who are used tojudging standards on a daily basis in awide variety of trades and industries.”www.bluelite.co.uk

Livery supplier wins environmental award


8 | ESTNEWS

Monitor, the regulator of NHSfoundation trusts, has authorisedWest Midlands Ambulance Service(WMAS) to become an NHSFoundation Trust. The trust is the fifthambulance service (of 11) to achieveNHS Foundation Trust status andbecomes the 145th NHS FoundationTrust of all types (acute, mentalhealth, ambulance, community).www.wmas.nhs.uk

As part of a 12-month trial, AvonFire and Rescue Service (AF&RS)staff are using two Citroen C Zeroelectric cars in a bid by the service tobecome greener and cleaner. Twocharging points have been installedat the front of the AF&RSheadquarters in Bristol. Last yearAF&RS became one of nine localorganisations to win a 2012 West ofEngland Carbon Champions Award.The service was singled out for itssite energy metering, boilerreplacement, improved heatingcontrols and pool car system. Theservice has also been looking at howto reduce the movement and impactof fire appliances, which are theheaviest fuel consumers.www.avonfire.gov.uk

Two rescue services have joinedforces to provide additional water,wildfire and cold weather emergencycapability. Cumbria Fire and RescueService and Bay Search & Rescuehave teamed up to base a trackedHagglund BV206 all-terrain vehicle atCumbria’s new fire headquarters inPenrith. The Hagglund can be used tocarry out rescues and transport up to18 personnel or six plus two tonnesof equipment in different weatherconditions and on a variety ofsurfaces, such as ice, mud, snow and water.www.baysearchandrescue.org.uk

UK-headquartered servicemanagement company SunriseSoftware has announced that FortekComputers, part of Capita Plc, hasselected its Sostenuto Service Desksoftware. Capita Fortek is using thesoftware for first and second linesupport, managing calls fromcustomers, all of whom rely upon itssoftware to provide the mostappropriate and fastest response toemergency calls. Since implementingSostenuto, the division has seenimproved administration efficienciesand productivity by automatingmanual processes, as well asimproving customer service through anew customer service portal.www.sunrisesoftware.co.ukwww.fortek.co.ukwww.capita.co.uk

The British Red Cross has formed aunique partnership with their col-leagues from The East of EnglandAmbulance Service (EEAST). At aspecial presentation evening held atthe trust’s Melbourn Ambulance Sta-tion in Cambridgeshire, both agenciessigned the official agreement in this first of its kind initiative in thecountry.

The partnership will see the BritishRed Cross provide a trained SORTteam (Special Operations ResponseTeam) which can be called upon intimes of major emergencies, such asa chemical or hazardous contamina-tion incident, to support the ambu-lance service at the scene.

Robert Flute, East of England Ambu-lance Service (EEAST) Head ofResilience and Special Operations,said, “EEAST has established a SpecialOperations Response Team (SORT)

made up of specifically trained per-sonnel to deal with specialist functionsand logistical needs at major, mass orcatastrophic incidents. The main func-tions of the team are to respond atshort or timely notice, to delivervehicles to site of any incident, todeliver specialist equipment to site ofany incident, and to set up andoperate the equipment.”

Robert added, “This joint workinginitiative greatly assists the SORTresponse, and gives both parties theopportunity to broaden their experi-ence of multi-agency working and togain a greater understanding of eachother’s roles and responsibilities. Webelieve this is a first of its kind projectand following the pilot training course,hope to role this out to othervoluntary agencies and potentiallyoffer it nationwide.”www.eastamb.nhs.uk

British Red Cross SORT deal withEast of England Ambulance Service

The North East Ambulance Service(NEAS) has awarded Sinclair Voiceneta major contract to supply and installa NICE IEX Workforce Managementsystem. The new solution will bedeployed at three contact centresacross the North East of Englandwhere 300 agents handle over 1.5million calls every year. It will allowreal-time scheduling of staff andresources to reduce the reliance onovertime working and enhance the

operational efficiency of the service.Tom Howard, Head of Contact

Centres for NEAS, said, “The NICEsystem will automate existing spread-sheet-based planning processes withinthe contact centre and replace theGRS (Global Rostering System) tooltraditionally utilised by ambulanceservices. This will deliver significantcost savings, allowing us to make further investments in future strategies.”

NEAS is known as being one of themost innovative ambulance servicesand played a leading role in the devel-opment and piloting of the NHS 111non-emergency number service. Ithas recently won a £45m contract toroll out this service across the North East.www.sinclairvoicenet.co.uk

Workforce management systemenhances operational efficiency

Cleveland Police is changing the wayit operates to accommodate financialcuts to the force, which will have 300fewer police officers by 2014.

The force’s new structure will com-prise four functional commands:Neighbourhood Policing (dedicatedto geographic-based policing and ledby Chief Superintendent GordonLang); Crime and Justice (investigatingmajor crime, protecting vulnerablepeople, investigating serious andorganised crime and dealing withcriminal justice matters, led by ChiefSuperintendent Darren Best); Oper-ations (delivering response policing(incident resolution teams), roadspolicing and specialist support forexample armed officers and dogunits, led by T/Chief SuperintendentGlenn Gudgeon); and Tasking andCoordination (coordinating all forceresources to ensure efficient andeffective deployment, led by ChiefSuperintendent Ciaron Irvine).

There will be a phased implemen-tation of the model, which is due tobe completed by March 2014. www.cleveland.police.uk

ClevelandPolice unveilsnew structure

Following its acquisition of neigh-bouring Great Western AmbulanceService (GWAS), the enlarged SouthWestern Ambulance Service NHSFoundation Trust (SWASFT) cameinto existence on 1 February. Thenew single ambulance service servingthe entire south-west of England willdeliver emergency care to more than2000 patients a day.

In addition to Devon, Dorset, Som-erset, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly,the area covered by SWASFT nowincludes Gloucestershire, Wiltshireand the former Avon. Ken Wenman,Chief Executive of SWASFT, said,“With a larger workforce, we havegreater resilience and flexibility tomeet the challenges in healthcare inthe months and years ahead. Also,we are better able to invest in cut-ting-edge treatment and research,and to continue to train our staff tobetter care for patients in the out-of-hospital environment. With an annualturnover of £210m, we can benefitfrom greater economies of scale toobtain better value in buying medicalequipment and emergency vehicles.”www.gwas.nhs.uk

Single servicefor south west


10 | ESTNEWS

Birmingham-based Evac+ChairInternational, has become the mainUK distributor for CardiAid AutomatedExternal Defibrillators (AEDs). Thelife-saving device, manufactured inthe Netherlands, is designedspecifically for public access use toprovide essential electroshocktreatment and first aid in the event ofan emergency. The AED providescomprehensive assistance by talkingthe user through the life-savingactions needed in an easy, step-by-step manner, helping to improve theoverall chances of survival andrecovery. www.evacchair.co.uk

telent, Intergraph and Frequentishave announced a partnership thatprovides a comprehensive mobilisingsolution for the UK fire market. Byoffering a standardised, coordinatedframework for products,implementation and services, thepartnership aims to lower risk,compress project schedules and offerbetter value for fire customers. Thepartnership will draw on best-in-class technology and extensivemarket experience, and carry forwardinsight gained during the developmentof FiReControl.www.telent.comwww.intergraph.co.ukwww.frequentis.com

A Joint Learning Agreement has beensigned between East MidlandsAmbulance Service (EMAS), Unison,GMB and Royal College of Nursing(RCN) to support staff with theircontinued learning and development.The agreement outlines the jointcommitment to work together to helpsource and signpost members tolearning opportunities of interest andrelevance to them, including work orpersonal interests to help frontlinecrews in their day-to-day experiencewhile also aid towards a betterpatient experience.www.emas.nhs.uk

West Midlands Ambulance Servicehas been awarded the PatientTransport Service (PTS) contract forBlack Country Partnership FoundationTrust (BCPFT). PTS staff will carry outapproximately 17,000 non-emergencyjourneys per year helping patients inthe Black Country (Sandwell, Dudley,Walsall, Wolverhampton) and SouthStaffordshire get to theirappointments. A number of staff fromArriva, the former PTS provider forthe area, will be transferring to workfor WMAS ensuring a smoothtransition of services.www.wmas.nhs.uk

Regional fire bootdeal for YDSGoliath Footwear Ltd has been award-ed a framework contract by MerseysideFire and Rescue Service on behalf ofNorth West Fire and Rescue Servicesto supply YDS CROSSTECH® Fireboots. YDS is Europe’s largest manu-facturer of police and military footwearand owns Goliath Footwear in the UK.

The framework agreement, wortharound £620,000, will make YDSleather firefighter boots available tofire and rescue services in the region,such as Merseyside, Greater Man-chester, Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire,Northern Ireland, Isle of Man Fire andRescue Services and Liverpool Airportfire crews.

The region has selected the ‘Pluto’fire boot, which features a dual densityinjected rubber sole technology. Thou-sands of YDS Pluto fire boots arebeing stocked in the Goliath Footweardistribution centre in West Yorkshireready to service the North Westregion for the duration of the three-year (plus one optional year) contract.www.ydsboots.com

PlutoCROSSTECH®

fire boot.

RNLI gets go ahead to build all-weather lifeboatsThe RNLI received planningpermission in January from theBorough of Poole allowing thecharity to build a facility at itsPoole headquarters in Dorset to bring all-weatherlifeboat production in-house.This secures the future of all-weather lifeboat productionand maintenance for the life-saving charity.

An All-weather Lifeboat Cen-tre, to be built on land already ownedby the RNLI, will save millions ofpounds each year, as well as create90 new jobs in Poole. The project isestimated to cost £11.2m but, onceup and running, will save the charity£3.7m every year. Taking into accountthe timeline towards full productionand maintenance, the centre is expect-ed to pay for itself in less than 10years.

The RNLI successfully producesinshore lifeboats at the charity’sInshore Lifeboat Centre on the Isle ofWight; this operation will continue.Additionally the RNLI already designsits own all-weather lifeboats; producesthe hulls in-house; and successfullyoperates an all-weather lifeboat main-tenance centre at RNLI HQ. Thisproject is a logical next step for thecharity.

RNLI Chief Executive PaulBoissier said, “Our vision is todevelop a British centre of engi-neering excellence in Poole.The new centre will revolu-tionise our lifeboat constructionand maintenance programme,bringing every stage of the pro-duction process under one roof.This will ensure we are fullyequipped to build the newgeneration of 25-knot lifeboats

allowing our crews to continue tosave lives for many years to come.”

The All-weather Lifeboat Centrewill see its first phase of operations,including all-weather lifeboat refitand overhaul, beginning by Spring2014; and all-weather lifeboat hulland deck moulding moving acrossfrom RNLI SAR Composites inLymington by 2019.www.dcci.co.uk

Photo: RNLI

Ambulances as well as fire applianceswill soon be dispatched from Calling-ton Community Fire Station, followinga partnership between Cornwall Fireand Rescue Service (CFRS) and SouthWestern Ambulance Service NHSFoundation Trust (SWAST).

With the nearest ambulance stationsat Liskeard and Saltash, SWAST werelooking for a permanent base forambulance crews covering the Call-ington area and approached the fireand rescue service about using itsfacilities. Recognising the benefits tothe local community, CFRS were

happy to help. “Joint working in thisway improves the service we provideby linking resources to risk anddelivers efficiencies whilst maintainingand improving frontline services,”said Paul Walker, Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Cornwall Fire andRescue Service.

“This partnership really supportsour service mission of ‘Workingtogether to make Cornwall safer’and provides an opportunity forshared training and effective use ofcommunity facilities.”www.cornwall.gov.uk

Fire and ambulance servicesteam up in Cornwall

Notts Police to fully mobiliseresponse fleet Nottinghamshire is to become thefirst police force in the midlands andone of the first nationally to fullymobilise response officers by installingportable computers in vehicles.

TetraTab in-car laptops will be fittedto the dashboards of every Notting-hamshire Police response car to pro-vide officers with the same computeraccess as in an office. Each device willhave full Wi-Fi connection and willprovide access to all force systemsand network drives allowing officersto complete administrative tasks fromtheir vehicles rather than returningto the station.

Assistant Chief Constable Sue Fish,who is leading the project, said, “The

better equipped we can make ourofficers whilst out on patrol in thecommunity, the better service theywill be able to provide to the public.The TetraTab provides them with aportable office in their vehicle, whichwill mean faster and more efficientinvestigations and enquiries at thescenes of incidents.”

Building on the benefits of theBlackBerry, the in-car systems willallow officers access to additionalforce intelligence systems such asFootwear Intel and Red Card. Thiswill reduce dependency on thecontrol room, freeing up their timeto deal with emergency calls. www.nottinghamshire.police.uk


12 | ESTNEWS

South Yorkshire and West Yorkshirefire and rescue authorities haveselected Systel as the preferredsupplier of their new command andcontrol system. The £3m contract ispart of a major collaboration betweenthe two authorities, which is mostlyfunded by a Government grant. Thenew contract will provide the twoauthorities with ongoing service andmaintenance savings of £400,000 peryear in total. The new equipment toreceive 999 calls and mobiliseemergency vehicles will be fullyoperational in 2014.www.systel-fr.comwww.syfire.gov.ukwww.westyorksfire.gov.uk

A Technical Response Unit (TRU) isbeing created to provide enhancedskills during emergency incidents inGreater Manchester. Changing risks insociety mean that GreaterManchester Fire and Rescue Service(GMFRS) is being used to deal withmore bariatric rescues, terroristthreats, rescues from height,collapsed building search and rescueoperations, body recovery and trenchrescue than ever before. WhileGMFRS has always had specialistequipment, existing capabilities havelimitations. The TRU will providespecialist response while still beingavailable for life-risk incidents,including fire and road trafficcollisions. The new unit is scheduledto be operational before the end ofMarch 2014.www.manchesterfire.gov.uk

Hampshire Constabulary and theIsle of Wight NHS Trust are workingmore closely together to manageincidents involving vulnerablemembers of the public who mayrequire specialist support or wherethere are concerns for their safety.The aim of the six-month pilotscheme, called Operation Serenity, isto provide adequate and accurateresponse to persons in crisis andreduce the time spent dealing withincidents by supplying a better initialdiagnosis. It also offers both officersand NHS staff the opportunity tobenefit from cross over training,spotting early warning signs and todevelop an understanding of thechallenges faced by each agency.www.hampshire.police.uk

Broden Media, publisher ofEmergency Services Times magazineand organiser of The EmergencyServices Show, has been shortlistedfor Best Trade Show at this year’sExhibition News Awards. The winnerwill be announced at a ceremony atLancaster London on 10 April.www.exhibitionnews.co.uk/enawards

Communication with retained crewsis an essential facet of Norfolk Fire andRescue Service’s ability to handleemergency situations. Having previ-ously used the same pager system for20 years, Norfolk FRS was looking toreplace the systems at each stationwith a modern, highly adaptive andequally reliable replacement that wouldbe easy for users to adopt.

Having already successfully reliedupon Multitone systems for theretained firefighter notification facility,and with an excellent tender bid,Norfolk FRS contacted the companyto specify and design a replacementfor the previous system. Peter Eborall,Account Manager at Multitone, said,“Multitone’s pager system had proven

its worth over 20 years of reliable ser-vice but Norfolk Fire and Rescue Ser-vice was ready to upgrade to thelatest version of our Alerter system.We have had a strong, ongoing rela-tionship with the service so alreadyhad an excellent working knowledgeof its challenges and communicationsneeds, which meant we were ideallyplaced to work with them to designand install a replacement.”

Helen Lambard, of the ICT Projectsteam at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Ser-vice, said, “The solution is importantfor the retained crews, as they relyupon it to summon them to a job. Ini-tially our key criteria were the qualityof the system, maintenance and sup-port provision.

“However once we looked closer,the whole-of-life costs and affordabilityof the products and services, as wellas the ability to meet timescales withproject support and planning, werealso key considerations.

“Working with a familiar productmeant minimum training was requiredfor the station crews and the ability tocontinue business as usual quickly wasvery welcome. There was a very lowlevel of disruption, which is highlyimportant for an organisation thatdeals with critical situations. The com-ments from users were also very pos-itive – there was a great appreciationfor the smooth changeover and min-imal upheaval for the staff involved.”www.multitone.com

Pager system upgrade for Norfolk’s retained fire crews

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Ser-vice (TWFRS) has taken delivery ofnew equipment to support itsresponse to environmental incidents– thanks to a partnership with theEnvironment Agency. The agencyhas funded a range of specialist equip-ment, which will be carried on thefire and rescue service’s specialistHazmat unit.

The new equipment will enhancethe service’s ability to respond to avariety of environmental and haz-ardous incidents, which include flood-ing, oil and chemical spillages, reducingthe potential impact on the environment.

The investment complementsTWFRS’s existing equipment used inresponse to environmental incidents,including a High Volume Pump (HVP),which is available for local and nationaluse to improve the fire and rescueservices’ ability to respond to largescale emergencies such as flooding.

Environment Agency Area Manager,

Ian Hodge, said, “All fire and rescueservice vehicles already carry an envi-ronmental pack supplied by the Envi-ronment Agency to help prevent thespread of a chemical or oil spill. Haz-mat vehicles are the next step inhelping us to reduce the impact of anenvironmental incident. The fire ser

vice is often the first emergency ser-vice to arrive at an incident and, byworking in partnership, this newvehicle means that the environmentwill be better protected when pollu-tion incidents happen.” www.twfire.org

Partnership supports fire and rescue service response

Watch Manager John Murray, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, with Julie Brooker from the Environment Agency.


14 | ESTNEWS

The Police Service of NorthernIreland (PSNI) is now using Anotodigital pen technology to recordwitness statements. The deploymentsees 4000 front line police andCriminal Investigation Department(CID) officers being equipped with thetechnology, with witness statementsbeing automatically uploaded to theNiche records management systemas soon as they are written. Thedigital pen and paper deployment,has been so popular within the PSNIthat it has also been deployed to theCrime Scene Investigation teams toassist in collecting and recordingevidence from crime scenes, and tothe Major Incidents Teams to recordproperty and exhibits that may beused as evidence in court.Additionally, the PSNI is currentlyconsidering the roll out of the Anotodigital pen and paper technology forother applications such as missingpersons, road traffic accidents anddomestic incidents, to enable quickeraccess to accurate information.www.anoto.comwww.inphoactive.comwww.DevelopIQ.com

National awarding organisationNCFE has joined forces with CumbriaConstabulary to offer a Level 4Certificate in Civil Contingencies – aqualification which enables staff todevelop and maintain emergencyplans so that if a major incidentoccurs in the county, the people ofCumbria are protected and essentialservices are restored as quickly aspossible. Cumbria’s police servicehas partnered with a range ofrelevant organisations in the deliveryof the certificate including theEnvironment Agency, county andborough councils, United Utilities, fireand rescue, the Maritime andCoastguard Agency and the HealthProtection Agency.www.ncfe.org.uk

Barking, Havering and RedbridgeUniversity Hospitals NHS Trust(BHRUT) has rolled-out PageOneCommunications’ ResponderSmartphone App for BlackBerry, aspart of a major upgrade of itsemergency response facilities.Utilising the app, Directors andManagers no longer have to carryaround two devices and are assignedto SmartGroups based on theemergencies to which they arequalified to respond. Once a messageis initiated, the administrative staff atBHRUT can see at a glance whetherthe message has been delivered,read, how the message recipient hasresponded and their location. Seepage 81 for more details on theResponder app.www.pageone.co.uk

Innovative fire fighting equipment isbeing rolled out across Kent – fromall terrain vehicles to specialist tech-nology that can cut through concreteand rapidly reduce the temperatureof building fires.

This roll-out is the next phase of amajor project to ensure that KentFire and Rescue Service (KFRS) isready to meet the future needs of thecounty. The new kit means there ismore flexibility, certain incidents canbe reached faster and tackled morequickly, and savings can be made bynot always having to use a traditionalfire appliance for every job.

The new equipment includes theCOBRA fire fighting system, whichuses a hand held lance that boresaggregate to punch a small holethrough a roof or wall (for moreinformation see page 6); and Argo allterrain eight-wheeled vehicles, whichcan get firefighters and equipment toremote areas such as woods andmoorlands that would be impossiblefor a traditional heavy fire engine toreach.

Steve Demetriou, KFRS Director ofOperational Policy and Resilience,said, “We have traditionally had a ‘onesize fits all’ model and used traditional

fire engines for every type of incident,but technology and fire fighting hasmoved on. So it makes sense to takeadvantage of new technology thatmeans we can reach and tacklecertain types of incident quicker andat the same time, save money. How-ever we will always need traditionalfire engines and, in fact, we areinvesting by buying new models toreplace existing engines that havereached the end of their useful life.”

The all terrain vehicles – beingtrialled at Dartford and Herne Bay –will be used to fight countryside fires,but can also be equipped with aplough and tracks for use during peri-ods of severe weather. These havebeen complemented in recent weeksby two new 4x4 vehicles equippedwith fire fogging units – a high-powered hose that can reach inac-cessible areas and fight woodland andgrassland fires far quicker than a tra-ditional appliance.

The COBRA fire fighting system hasalready been trialled on an appliancein Margate and has been used onseven occasions since the end ofAugust last year. The system will nowbe used on appliances in Dartford,Thames-side, Maidstone, Medwayand Canterbury.www.kent.fire-uk.org

Ground-breaking fire gear goes on the run across Kent

FCS and Arqiva are pioneering a newlearning and development pro-gramme, which shrinks six months’vehicle installer training into twodays. The move means experiencedinstallers can complete all the trainingfor FITAS accreditation for installingradio-frequency equipment in vehicles(to FCS1362) by spending two daysin the classroom. Up until now, theonly available option has been sixmonths or more of private course-book study and distance-learning.

During the course, delegates revisetheir knowledge of vehicle electronics,demonstrate in-depth understandingof the realities of installing RF kit invehicles and complete two papersfrom the Mobile Electronics andSecurity Federation under examina-tion conditions. To complete theiraccreditation, a separate audit is car-ried out on their practical skills in alive installation.

Paul Howard, Arqiva’s Service Deliv-ery Manager for Vehicle Solutions,said, “For too long the industry hasbeen self governing in its approach tovehicle installations. This course,

specifically run for Arqiva staff, showsthe companies commitment to theindustry and also its own staff, byensuring that our installers are at theforefront of training and accreditationonly enhances the heritage and pedi-gree of the Arqiva vehicle installationteam.”

The new course is the result ofArqiva’s input into a roots-up reviewof the FITAS accreditation scheme,undertaken by FCS in 2012.

“Arqiva is proud to work alongsidethe FCS for the development of theFITAS 2 day scheme and is lookingforward to the forthcoming specialisedenhancements to the qualificationssuch as ‘Blue Light’,” continued Paul.“I am proud to say that this course isa major achievement in being solelyrun for Arqiva and it shows our com-mitment to maintaining standardsand our obligation and dedication toour many emergency service cus-tomers that we take the installationsthat we complete in there vehicleswith the upmost professionalism.”www.arqiva.com

Partnership pioneers ‘fast-track’training for vehicle installers

CEGA Air Ambulance has invested ina bespoke blood storage system.CEGA’s use of Cool Logistics’ thermalcarrier units for the transport ofblood and blood products allows itsair ambulance crews to store andtransport blood at a stable tempera-ture for up to 144 hours, and, if nec-essary, to give patients mid-flightblood transfusions – wherever theyare in the world.

“CEGA is one of the first fixed wingair ambulance providers to use thesethermal carrier units; extending ourcritical care transfer service to patientswho would in the past have had tobreak their flight if they needed ablood transfusion or not have beenable to fly at all,” says Dr Tim Ham-mond, CEGA’s Chief Medical Officer.“Having access to an in-flight bloodbank will allow us to carry out poten-tially life-saving action on the longestof flights and in the most remote oflocations; enhancing our seamlessaero-medical care.”www.cegagroup.com

Air ambulanceinvests in bloodstorage system


ESTNEWS | 15

Contact Lesley WardleCOBRA Development Manager

Email: [email protected] – tel: 07880 200 126

Motorists and the economy are seeing huge benefitsfrom a government-led initiative to reopenmotorways and roads quickly following majorincidents. The ‘CLEAR’ (collision, lead, evaluate,act and reopen) initiative, launched by theDepartment for Transport (DfT) in 2011, is helpingto save the economy millions of pounds annually.

Initiatives under the CLEAR banner include:DfT/police-funded 3D laser scanners, which allowpolice forces to capture evidence quickly followingcollisions; the launch of a new hands-free smartphone app that notifies users of incidentcongestion; plus VOSA and the Highways Agencysigning a memorandum of understanding tofacilitate data sharing about heavy goods vehicles –studies have shown this type of vehicle is involvedin a high proportion of the longest incidents.

The CLEAR initiative will also see thereinstatement of the Highways Agency’s incidentscreen service. When an incident occurs on oneside of the carriageway, it can directly impact driverbehaviour on the opposite carriageway, which willoften affect both the speed of vehicles and their rateof flow. As a result, ‘rubbernecking’ has nowbecome one of the primary causes of incident-related congestion.

Seeking to overcome the issue of rubbernecking,

incident screens were trialled and developed toprevent road users from observing the incident andpost-incident activities on the affected carriageway.The aim is that if the scene is not visible to passingtraffic it would prevent drivers from rubbernecking.

Most cost effective optionThe Highways Agency’s incident screens service

was initially set up in 2010 when 105 incidentscreen units were purchased from Dutch incidentmanagement specialists Wilchem BV. The screenswere used successfully on the Highways Agency’sroad network during 2010 and 2011; however,following the Government’s 2010 spending reviewit became clear that the cost of deployment ofincident screens by the Agency’s contractors was nolonger affordable. Since their withdrawal theHighways Agency has investigated alternativedeployment options that would provide better valuefor money and has concluded that the most cost

effective option is for its own traffic officers todeploy and install them.

An incident screen ‘unit’ consists of 30 greencoloured panels 2.1m high by 2.5m long, which fitinto metal support bases. Each unit includes aspecially adapted trailer, designed for safedeployment. Each incident screen unit has enoughpanels to screen a 75m-length. Additional units canbe added to screen larger scenes. They can also beused to screen off small scenes.

The incident screens are ‘free-standing’, thismeans that they are able to be installed anywhereon the road as long as the surface is level and it ispossible to deploy the incident screen whilemaintaining a safety zone between the incidentscreen and live traffic lanes.

The types of incidents that you are likely to seethem used at will include those that will be in situfor durations longer than six hours, incidents wherevehicles flows are expected to be relatively high andwhere the police, ambulance and fire and rescueservices have confirmed acceptance of their use.

The Highways Agency is currently developingprocedures and training for their traffic officersready for the new service to commence later thisyear.www.highways.gov.uk

Benefits of motorway reopeninginitiative CLEAR to see


ESTNEWS | 17

The Fire Service College (FSC), a world leader infire and emergency response training, hasannounced the introduction of a new trainderailment scenario as an extension to its major railincident ground training facility.

Located at the FSC’s unique 360-acre site atMoreton in Marsh, the new derailment facility isconsidered to be one of the largest fire and rescueservice rail training venues of its kind in the world.With over 300m of single and double rail track anda large collection of varied rolling stock, the venueboasts a broad range of facilities enabling the FSCto create progressive multi scenario-based exercisesthat can be tailored to individual customerrequirements.

Exercise togetherDesigned with specialist rail and engineering

input, the new scenario replicates a typical sectionof railway, together with a complex range of railfeatures, enabling fire and emergency responders toexercise together in a safe, realistic and challengingenvironment.

This new derailment scenario complements theFSC’s existing multi-scenario capabilities. Therealism and flexibility provided by the newly builtrailway has already received excellent feedbackfrom fire, rescue and ambulance personnelfollowing recent exercises.

The rail scenario will form an integral module ofmany of the FSC’s portfolio of training, includingHeavy Vehicle Rescue, Incident Command andHazmat courses. The FSC can facilitate any type ofexercise up to Major Incident level, including 24/7continuous working. Command functions atbronze, silver and gold levels can also be tested atany of the FSC’s extensive range of emergencyresponse training rigs.

Realistic and challengingMike McCarthy, a leading FSC multi-agency

Instructor, said, “Having attended a wide range oftraining establishments in the UK, Europe andAmerica the new FSC rail scenario is one of themost realistic and challenging training set-ups Ihave seen and exercised on.”www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk

For more information about the new rail trainingfacility, to arrange a visit to the college or to discuss otheremergency response training please contact:[email protected]©Crown copyright 2013, The Fire Service College

College introduces purpose-builttrain derailment scenario

The rail scenarioincludes:• Modern high-speed train and passenger

carriages

• Spectacular ‘Potters Bar station’ stylederailment scenario ‘mounted’ on to apassenger platform enabling multi-disciplinemulti-rescue incidents

• Large collection of varied rolling stock,including overturned tanker for Hazmatexercise scenarios

• Simulated section of 25,000V overhead lineequipment and a section of electrified thirdrail track, adding realism and hazardawareness

• Extensive length of cutting/embankment,providing realistic and demanding access,evacuation and extrication issues

• Level crossing and separate farm ‘gated’crossing for simulated RTC/LGV road railincidents.


18 | ESTEVENTS DIARY 2013

Dates for your diary16-18 AprilTechnical Rescue Conference | Cardiff

www.rescue3europe.com

16-17 AprilWorkwear & Corporate ClothingSilverstone, Northamptonshire

www.workwearshow.com

16-17 MayLife Connections | Kettering ConferenceCentre, Northamptonshire

With delegate rates again starting from just £30, organisers at Life Connectionsbelieve this unique multi-conference event will attract even greater numbers in2013, many of which will be returning for the fifth successive year!

Six individual conferences will include speaker presentations created for thebenefit of paramedics, first responders or anyone involved with resuscitation,first aid, emergency planning, rescue and recovery, BASICS or the privateambulance sector. The majority of these conferences provide CPD accreditation.In addition, the event will host three individual study days on behalf of EXMED,Outreach Rescue and BASICS, which will also be of interest to those involvedwith pre-hospital care, rescue and recovery.

Over 60 exhibitors will also be present during the event displaying a wide rangeof equipment and supplies. www.lifeconnections.uk.com

28-31 MayWorld Congress on Disaster and EmergencyMedicine | Manchester CentralThe 18th World Congress on Disaster & EmergencyMedicine (WCDEM 2013) will look to improvethe scientific basis for disaster and emergencyhealth practice and to translate scientific evidenceinto improved practice and outcomes; aims tohelp protect communities, save lives, improverecovery and encourage the development ofmore disaster resilient communities.

More than 800 delegates from around the world are expected to attend,including emergency care professionals involved in: anesthesiology, emergencymedicine, surgery, hands-on-experience in disaster areas, dentistry, psychosocialcare and public health; para-medical professionals, such as nurses, pharmacists,EMS workers and ambulance services; governmental and NGO representativesin emergency services; agencies and individuals involved in emergency anddisaster care planning and management.

In addition, some 1000 first responders are expected to visit the exhibition hall.www.wcdem2013.org

14-16 MaySafety and Health Expo | The NEC, Birminghamwww.safety-health-expo.co.uk

30 AprilThe Public Sector Show Business Design Centre, Londonwww.publicsectorshow.co.uk

29-30 AprilBritish APCO | Manchester Central

The British APCO 2013 annual exhibition and professional developmentworkshops is the leading European multi-agency forum for all those workingwithin public safety communications. B-APCO 2013 brings a fresh newagenda focusing on smarter partnerships between forces, and building upona broader relationship between the emergency services, civil contingencyresponders, local authorities, utilities, the National Grid, Nuclear Power andoil and gas producers.

New, also this year are the free-to-attend workshops that will run alongsidethe two-day exhibition and act as an interactive learning environment, com-plementing the technology showcased on the exhibition floor. Topics beingcovered include: Future user communication requirements for the emergencyservices; Convergence of Emergency Control Plans; Mobile data in vehicles;Incident Data Transfer Standard workshop (follow on from DEIT); G-Cloud.These sessions are a platform for learning, discussion and debate with industrycolleagues.www.bapco.co.uk

24-25 AprilCounter Terror Expo | Olympia, London

www.counterterrorexpo.com

A P R I L

M A Y

25-26 SeptemberThe Emergency Services Show 2013The NEC, Birminghamwww.emergencyuk.com

(See page 20 for more details)

20-23 NovemberMedica 2013 Dusseldorf, Germanywww.medica-tradefair.com

9-10 OctoberCATO Conference | Bonn, GermanyBringing together first responders, policy makersand CBRN experts from across Europe, CATO2013 will include keynote speakers on CBRNresponse and policy as well as a series of inter-active and practical workshops and socialactivities to provide opportunities for networkingand shared learning.

The CATO team is currently looking for papers on the following subjectareas: current CBRN Threat (non-classified content only) and suggestedchanges to preparedness and posture; CBRN doctrine and policy – inparticular relating to cross-border activities; C, B, R/N response procedures– including non-expert procedures for First Responders and high levelalgorithms for strategic commanders; and CBRN Information Sharing.

Papers are also sought from any ongoing FP7-funded project in the CBRNspace. Submissions for consideration should be in the form of a 100-wordabstract and a 250-500-word synopsis. Successful submissions will be offered afully funded (travel and accommodation) speaker slot at the CATO Conference.

Submissions should be by return e-mail to [email protected] include ‘CATO Call for Papers’ in the subject line and contain your name,organisation and contact details.www.cato-project.eu


ESTEVENTS DIARY 2013 | 19

4-5 JuneBlue Light Fleet ExhibitionTelford International Centre

www.napfmevent.org.uk

19 SeptemberAmbition Silverstone, Northamptonshirewww.ambition2012.org

13-14 JuneBrake Fleet Safety Conference & AwardsSt John’s Hotel, Solihull

Road safety charity Brake is invitingfleet operators and suppliers to enterand attend its annual fleet safety con-ference and awards. The 2013 eventwill, for the first time, combine Brake’sflagship fleet events, the fleet safety

conference and fleet safety awards programme.The conference will provide an opportunity to hear from a range of

academic and practitioner speakers on key fleet safety issues, as well as bestpractice examples from organisations.

The awards, sponsored by Arval, will be offered in 11 categories, rangingfrom Company Driver Safety, to Fleet Safety Innovation, with a new individualcategory for 2013, Best Newcomer to Road Risk Management. Theseprestigious awards recognise the achievements of those working to helpreduce the number of costly, and in many cases fatal, road crashes involvingat-work drivers.

Packages for both the conference and awards, including accommodation,cost £380 + VAT for Brake subscribers, £490 + VAT for non-subscribers. www.fleetsafetyawards.comwww.fleetsafetyforum.org

10-11 JulyAmbulex | Ricoh Arena, Coventry

Ambulex 2013 returns to aJuly date following discus-sions with exhibitors aboutthe crowded exhibition cal-endar in June 2013. The

organiser believes that the new date will allow exhibitors and visitors fullopportunity to experience the only UK event specifically for ambulance andwheelchair accessible vehicles.

Ambulex is the premier event in the UK, supporting the NHS, private andvolunteer ambulance services and attracting senior ambulance managers andstaff – the industry’s decision makers.

New for 2013 will be the inclusion of Community and Accessible Transportvehicles. Closely linked to the Patient Transfer Service (PTS) type vehicles, theassociation allows the service providers the opportunity to examine andcompare the vehicles and equipment on offer from the industry.www.ambulex.com

J U N E S E P T E M B E R

O C T O B E R

N O V E M B E R

J U L Y


20 | ESTEVENTS DIARY2013

“I’m confident thatvisitors to this year’s

show will see the positivedifference in our new

home, and will continueto be delighted with the

content and the calibre ofour exhibitors,

demonstrations andadditional show

features.”

Shortly after news of the relocation was broken onsocial media, a flurry of enquiries saw 80 percent ofexhibition stand space sold out. Emergency

Services Times also announced on Twitter that itwould be sponsoring dedicated parking for theshow, meaning that there would be no parkingcharges for either visitors or exhibitors.

Visitor growth prompts move andpotential award

Currently shortlisted for Best Trade Show at thisyear’s Exhibition News Awards, The EmergencyServices Show has enjoyed year-on-year growth. In2012 the event had an 18 percent increase invisitors prompting organisers to seek a venue thatcould cater for its need for greater space and offerfacilities to enhance the show for visitors andexhibitors alike.

For visitors The Emergency Services Showprovides a unique opportunity to see, touch anddiscuss the latest technology, ideas and initiativesfocused on improving public safety and assistingthe emergency services. For suppliers to theindustry the show offers access to over 5200 buyersand specifiers from a wide range of sectors,including police, fire and rescue, public and privateambulances, emergency planning, maritime andcoastguard agencies, search and rescue teams,government agencies, health authorities and many others.

David Brown, joint Managing Director, BrodenMedia, said, “I’m confident that visitors to thisyear’s show will see the positive difference in ournew home, and will continue to be delighted withthe content and the calibre of our exhibitors,demonstrations and additional show features.”

The Emergency Services Show 2013relocates to the NECWednesday 25 September – Thursday 26 September 2013Exciting changes have been announced for this year’s Emergency Services Show. After seven years at Stoneleigh Park

in Warwickshire, the growing exhibition will be moving to The NEC, Birmingham for 2013. Broden Media, which

publishes Emergency Services Times and organises The Emergency Services Show, has also decided to bring the event

forward from its traditional November dates to 25-26 September, so that the outdoor exhibition can benefit from longer

daylight hours and to allow for safer travel to and from the show.

The new venue: NEC• Physically linked to Birmingham International

Railway Station and BirminghamInternational Airport

• Direct access to UK motorway network

• No parking costs thanks to dedicated parkingsponsored by Emergency Services Times

• Excellent indoor and outdoor demonstrationspace

• Opportunity to expand into further halls


ESTEVENTS DIARY2013 | 21

Visitor registration is openRegistration for free entry is available

now – visit the show’s website atwww.emergencyuk.com. Entry to theshow gives visitors access to a widerange of companies supplying relevantemergency kit and solutions as well asthe opportunity to interact with livedemonstrations and attend free workshops.Commenting on last year’s show, Andrew Dayof Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said,“Some equipment that has been exhibited wouldnever be discovered without attending –invaluable.”

Multi-agency networkingThe ethos of The Emergency ServicesShow, like Emergency Services Times,has always been to promote multi-agency working between the keyemergency responders and theirpartner agencies.Ross Hardy, Beachy Head Chaplaincy

Team, said, “The Emergency ServicesShow 2012 was a great opportunity for a small

organisation such as ours to examine newtechnologies and equipment as well as networkwith other relevant organisations all under one roof,saving significant time for our staff in the process!”

Emergency Response Zone returnsReturning for 2013, the popular Emergency

Response Zone is a key networking area aimed atdeveloping relationships and partnerships betweenvoluntary organisations and the blue light services.Broden Media has always been very keen topromote this aspect of interoperability and for thisreason exhibition space in the EmergencyResponse Zone will continue to be offered free ofcharge to qualifying emergency services-relatedcharities and not-for-profits.

If you are interested in profiling your organisationin the free-to-exhibit Emergency Response Zone,contact David Brown (below) to reserve a stand.

Exhibition stands still availableThe success of previous events, coupled with

news of the venue change, has seen an even greaterdemand for exhibition space in 2013. HenryWalker of Primetech, who has already rebooked for2013, described last year’s show as “an outstandingsuccess for Primetech, our display area was thebusiest we have ever experienced.”

Many exhibitors are investing in larger standsand 80 percent of floor space is already booked.Confirmed names include PPE specialist BristolUniforms, major vehicle manufacturers includingLand Rover/Jaguar and Mercedes Benz UK andmedical equipment companies such as PhysioControl and SP Services. Satellite communicationsprovider Excelerate Technology has major plans forthe show on an expanded stand, as have NorthFire/Argus Thermal who will be launching a newMetz Turntable Ladder.

To book a stand please contact David Brown by e-mail: [email protected]. www.emergencyuk.com


22 | ESTCOMPANY PROFILE

The Association of Air Ambulances (AAA) is themost recent incarnation of several membershipbodies that have represented the air ambulancesector over the years. In 2008, shortly after thepublishing of the ‘Framework for a HighPerforming Air Ambulance’ the association, whosemembership at the time was only air ambulancecharities, was broadened to encourage ambulanceservices to join.

“Further improvingefficiency and deliveringstronger collaboration

across its membership.”After two years of initial development, the

association found activities starting to stagnate so aworking group was established to review its strategyand drive forward change. The group concludedthat three significant committees coveringCommunications, Operations and Clinical subjectsshould be fully established and that a NationalDirector should be appointed. These conclusionswere then partially approved at the 2011 AGM inNovember, with incorporation being left for afuture date.

Enhanced sharing and cooperationThe committees have moulded key work streams

delivering enhanced sharing and cooperation acrossthe membership, which is focused on saving livesand improving patient outcomes. As a direct result

the association has launched, in the past year,Guidance SOPs, established the Air AmbulanceAwards of Excellence, been instrumental in theformation of the Air Ambulance All PartyParliamentary Group and held the firstcollaborative National Air Ambulance Week.

The Clinical and Operational Sub Groups havein the past six months published seven keyGuidance documents and guidance sops deliveringthe first uk-wide specification on subjects such assite photography, management of majorhaemorrhage and traumatic cardiac arrest. Thesedocuments allow ambulance services and airambulance crews to be inspired and focused ondelivering an ever improving service to the patient,reducing morbidity and mortality. The OperationalCommittee has produced Guidance SOPs andtasking data all aimed at improving efficiency,giving air ambulances yet more opportunity toattend more patients.

Awards of ExcellenceThe Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence will

take place in November, with nine categoriesfocusing on personal endeavour in the pursuit ofdelivering the best air ambulance service in theUK. Specialisms at the front line such as HEMSDoctor, HEMS Paramedic and HEMS Pilot will bejoined with fundraising and charitableadministration function, highlighting the sectorsbest people. This celebration will be open to all in

the sector and will be a focal point during the year.In 2012 the first National Air Ambulance Week

took place in September, which provided a nationalvehicle for support of local air ambulances. Allmembers collaborated giving a consistent message.The association provided a unique brand, withnational radio advertising and wristbands for allmembers to raise the profile of the importantservice the local air ambulances provide. The localagenda was at the heart of the programme ofevents, which, aligned with the national message,brought national coverage on GMTV, the SunNewspaper and a range of mainstream media. Thiswould not have been possible if not for the work ofthe association.

The association, which represents 14 of the 19 airambulance charities and 10 of the 12 ambulanceservices, this year became a Limited By GuaranteeCompany. This fundamental change has allowedthe AAA to yet further build on strong foundations,including expanding the membership categories.

Moving forwardNow an incorporated organisation, in 2013 the

association is moving further forward withadditional work streams, launching a membershipcode of conduct to further enhance the alreadypositive image and operational performance of thesector. The code will establish a clear benchmarkfor reputable and ethical fundraising activities,improved air operations and sharing best clinicalpractice. The 2008 Framework Document has nowbeen reviewed and will be re-published, with abrand new reference work being planned for 2014.

In June 2013, a new website will be launchedwith information being provided in near-real timeto members and looks set to become the beatingheart of the association. A review of perinatal andpaediatric retrieval and transfer will also becompleted, with the association’s vision of anestablished matrix, with multiple air assetsdelivering a rapid and broader platform of service.This service will link established emergencymedical services, MoD charitable and commercialair ambulances with hospitals and specialistcentres.www.aoaa.org.uk

Evolution not revolutionSince its inception the Association of Air Ambulances aspired to deliver so much but was frustrated by a structure that

could not meet its needs. In November 2011, at the association’s AGM, the members adopted a new strategy and

structure and, as a result, output significantly increased. This article will briefly recap on the history of the association

and the changes it’s undertaken in moving to the position it finds itself in today, where it is establishing sector-wide

guidance on pre-hospital care, sharing operational information to yet further improve efficiency and delivering stronger

collaboration across its membership.

The ‘new look’ London Air Ambulance helicopter is emblazoned withemergency markings and key messages.

Clive Dickin, National Director of the AAA.



The combination of ISG’s unique ability toturnaround warranty repairs and service of cameraswithin 48 hours and Vimpex’s extensive field-basedsupport, ensures that users of ISG’s thermalimaging cameras receive unrivalled levels ofcustomer service.

Since the two companies are located just 10 milesapart, coordination of stock, spare parts andhandling of service and repairs is both quicker andmore efficient. Vimpex’s mobile repair serviceprovides support on the ground and ISG is able toconduct servicing and repairs down to componentlevel. This guarantees super-fast service and helpsreduce the cost to the user.

Superior performanceAs one of the world’s few providers of thermal

imaging cameras that are designed, manufacturedand serviced in-house, ISG Infrasys is able toensure each camera is created with a specificapplication in mind, enhancing their performancein the environment for which they were designed.

Many fire and rescue, police and other emergencyservices are already benefiting from theunparalleled level of performance and extremeinfrared technology that ISG’s thermal imagersdeliver.

The fundamental use of a thermal imagingcamera is as a navigational tool helping thefirefighter see through dark and smoky conditionsin order to see more of their surroundingenvironment. To make ISG’s thermal imagers thebest they can be, the company starts with the imageitself, enhancing it in the infrared engine to make itas clear as possible, and then engineering it toautomatically adjust dependant on the scene being imaged.

The result of these key components, not onlyensures the maximum information is given to thefirefighter at all times, but when coupled withusing only the best and highest resolution detectorand display technologies, add up to an excellent

quality,crisp andclear thermalimage, unrivalled, saysISG, by any other hand-held fire fighting thermalimager available.

Latest innovationThe Elite E380 is the latest

innovation from ISG Infrasysand is the company’s firstproduct to accommodate itsnew SIGMA enginetechnology. Withsuper-highresolution and over100,000 pixels, the SIGMAengine updates more than5.5 million scene elements every second; farsurpassing the capability of any infrared engine theindustry has seen before. The camera’s dynamictemperature range exceeds 1000°C, ensuring thateven in the most dangerous situations, your E380will continue to provide a clear image, no matterwhat.

While many other models of thermal imageroften include superfluous functionsand confusing menu options, ISGbelieves in keeping things simple.Its products only include featuresthat will genuinely enhance theuse of the product and will help toensure firefighter safety.

Embedded intelligence enhancestemperature monitoring

In addition to navigation, thermal imagingcameras are widely used to help identify potentialhazards in a scene. Numerous technologiescombine to achieve this, including DirectTemperature Measurement (DTM). Invented byISG in 1994, DTM has now become the industry’sstandard temperature measurement method.

The E380’s DTM feature is directly linked to thecamera’s colourisation so that the user canimmediately identify any temperaturedifferentiations. The user can identify anapproximate temperature of an object just by usingcolours, but with the DTM feature installed as well,an accurate reading can also be taken – particularlyuseful when monitoring the temperature of objectsin a scene.

ISG and Vimpex join forces to delivera market leading service charter forthermal imaging camerasA newly created relationship between ISG Infrasys and Vimpex means customers can now benefit from

40 years of combined experience in supplying specialist rescue and lifesaving equipment. The

partnership will provide market-leading service and support and the companies’ ability to

offer quick delivery times on new products is an extension of this Service Charter.

The E380’s dynamic temperature range exceeds 1000°C.

The E380 is available withthe DVR Grip accessory.

The E380 incorporates the patented Hot Spot Tracker.


ESTCOMPANY PROFILE | 25

In addition to DTM, the E380 is the world’s onlythermal imager to incorporate the patented HotSpot Tracker. Embedded into the SIGMA engine toensure maximum responsiveness, this innovationallows you to measure temperatures in an entirelynew and dynamic way.

Many fire and rescue,police and other

emergency services arealready benefiting fromthe unparalleled level ofperformance and extremeinfrared technology thatISG’s thermal imagers

deliver.A single press of a button activates the Hot Spot

Tracker and immediately tracks the hottest objectin the scene – highlighting it with a blue cross andsimultaneously displaying the object’s temperature.Firefighters are now able to immediately identifyhidden hotspots or locate the seat of the fire, all inreal-time – enabling faster and more efficientdecision-making, which is potentially crucial inemergency situations.

Features and accessoriesEvery ISG Infrasys product has been

meticulously designed to provide the user with thefeatures and accessories needed for the job. TheE380 is available with the DVR Grip accessory,housing a laser pointer and video recorder capableof capturing around four hours of video andthousands of still images – all easily downloadablevia USB.

If you would like to learn more about ISGInfrasys and Vimpex products, the new ServiceCharter or would like to arrange a trial ordemonstration of ISG’s thermal imagers, pleasevisit the websites listed below.www.isgfire.co.ukwww.rescue-tools.co.uk

Tactical Ventilation Solutions Limited is a familybusiness run by personnel with backgrounds in theUK fire and rescue service and operational andinstructional urban search and rescue.

The company has three main areas of operation:the supply of specialist chainsaws and circular sawssuitable for cutting a wide variety of materials to allemergency services; the supply to fire and rescueservices of specialist equipment for tacticalventilation tasks, such as ‘exhaust vent cutting’operations in roofs or walls; and the design andmanufacture of its own equipment (a new productis currently being developed specifically for fire andrescue service tactical ventilation operations and a

series of national demonstrations will be organisedfor any potential customers in due course).

Tactical Ventilation Solutions is the sole UKdistributor for the Unifire specialist ventilationrange of chainsaws and circular saws, which aretough and reliable units designed andmanufactured in the USA specifically for use byrescue services. The range also has applications forthe military, police forces and security services, infact any industry requiring equipment to completetough cutting tasks in harsh environments.

The Unifire chainsaws have the option ofSabretooth and Cobra carbide-tipped chains. Thecircular saws have a choice of eight blades and cantherefore be utilised to cut through a wide varietyof building materials, including steel compositeinsulated roofing sheets, sandwich panels, concreteand much more.

Tactical Ventilation Solutions aims to both supplyand manufacture equipment that is tough, reliableand does the job for which it was designed. Thecompany looks to provide all its customers with astraight-forward, approachable, upfront and reliableservice and ongoing support.www.tacticalventilationsolutions.com

The Elite E380 is the latest innovation from ISG Infrasys.

Unifire Ventilation/Rescue Chainsaw Saw.

Unifire 12, 14, or 16inch Circular saw.

Allbatteries UK Ltd is a leading approved batterysupplier to the UK emergency services. Thecompany currently supplies a wide range ofstandard battery products as well as bespokesolutions to the majority of the UK police and fireand rescue services. In addition to offering topbrand names, Allbatteries also manufactures itsown brand of quality batteries in many ranges,including alkaline, lead acid, NiMh and lithium, toname a few.

The company, whose company slogan is ‘Theenergy behind the power’ offers a wide range ofproducts specific to the emergency services,including ATEX lighting, which it supplies to anumber of authorities. These range from hand heldlamps through to headlamps and other hands-freesolutions. Based in Solihull, West Midlands,Allbatteries also has the facility to produce bespoke

battery packs for its customers.Allbatteries UK has a longstanding relationship

with UK police forces and has once again beenchosen by the West Midlands Police Consortium asthe leading supplier on their Dry Cell BatteryContract. The company also holds the contract forthe supply of batteries for the fire authorities in theNorth West on which it supplies a wide range ofalkaline, lithium and thermal imaging camerabatteries. Alongside this contract, Allbatteries UK isthe main supplier to the UK fire and rescueservices for their battery requirements. www.allbatteries.com

The energy behind the power

Cutting edge solutions


26 |


ESTTHERMAL IMAGING | 27

After their own internal investigation into the tragicincident, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service haschanged its training regarding the use of thermalimaging cameras. The use of cameras is activelypromoted, not just for searching for seats of fire orcasualties, but also for fallen cables – anothercontributory factor identified by the Coroner in thedeaths of the two firefighters.

Hampshire’s equipment lists now require athermal imaging camera to be taken aloft in anyhigh-rise incident and every frontline appliance isequipped with a TIC. Assistant Chief Officer Bob Ratcliffe said, “The use of the cameras is nowa part of breathing apparatus training and everytactical ventilation course. We have moved themindset away from the camera just being used tosearch for casualties to one of being used far morefrequently and effectively. Before crews might havehad to be reminded to use a camera, whereas nowno reminders are necessary.

Without suitableportability, TICs are less

likely to be used,regardless of the

technical features theymay possess.

“The effective use of thermal imaging camerascan make a significant impact in reducing the riskto firefighters and the public.”

As a consequence, there has been muchconsideration into whether or not thermal imagingis being utilised to its full advantage. Untilrelatively recently, if asked about the use of TICs;the response from the majority of firefighters wouldbe that it is very effective for detecting hot spotsduring post fire salvage; as well as being useful forlocating overheated electrical components. Thereason for such responses may be due to a limitedcapability within TICs across the FRSs or that theTIC isn’t portable or easy to use.

Alternative solutions through TICsTechnological advances enable designers and

manufacturers to provide alternative solutions toproblems and thermal imaging is no different.Modern TICs offer a range of technical facilitiessuch as TAC (temperature awareness colourisation)

to assist in assessing fire conditions; as well as avideo recording function (TVR), which could beused for collating arson evidence, training or simplydocumenting what is happening in the risk area.

Firefighters may highlight that the mostsignificant improvement in TICS is that they havebecome more portable. When BA wearers areentering structural fires, needing to take a range ofequipment with them in order to be both safe andeffective, this factor is vitally important. Withoutsuitable portability, TICs are less likely to be used,regardless of the technical features they may ossess.

Fire and rescue services around the country haverecognised that thermal imaging has a significantnumber of risk critical uses. Consequently, a largeemphasis on training to ensure that TICs can beutilised to their full potential must become a corefeature of any BA or hot fire related course. Thiscan be further supplemented by on stationfamiliarisation to ensure suitable levels of not justcompetence but confidence in operationalpersonnel when the need to utilise the equipmentat incidents is required.

Following the Shirley Towers incident,Hampshire FRS has openly delivered a number ofexcellent and informative presentations around thecountry. Events at that particular incident wouldseem to support the need to utilise thermal imagingto its full advantage both at incidents and intraining. So what are considered to be the principleuses for TICs?1. As a supporting means of orientation/scene

identificationA systematic search procedure is a cornerstone of

safe BA wearing. As an example, Merseyside FRSadopts a compartment clearance search procedure,which has a series of underpinning elements toensure a safe system of work. This includesadopting a left or right hand orientation ensuring afixed reference point is always maintained (a wall).TIC use supports this default position as it not onlyincreases the effectiveness of the search operation;but also improves the team’s safety by assisting

orientation. Furthermore, the use of thermalimaging provides a means for operational crews toobserve fire conditions from behind closed doorsand openings. 2. To assist in locating a fire and/or casualties

While self explanatory, FRSs will undoubtedlyincorporate TIC use in to their respectiveprocedures in a variety of ways. Again, usingMerseyside FRS as an example, they incorporate a‘stop – go’ routine: BA team moves forward; Theystop; No 2 of the BA crew (operating the TIC) andadopting the correct BA procedures, moves forwardand takes up a position adjacent to the BA TeamLeader. In this position the No 2 is now able tooperate the TIC without the BA Team Leaderobscuring their view. When the area in front andaround has been viewed, No 2 will take up theiroriginal position; the BA Team Leader will thencommence with their search pattern. Thisprocedure is carried out when entering acompartment and at regular intervals throughoutthe task.3. To assist in identifying fire conditions;

particularly those behind closed doorwaysResearch and work conducted with colleagues

from FDNY and Toronto FRSs on high-riseprocedures and wind driven fires provides strongevidence that TICs can identify very hostile fireconditions from behind closed doors. A closed dooris a vital safety feature for a firefighter and before itis opened as much information needs to beestablished about the fire conditions on the otherside. Using TICs can therefore enhance the safesystems of work for operations of this nature.4. To assist in identifying hazards such as

entanglement hazards/cablesMany FRSs now incorporate entanglement

training techniques in to their BA procedures.Supplementing these techniques with TIC use canidentify cables within a structure (where they havea thermal signature). This particular point has beenspecifically referenced by Hampshire FRS as partof their presentation delivery post Shirley Towers.

Operational effectivenessIn conclusion, it is important that all FRSs

constantly seek to utilise TICs to their full extentand afford their operational personnel suitableopportunity to train and familiarise with theirrespective equipment. Sharing information fromexercises and incidents in regards to the operationaleffectiveness of TIC use is the key to advancingfirefighter safety and effectiveness.www.merseyfire.gov.uk

Thermal imaging cameras: a keyelement of a safe system of workThe use of thermal imaging cameras (TICs) has become highly topical following the publication of the Coroner’s Rule 43

letter after the inquest into the double firefighter fatality in Southampton in April 2010. The Coroner has recommended

the use of the cameras to ‘search for fire in smoky conditions’ following the deaths of Hampshire firefighters

James Shears and Alan Bannon at the Shirley Towers high-rise block.

Words: Mike O’Mahoney, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service; Mick Cotgrave, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service; James Morton, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.


28 |


ESTTHERMAL IMAGING | 29

Following a successful first six months ofdistributorship of the ‘UK standard’ Argus thermalimaging range into the UK’s fire and rescueservices, North Fire has now been awarded thecontract with e2v to promote, sell and service thenew Argus Policing range of thermal imagingproducts.

North Fire recently launched the acclaimedArgus Mi-TIC into the UK fire and rescue services,which, since its headlining of The EmergencyServices Show 2012, has been taken on by morethan 50 percent of the UK’s fire and rescue servicesthat’s just three months! Now North Fire will lookto continue the same feat with the new specificPolicing range of cameras designed to optimisesmaller teams of officers in terms of both successand safety, while in many cases alleviating therequirement for deployment of helicopters –currently the only thermal imaging tool in many a force.

Positive feedback“The Argus thermal imaging range is clearly the

best in its class,” said Oliver North, ManagingDirector, North Fire. “We had been approached bynumerous American-based thermal imagingcamera manufacturers with regards to taking ontheir products, but once we saw the complete rangeof products from Argus some nine months ago now,our minds were made up. Not only are theproducts the best in their class but they’re also theonly TICs on the market manufactured in the UK

by a British company, which have been developedin conjunction with our elite emergency serviceorganisations, and this is clear from theoverwhelming feedback we receive.

“The new Policing range has made a hugeimpact in any official police trial and the units havegenuinely made huge savings to the force withinjust a two-week window. We are all convinced thatthis will play a major role in the future of policing,ensuring complete police officer safety,emphatically higher success rates and a far reducedrequirement for expensive police helicopterdeployments.”

‘Fast-track’ service centreAngus Drummond, Vice President of Sales for

Argus thermal imaging, added, “North Fire hasdemonstrated to us that we needed a specificdistributor in the UK so we can concentrate onmanufacture and research and development of ourfire and policing ranges. We have also set up a hightech, ‘fast-track’ thermal imaging service centre atNorth Fire HQ in Holmfirth, which enables us toturn around the most complex of repairs within afive-day period if required. This will prove to bepivotal as it seems the police services will also adoptas many thermal imaging units for everyday use,just as our fire and rescue services do and we aregenuinely looking forward to supporting our world-class police forces with as high a standard a productas our fire fighting range.”www.north-fire.com/thermalimaging

North Fire takes on Argus policing range

Thomas Jacks Ltd represents three brands of hand-held, uncooled thermal imager optimised for thesecurity, land management and police markets.

Guide Infrared has added a hi res 640x480 LCDscreen as an upgrade to its popular IR518 series ofhand-held thermal imagers along with a slightlyextended eyepiece for a more comfortable viewingposition. This adds to the switchable ‘hot box’,crosshair and nine-colour palette upgrades thatwere added in late 2012. Available with immediateeffect, these upgrades have been added with noextra cost to the units.

All units offer a 2x digital doubler and built-inimage capture capability using an SD card (stilland video) as standard. An external battery packoption is also now available for these units. Theunits operate at 50Hz and offer man-sized detectionout to over 1000m (model dependent). GuideIR518 thermal imagers are in use by theEnvironment Agency, Forestry Commission,FERA, UK police along with security companies,gamekeepers and estates.

Thermal imaging monocularsThe new Pulsar Quantum range of compact,

hand-held thermal imaging monoculars offer384x288 resolution sensors, a hi res 640x480 OLEDscreen that will work down to temperatures of -20°C and a quick change AA battery pack asstandard (two supplied). The units can also befitted with an external battery pack that mounts tothe side of the unit and will give over five hourscontinuous operation.

The Quantums can be switched from white hot toblack hot and have a 2x digital magnificationoption. Both brightness and contrast can be adjustedand an AV out allows a DVR to be connected andrecord the image being viewed. Man-sized detection

Hand-held TICs offer versatility and functionality

is over 900m. The LD-38 operates at <9Hz whilethe HD-38 operates at 30Hz.

Man-sized detectionThe Thermoteknix TiCAM 750 thermal imaging

binocular is available with either a ThermoteknixMicroCAM 384x288 25 pitch detector for MediumRange (MR) or with a hi res 640x480 17 pitchdetector for Long Range (LR) – these offer man-sized detection at up to 2000m and 2750m(Johnsons Criteria) respectively. Both variants

operate at 50Hz and feature a 75mm f1.0Germanium lens. Milspec to MIL-STD-810F,TiCAM 750’s clamshell design with rubber over-moulding protects the unit in the harshest ofenvironments and allows operation with or withoutgloves. Functions include electronic focus anddigital zoom (1x, 2x and 4x), edge detection,external video output and exceptional battery lifewith up to eight hours operation in normal usefrom four Lithium AA batteries.www.thomasjacks.co.uk

Thermoteknix TiCAM 750 (rear), Guide IR518-EC (left) and PulsarQuantum HD-38 (right) from Thomas Jacks Ltd.


30 | ESTTHERMAL IMAGING

For more than 114 years, Bullard has built a legacyof creating products that are uniquely designedwith input from its customers. Byunderstanding the specific needs offirefighters and police officers, thecompany designs itsthermal imagers to reflecttheir experience andinput. With Bullardproducts, users will findthe ultimate in toughnessand durability. They’llalso find extraordinary serviceand the most innovative designs.

Using infrared technology to see through cloudsof smoke, Bullard thermal imagers help firefightersidentify victims, pinpoint fires and recognisestructural dangers before they cause injuries anddeaths. From the simplest personal-issue thermalimager to the most advanced camera, Bullard offersfirefighters a thermal imager perfectly designed toget the job done.

Designed for every firefighterThe latest thermal imager from Bullard is the

Eclipse® LD – a high performance thermal imagerthat combines the compact, sleek design of thepopular Bullard Eclipse® with a thermal imagingengine and the latest Liquid Crystal Displaytechnology on a 3.5in screen. The Eclipse LD isavailable with a 160 x 120 or 320 x 240 ultra-highresolution infrared engine providing firefighters

with a personal-issue thermal imager that serves asa complete analytical tool.

The standard Eclipse, first introduced tofire and rescue services in 2009, is a low-cost, lightweight, personal-issue thermalimager designed for every firefighter.

Bullard’s additional thermal imagersinclude the T4MAX and T3 Series,

designed to help firefighters analyse a scene,conduct size-up and perform overhaul and

investigations. The T4MAX offers an ultra-high320 x 240 resolution and enhanced displayperformance on the industry’s largest and widest,4.3in viewing display. The T3 Series offers theT3MAX/T3MAX+ imagers designed to providefire departments with economically advancedthermal imagers offering incredible durabilityalong with a comfortable handhelddesign.

These thermal imagers offerinnovative features, includingElectronic Thermal Throttle®

(ETT) and Super Red Hot , whichgive firefighters advanced informationon a scene. The Eclipse Series and T3 Seriesoffer ETT and Super Red Hot as optional features.

Innovative featuresElectronic Thermal Throttle® (ETT), exclusive to

Bullard, allows firefighters in a non-fire fightingactivity to conduct victim search, hazmatoperations, size-up, overhaul, and identify hot spots.

This innovative feature aids firefighters in revealinghidden fire and distinguishing hotter objects thathelp firefighters save critical time and preventcostly mistakes.

Law enforcementThe Edge™ is the latest high-performance

thermal imager from Bullard designed exclusivelyfor the police market. Engineered with the latestinfrared technology and intuitive features, the Edgeis a powerful tool that enhances officer safety andscene visibility.

Weighing only 0.68kg, the Edge is available withan 80 x 60 or 160 x 120 resolution infrared engine

providing officers with a sleek,lightweight, ergonomicallydesigned thermal imagerperfectly suited for tactical,investigation, and search and

rescue applications. It offerspolice officers an easy-to-use, extremely

durable surveillance tool.Edge is equipped with advanced features,

including screen dimming, reverse polarity,which enables officers to quickly adjust the screenimage for maximum detail, and the uniqueNocturnal mode, which colourises the displayimage red allowing a user’s eyes to adjust morequickly in the dark. An optional display shieldconverts the thermal imager to monocular viewingfor maximum concealment of the user.www.bullard.com

Vital tools in every mission

Leading the way in thermal imaging innovationSince the introduction of thermal imagingtechnology to the fire and rescue services, ScottSafety has been at the forefront of innovation,providing advanced, fire-ground proven thermalimaging cameras to first responders for use insearch and rescue, overhaul operations and hot spot identification.

The new Eagle Attack thermal imaging cameradelivers all the performance, quality and durabilitythat firefighters demand. Its high-resolution displayprovides users with great image quality andfunctionality not normally available in lightweight

imagers. Developed for on-the-job reliability,durability and ease-of-use, the Eagle Attack is oneof the lightest and most portable imagers in theindustry.

Quick and easy analysisWith a generous display, a high degree dynamic

range and class-leading resolution and sensitivity,the Eagle Attack makes fire analysis quick and easy.The lens isn’t just high-functioning, it’s alsoprotected by silicone bumpers and if anything everhappens to the germanium lens, it’s beenengineered so that change-out can be done in the field.

The Eagle Attack charging system is fully loadedwith simple-to-use features, like daisy chaincharging from one power cable to a low profilecasing that can be easily mounted on a vehicle, so itcan be out of the way but easily accessed.

All together, the Eagle Attack is one of the lightest,most easy-to-use fast attack imagers available today.Most importantly, as customers have come to expectfrom Scott Safety, the product can be configured tosuit their changing needs. The camera is offeredwith either greyscale or colour imagery, and theoptional Scott thermal video recorder (TVR), whichautomatically captures every event for training anddocumentation purposes. It also comes in threerubber bumper colours to suit the customer’s ownbranding but above all, it doesn’t sacrifice quality for portability.

The innovations in the design and production ofthe Eagle Attack have also brought real economiesin the purchase price too, with fire and rescueservices now able to afford at least one camera foreach fire truck, which could lead to improvedsearch and rescue outcomes.

Contract confirmedScott Safety has supplied thermal imaging

cameras to six fire and rescue services across theUK in the last 12 months, including Hereford andWorcester Fire and Rescue Service, whose ChiefFire Officer, Mark Yates, confirmed the contract onthe Scott Safety stand at The Emergency ServicesShow 2012.www.scottsafety.comThe Eagle Attack.

Mark Yates, Chief Fire Officer Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue,with Scott Safety at The Emergency Services Show 2012.


ESTINTEROPERABILITY | 33

Inter-agency cooperation is most likely to berequired in situations to which the Act applies.Importantly, when one is considering the issue ofinteroperability the Act provides that identifyingand assessing risk, sharing information andagreeing solutions are in fact statutory duties uponCategory 1 responders. Failure to discharge thestatutory duties, will expose Category 1 respondersto the risk of litigation and the consequentialdamage to finances, reputation and morale withinthe organisation/s concerned.

“The existence of JESIP isa golden opportunity forthe emergency services toagree and adopt national

solutions.”

Given that the bulk of the Act’s Part 1 dutiescame into force on 14 November 2005 it is verysurprising, and perhaps a little worrying, thatessential protocols are often found to be absent,deficient or misunderstood when they are mostneeded. These problems may have arisen becausethe Act creates a problem right from the start. Thefocus is on ‘local’ and ‘regional’ solutions ratherthan national. This has led to a proliferation ofpotentially incompatible policies and protocols anda lack of knowledge of the existence or content ofthe relevant policies.

The existence of a multiplicity of policies is arecipe for serious problems, which include thecapacity to cause dangerous confusion when majorincidents require the assistance from those outsidethe local or regional framework and the risk oflitigation where one protocol or policy imposespowers or duties not imposed by others. I believethat the solution lies in national frameworks.

Working protocols are essentialIt is obvious that where numerous interested

agencies are all required to act in concert tominimise risk then working protocols are essential.If this principle is so obvious why are protocols sooften deficient? Furthermore, why does it take solong (sometimes decades) to remedy recogniseddeficiencies? It is well known that the failure ofradio communication underground created seriousproblems during the Kings Cross Fire in 1987.Why is it that there was no effective agreed plan inplace in respect of communication when the 7/7

bombings took place almost 20 years later? Thedelays in Airwave do not provide an excuse(certainly where litigation is concerned) – what wasthe interim plan? The exploration of this issue tookup several days of the inquests into the deathsarising from the 7/7 London Bombings.

At least in part, the explanation for continuingfailures to address recognised risks lies in the factthat solutions required the agreement of too manyorganisations on a fragmented local basis. The lackof central government funding and will was also aserious handicap.

A further complication is that where there aremajor incidents such as 7/7, the welsh miningdisaster, the 2011 riots, and the search for AprilJones mutual aid may be sought and respondersfrom other areas are likely to attend. They will haveno knowledge of local or regional protocols. It isapparent that it is desirable to agree and adoptnational procedures and protocols.

Golden opportunityI take the view that the existence of JESIP is a

golden opportunity for the emergency services toagree and adopt national solutions. This does notmean that any of the individual organisations willlose their own essential identity or role, rather thatothers will have a clearer understanding of the rolesand responsibilities of their colleagues in otherservices. It is simply formalising the procedures andpractices implemented up and down the countryevery day when the emergency services worktogether to save lives. JESIP has a vital role to playand should seize the initiative and makepolicy/agree protocols from the centre, not devolvethe issues to local or regional bodies.

Training is equally importantEven if JESIP manages to put in place the

necessary national working protocols there is asecond stage, which is equally important, namelytraining. There is no point having agreed protocolsunless front line staff know about their existenceand are familiar with their content. Tabletopexercises for senior staff are fine – but the evidenceabout these has exposed serious flaws. On thewhole, it is not the senior staff that are either thefirst on scene or ‘hands-on’ at the scene. The peoplewho need to know what they are supposed to bedoing and what they can expect of their colleaguesin the other emergency services are those on theground. The absence of understanding at this levelhas been a matter of concern ever since‘Hillsborough’ in 1989. Regrettably, the issue oftraining is still a problem as may be seen from therecommendations made following the 7/7 Inquestsand the Cumbria Shooting inquests. In both casesfrustrations bubbled over on the ground wherethere a lack of understanding of the respective rolesof members of the different emergency services.

Multi-agency practical training for those in thefront line is vital for the successful implementationof any national working protocols. It must berecognised as such and be properly timetabled andresourced. The purpose of this training must beseen as being different to internal training as it is toensure, not only that responders know what theirduties and responsibilities are but, just asimportantly, what they can expect of otherresponders and how they will work together. Lackof understanding of the roles of others has been arecurrent theme at inquiries into major incidentsover the past 20 years.

There is a limit to how many times the courts willrecognise the lack of training and understanding asbeing a factor without reflecting that finding incausation or liability. In the case of training,familiarity breeds confidence not contempt. JESIPhas a vital role to play in recognising theimportance of multi-agency training, facilitating thesame and campaigning for adequate resources.

Positive stepInteroperability is undoubtedly the foundation of

an efficient and effective response to majorincidents. Any development designed to promoteand improve interoperability is a positive stepforward. JESIP may just hold the key to acoordinated future and the commitment of centralgovernment to the same. www.jesip.org.uk

Interoperability: does JESIP hold the key?The starting point where there is to be any consideration of inter-agency cooperation has to be the Civil Contingencies

Act 2004. The Act establishes a statutory framework for civil protection at the local level. It essentially aims to do three

things: establish a clear set of roles and responsibilities for local responders; gives greater structure and consistency to

local civil protection activity; and establishes a basis for performance management at local level.

Words: Fiona Barton QC

Fiona Barton QC


ESTINTEROPERABILITY | 35

Much has been written and spoken over the pastfew years about how the emergency services operateat major incidents. While it is widely recognisedthey have very different and distinct roles, thechanging nature of the incidents they respond tohave had implications on the way in which theyneed to work together.

Many traditional ways of working have beenchallenged and conflicting codes of practices havecaused confusion. Many suggestions of howimprovements could be made have been researchedand implemented locally. However, while the workof the three professional associations is respected,this work has not been centrally coordinated andtherefore not adopted nationally.

There are numerous single projects that aretackling single issues or regional challenges. Mostrecently these include Government projects toaddress how we respond to serious incidents suchas CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological,Nuclear) and MTFA, Marauding TerroristFirearms Attacks (often referred to as a ‘Mumbai-style attack’). However, the Joint EmergencyServices Interoperability Programme (JESIP) hasbeen established to ensure we can join up all thegood work already done or in progress. It seeks towork with the key stakeholders to ensure we reachour vision of ‘Working Together – Saving Lives’.

JESIP Interoperability SummitAll three of the professional associations that

represent the blue light services support JESIP andrecognise the benefits of working together moreregularly and in tandem. To emphasise the point,the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA),Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and theAssociation of Ambulance Chief Executives(AACE) welcomed leaders and strategic managersfrom across the emergency responders to the firstinteroperability summit coordinated by CFOAServices Ltd and hosted by The Emergency ServicesShow 2012. A summit run by the services for theservices!

“How servicesinteroperate with others

needs to become‘business as usual’ and

not something adopted intimes of crisis.”

The summit aimed to provide delegates with asummary of the ‘journey so far’ in terms ofinteroperability as well as a picture of the future.This included an opening by CFOA President, Vij Randeniya, followed by an address on behalf ofthe Home Office from Richard Westlake, Director

of Prepare, Protect, Counter-Terrorism, Science andCBRN.

Roy Wilsher (Chair of JESIP Strategic Board) andCraig Denholm (JESIP Senior Responsible Officer)led the first session, which outlined how JESIPcame about; what it aims to achieve; how it isstructured, and what progress had been made atthat stage. Further details about how theprogramme would be organised came from Jo Byrne, as JESIP Deputy Senior ResponsibleOfficer, supported by Steve Beckley and Keith Prior, representing CFOA and AACErespectively.

Ron Dobson (London Resilience Forum andLondon Fire Commissioner) gave a summary ofhow the emergency services had prepared for the2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He sharedmuch of the good work that had taken place prior toand during the Olympics and much of the Olympicde-brief information will inform the JESIP work.

There were reflections on the future ofinteroperability from the world of research andacademia by Jennifer Cole from Royal UnitedServices Institute (RUSI) and Professor LaurenceAlison from the University of Liverpool.

Considering the wider Responder Community

Christina Scott, Head of the Civil ContingenciesSecretariat, outlined the importance of consideringthe wider ‘Responder Community’ and reflected onrecent projects that have been led by her departmentin this area. These include the establishment of theNational Resilience Extranet (NRE) and the DirectElectronic Information Transfer (DEIT) pilotproject, taking place in Wales and the publication ofthe Lexicon – helping to establish commonly agreedterminology in relation to incidents.

Our final external speaker was Fiona Barton QC.Fiona shared her perspective on the legal standpointfor the emergency services following her recentinvolvement in the inquests into the Cumbriashootings and London bombings. (You can read

CFOA, ACPO and AACE sign up tohelp improve interoperabilitybetween the emergency servicesFor those who have not yet heard about JESIP in any other forum, we hope to provide a summary of the launch for

JESIP at the Interoperability Summit held in November 2012 and an overview of the programme and its workstreams.

Words: Joy Flanagan, JESIP Engagement Manager.

Joy Flanagan, JESIP Engagement Manager.

JESIP looks to ensure that the blue light services are trained and exercised to work together as effectively as possible at all levels of command.


36 | ESTINTEROPERABILITY

more about her perspectives on interoperability andJESIP on page 35).

Fiona specifically mentioned the importance ofcommunication and cooperation at a local andregional level. When things have proven to gowrong she talked about the duplication of activities;about the confusion caused by lack of role clarityand trust between responders, and she talked of theimportance of accurate logging of response activityat incidents.

Overall, Fiona identified that it is the staff on theground that need to know what is expected of themand their responding colleagues. Her concerns arethat with policies and procedures being written atlocal levels, a coordinated response to majorincidents will be consistently difficult to achievewithout some national guidance.

Her final reflections were that the emergencyservices were in an excellent position to make JESIPwork. The issues have been outlined and are known.If JESIP can achieve its aims then every servicewould be in a stronger position in future shouldthey be challenged about their actions. Clarity ofroles and responsibilities, better understanding ofeach other’s capability and capacity supported byrevised and embedded doctrine were all high on herlist of priorities for JESIP.

So what is JESIP?JESIP is a two-year programme that has been

established to address the recommendations fromreports such as Operation Bridge into the 2010Cumbria shootings, the Hillsborough IndependentReport; Lady Justice Hallett’s Report following theJuly 2005 London bombings; and the Pitt Reportinto the 2007 floods. These reviews have identifiedrecurrent themes where the emergency servicescould work better together to ensure that as manylives as possible are saved.

The JESIP vision is ‘Working Together – SavingLives’ and the aims and objectives of theprogramme are ‘To ensure that the blue lightservices are trained and exercised to work togetheras effectively as possible at all levels of command inresponse to major or complex incidents (includingfast moving terrorist scenarios) so that as many livesas possible can be saved’.

There was a broad range of work considered asJESIP was established but with such shorttimescales, the key themes were prioritised andJESIP will focus on the following:1. Blue light interoperability governance structure2. Assessment of tri-service capabilities to meet

national threats and hazards3. Joint emergency services guidance

4. Sharing information and intelligence onevolving threats

5. Joint scene risk assessment to inform an agreed response

6. Operational communications 7. Tri-service mobilisation and coordination8. Joint tri-services command training9. Integration and coordinating of blue light testing

and exercising10. Opportunities for joint procurement and

equipment sharing.

JESIP workstreams These objectives have been organised into four

workstreams. Each workstream has an alignedworking group (responsible for delivering againstthe objectives) and will be led by one of the JESIPteam.

The working groups will comprise subject matterexperts representing the three emergency servicesand other key stakeholders depending on the topic.

JESIP governance How JESIP is governed and organised is shown

below:

JESIP current statusMost of the team are in place and work has begun

on considering all of the organisations that may beimpacted on by the work of JESIP. A clearcommunications plan is being developed and keystakeholders are being contacted currently.

We will engage with relevant networks of officersand practitioners initially via the three professional

associations. We have no intention of creatinganother structure alongside what exists already,rather we will look to work with existing groups andnetworks to share information and gather feedback.

Looking to wider engagement, because of the verynature of different structures and governance foreach emergency service, the most consistent networkacross the country is that of the Local ResilienceForums (LRFs). JESIP is looking to forge links withthe LRFs and will be presenting at their upcomingLRF Chairs forum in March.

The working groups have been established andare now considering how to achieve the deliverablesthat have been set out.

Details of the deliverables of each working groupcan be found on the JESIP website, which will becontinuously updated as the programme progresses.Other forms of communication are currently underconsideration to ensure the right people get the rightinformation at the right time. The use of socialmedia platforms, such as Twitter, is being exploredso keep checking the website for the latest news!

What will success look like?A key part of the work for JESIP is to ensure that

interoperability is embedded within each of theemergency services. How services interoperate withothers needs to become ‘business as usual’ and notsomething adopted in times of crisis. With a cleardirection set and work programme outlined JESIPwill strive to achieve success and if we do, we thinkit should look something like this:

JESIP is not about radically changing the wayservices perform their duties. In fact we have alreadydiscovered there is much innovative thinking takingplace all over the country on which we can build.

It has become clear that there is a need to establishsome joint doctrine, clarify the practicalities of whatpeople need to work better together at incidents and,finally, establish a training strategy that allows thosein command positions to be equipped with theknowledge and skills they need.

The success of JESIP is essential to ensureemergency services can continue to do the job thepublic expect and are not held back by concerns oflegal implications. We truly hope everyone involvedwill support JESIP and help us achieve what willbe a major milestone for all three emergencyservices.

Watch out for future updates and information onJESIP in Emergency Services Times.www.jesip.org.ukE-mail: [email protected]

At the JESIP National Interoperability Summit: (From L to R) Vij Randeniya, CFOA President; Craig Denholm, JESIP Senior Responsible Officer; and Roy Wilsher, Chair of the JESIP Strategic Board, listen to the address from Richard Westlake, Director of Prepare, Protect, Counter-Terrorism, Scienceand CBRN, made on behalf of the Home Office.

Euromacchine, a company with more than

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LAMPO unit demonstrates versatility

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40 | ESTPEOPLE

Duncan White from Devon andSomerset Fire and Rescue Service(DSFRS) has achieved a FoundationDegree in Events Management bystudying online with the University ofDerby Buxton. He is responsible forEvents Management at DSFRS and isthe UK Event Safety Lead for theChief Fire Officers’ Association(CFOA).www.derby.ac.uk

Rob Ashford, Chief Executive Officer of Thames AmbulanceService, has been re-elected asChairman of the IndependentAmbulance Association (IAA) for thenext three years. Rob, who joinedThames in July 2009, was previouslyDeputy Chief Ambulance Officer forthe West Midlands AmbulanceService NHS Trust and Locality ChiefOperating Officer for the Bedfordshireand Hertfordshire region of EssexAmbulance Service.www.iaauk.org

Chief Constable Mike Cunninghamhas agreed to extend his contractwith Staffordshire Police untilSeptember 2017. Mr Cunningham,who was awarded the Queen’sPolicing Medal (QPM) in the 2013New Year’s honours list, joined theforce in September 2009. Hiscontract was due to expire in 2014.www.staffordshire.police.uk

Northamptonshire Police DeputyChief Constable Suzette Davenporthas been appointed as the new Chief Constable of GloucestershireConstabulary. DCC Davenport startedher new role on 4 February, leavingher current position vacant. While therecruitment process gets underway, anumber of temporary changes havebeen made to Northamptonshire’schief officer team: Assistant ChiefConstable Martin Jelley has taken onthe role of Temporary Deputy ChiefConstable; and Chief SuperintendentPaul Phillips becomes TemporaryAssistant Chief Constable. AssistantChief Constable Andy Frost remainsin his current position.www.northants.police.uk

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescuehas appointed John Roberts asAssistant Chief Fire Officer. The 36-year-old replaced ACO Neil Hessellfollowing his retirement from theservice last year. John was previouslyan Area Manager for the Sheffieldand Barnsley districts, and headedthe service’s Emergency ResponseDirectorate. www.syfire.gov.uk

CEO at London’sAir Ambulance tolead service’sexpansion plans

Graham Hodgkin has been appointedto the role of Chief Executive Officerof London’s Air Ambulance. He joinsat an exciting time of rapid transitionfor the charity and will lead theservice through its next stages ofdevelopment and growth. In additionto enhancing the current service,Graham will seek to secure additionalfunding to transform the scale andimpact of the charity’s operations,including the critical acquisition of asecond helicopter.

Dr Gareth Davies, Medical Directorand Chair of the Trustees of London’sAir Ambulance, said, “Building on ourworldwide reputation for clinicalexcellence, Graham will lead thecharity through its next phase ofgrowth and development and willcontinue to enhance our capacity toserve the capital.

“Graham’s appointment will enableus to expand our operations in orderto deliver a sustainable uninterruptedservice to Londoners who dependon our advanced trauma team toreach them quickly in their time ofneed, whether by helicopter or oneof our rapid response cars.”

Graham has more than two decadesof experience in the City and is a for-mer Managing Director at DeutscheBank. He also previously founded anindependent consultancy, providing arange of business advisory, coaching,training and leadership to the financialservices, social enterprise and chari-table sectors. He said, “I am incrediblyexcited about the opportunity to usemy skills and experience to benefitthis superb charity, which not onlysaves people’s lives daily but alsoleads the way for other air ambulanceservices globally. I look forward tothe challenge that lies ahead and inparticular to delivering a much neededsecond helicopter for London.”www.londonsairambulance.co.uk

Andrew Morgan has been appointedas Interim Chief Executive of the Eastof England Ambulance Service NHSTrust (EEAST).

Andrew has worked in the NHSsince 1982, and moves to EEASTfrom his most recent post as ChiefExecutive of NHS Norfolk andWaveney. He has also held posts asChief Executive at NHS Bedfordshireand NHS Harrow, and has spenttime as a Health Authority Directorin primary care.

Maria Ball, Chair of the trust, said,“Andrew is a superb person to leadthe trust whilst the next stage of therecruitment process is carried out.The trust is entering an importanttime as we work with new commis-sioners to agree how the service willbe funded, what services will be pro-vided to patients and to what stan-dards. With Andrew’s extensiveexpertise within the NHS, he will beable to guide the trust forward toimprove our services to patients, andsee EEAST through the difficultwinter period where traditionally wesee an increase in demand on 999services.”

Former EEAST Chief ExecutiveHayden Newton became one of thefirst ever recipients of the Queen’sAmbulance Service Medal for Distin-guished Service (QAM) in the NewYear’s Honours List 2013. The citationnoted Hayden’s ‘dedication to helpingpatients at their time of most need’,and, among other projects in additionto his CEO role, being the nationalDepartment of Health lead for theintroduction of the Call Connect pri-oritisation system in control rooms‘significantly improving response timesnationally.’

Hesuccessfully ledbothKentAmbu-lance Service and EEAST throughtheirmergers,managing legacy issuesand ‘developing patient led strategiesto meet their changing needs.’

The citation added that Hayden‘led a multitude of local and nationalpieces of work over and above hisnormal role’ and that his ‘outstandingmajor incident experience’ wasdemonstrated at the Hatfield andPotter’s Bar rail incidents. It alsonotes his successful role as theNational Ambulance Lead for theLondon 2012 Olympics.www.eastamb.nhs.uk

Ambulance service makes interimappointment to the top job

Andrew Morgan, Interim Chief Executive, EEAST.

Hayden Newton, former Chief Executive, EEAST.

March 2013 sees Southampton resi-dent Mrs Milly Stokes clocking up 45years voluntary service as an ambulancecar driver.

Milly has recently received threelong service awards, including onefrom University Hospital SouthamptonNHS Foundation Trust for 45 years ofOutstanding Service, as well as specialrecognition from South Central Ambu-lance Service NHS Foundation Trust(SCAS) in 2012 when she received anAMBIES Special Award for fourdecades of exemplary voluntary serviceto patients.www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk

Ambulance worker clocks up 45 years voluntary service

Volunteer ambulance car driver Milly Stokes .


ESTPEOPLE | 41

Peter Holland CBE, former Chief FireOfficer of Lancashire Fire and RescueAuthority, has been appointed as thenext Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser.He succeeds Sir Ken Knight who willremain employed by the Departmentfor Communities and LocalGovernment until the spring tocomplete the efficiencies andoperations review announced on 14 December 2012.www.gov.uk

Douglas Paxton has been appointedas the next Chief Constable of SuffolkPolice. Mr Paxton, who has spentmuch of his police service in Suffolk,is currently Deputy Chief Constable ofStaffordshire.www.suffolk.police.uk

Greater Manchester Police hasappointed Ian Hopkins as DeputyChief Constable (DCC). Ian has beenGMP’s temporary DCC sinceDecember 2011 and will retain overallresponsibility for force performance,the Force Change Programme andCorporate Communications.www.gmp.police.uk

Sally Chapman has been appointedas the new Deputy Chief Officer forSouth Wales Fire and Rescue Service(SWFRS). Sally, who originally trainedas a public sector lawyer, joinedSWFRS in September 2006 and herportfolio as Director of CorporateServices includes finance,procurement, stores, businesssupport, internal and external audit,legal services and support to fire andrescue authority members.www.southwales-fire.gov.uk

Dave Walton has joined WestYorkshire Fire and Rescue Service(WYFRS) as Assistant Chief FireOfficer and Director of ServiceSupport. Mr Walton previously servedwith West Midlands Fire Service(WMFS) for 28 years, where he wasmost recently Acting Assistant ChiefOfficer/Director of Technical andOperational Support. He replaces ACOMartyn Redfearn, who recently retiredfrom WYFRS. Mr Walton is thenational lead for hazardous materialsfor the Chief Fire Officers’ Association(CFOA) and a member of the NationalOperations Committee.www.westyorksfire.gov.uk

Mark Gilmore is the new ChiefConstable of West Yorkshire Police.Mark spent the last 18 months asDeputy Chief Constable inNorthumbria and for two years beforethat as Assistant Chief Constable inWest Yorkshire.www.westyorkshire.police.uk

HPA’s Olympicslead receivesNew Year CBEDr Brian McCloskey has been award-ed a CBE in recognition of services topublic health and public safety in the2013 New Year’s Honours List.

Dr McCloskey (pictured below)coordinated the HPA’s Olympic andParalympic Games preparations. Hesaid, “I am delighted to receive thishonour from Her Majesty, whichrecognises the work undertaken by afantastic team at the Health ProtectionAgency over many years. We weredelighted to be part of the planningefforts for the London 2012 Olympicand Paralympic Games; it was hardwork but great fun and the success ofthe Games made it all worthwhile.”

Dr Paul Cosford, acting Chief Exec-utive of the HPA, said, “The awardreflects Dr McCloskey’s outstandingcontribution to public health in thiscountry, including the excellent lead-ership he provided over seven yearsof Olympic and Paralympic Gamesplanning. Dr McCloskey was instru-mental to the development ofenhanced HPA surveillance systemsto monitor for health threats acrossthe Games period, and has created a fantastic legacy for the future. I am delighted his work has beenrecognised.”

Dr McCloskey has worked in publichealth for over 24 years, joining theHPA in 2004 with responsibility foremergency planning and cross-gov-ernment aspects of the agency’sresponse to major emergencies.

From April 2013, he will take upthe role of Director of Global Healthat Public Health England.www.hpa.org.uk

Chief Officer Alasdair Hay, ScottishFire and Rescue Service (SFRS), hasannounced the appointment of aStrategic Leadership Team (SLT) totake forward the new service, whichwill become operational on 1 April2013.

Alex Clark is appointed as DeputyChief Officer in the new SFRS, pro-viding strategic support to the ChiefOfficer as well as assuming responsi-bility for the day-to-day performanceof the service and leading a numberof assigned functions. Alex was for-merly Chief Fire Officer at Lothianand Borders Fire and Rescue Service.

Four Assistant Chief Officers havebeen appointed: David Boyle, previ-ously Chief Fire Officer, Tayside Fireand Rescue; David Goodhew, previ-ously Assistant Chief Officer at Strath-clyde Fire and Rescue; Peter Murray,previously Deputy Chief Fire Officer,Tayside Fire and Rescue (on second-ment from Grampian FRS); LewisRamsay, previously Assistant ChiefOfficer, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue;and Robert Scott, previously AssistantChief Officer, Strathclyde Fire andRescue.

Diane Vincent, previously Head ofOrganisational Development at Strath-clyde Fire and Rescue, has beenappointed Director of People andOrganisational Development, andSarah O’Donnell, previously Head ofFinance at Strathclyde Fire and Rescue,has been appointed as the service’snew Director of Finance and Con-tractual Services.

The new service will have its interim

headquarters in Perth and will bedivided into three key service hubs:• The East Hub – led by ACO Peter

Murray• The West Hub – led by ACO

Dave Boyle• The North Hub – led by ACO

Robert Scott.Chief Officer Alasdair Hay, Scottish

Fire and Rescue Service, said, “Wehave appointed an exceptional teamof individuals to lead the new nationalScottish Fire and Rescue Service.Between them, they have more than130 years’ experience working in fireand rescue services across Scotland.

“This is a significant milestone in thejourney towards a national serviceand I am really looking forward toworking with all of them, to makesure we deliver a fire and rescue ser-vice that we can be proud of and thatis committed to serving and protectinglocal communities across Scotland.”www.scotland.gov.uk

Chief Medical Officer Professor DameSally Davies and Thames Valley PoliceChief Constable Sara Thornton, VicePresident of the Association of ChiefPolice Officers (ACPO), have beenlisted as sixth and 18th respectively inthe Top 20 women of The Woman’sHour Power List 2013.

The BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s HourPower list 2013 is the list of the UK’s100 most powerful women in theUK, nominated by the public andchosen by a panel comprising journalistEve Pollard, presenter Dawn O’Porter,labour peer Baroness Oona King,conservative MP Priti Patel, crimenovelist Val McDermidand and formerWoman’s Hour editor Jill Burridge.

The list was announced on Woman’sHour on 12 February and also

featured Cressida Dick, AssistantCommissioner of the Met Police.http://tinyurl.com/powertop100

Top team appointed to lead newScottish Fire and Rescue Service

Emergency workers named inWoman’s Hour Power List 2013

Chief Officer Alasdair Hay, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Dr Brian McCloskey CBE

Chief Constable Sara Thornton.


42 | ESTPROFILE

Emergency Services Times (EST): What werethe key events for Excelerate during 2012?

David Savage (DS): 2012 was a year in which wedelivered everything we were contracted to deliver,with flying colours, and with lots of endorsementsfrom government, particularly leading up to theOlympics. Because we have such a high marketshare in our sector, 2012 was also a year when, inanticipation of the Olympics, we made somesignificant investments, in designing andimplementing, in time for the Olympics, our newEnhanced Resilience Satellite Network.

Throughout 2012 there was lots of testing goingon, and lots of exercises being run, preparing for theOlympics, and of course we gave full technicalsupport to those exercises. In fact, for an exercise inLondon last year – Operation Amber – not only didwe support technically at various sites with fullconference capability and full failover, we alsobolstered the network and provided the users withadditional technology so that they could also pushthe system to the limits.EST: Can you explain the need for the EnhancedResilience Satellite Network?

DS: Certainly. For the Olympics we had to ensurethat sufficient ‘Plan Bs’ were in place. Eighteenmonths ago the question was raised by the CabinetOffice concerning resilience of satellites, particularlyin light of enhanced solar flare activity, and thatstarted to make us think: ‘What is the Plan B if thesatellite does actually fall out of the sky?’ Wedecided not to take the chance, not just byexpanding capacity but also by acquiring thecapacity of a second satellite network using anidentical satellite platform. This was the genesis ofthe Enhanced Resilience Satellite Network.

The benefit of this is that if one satellite fails our

customers can be rapidly switched across to asecond satellite network without having to reinvestin any additional technology, ie using exactly thesame technology platform that they have alreadypurchased from us. That is very important, and itdoes actually give us a significant edge; foremergency services, resilience is a criticalconsideration. EST: The state of Victoria Country Fire Authorityin Australia has integrated communicationssolutions from Excelerate into its advanced newcommand vehicles, which it is using to managebush fires. How did this opportunity arise?

DS: As with much of our business, including ourgrowth in the UK, it is almost always spawned onthe back of horrendous disasters, such as 9/11 in theUS and 7/7 in London. The latter, for example, wasprobably responsible for the HART contract, withgreater emphasis by the emergency services on moreresilient communications, where they might fail andwhere they might need bolstering. And really it wasno different with Australia, though in Australia thecatalyst wasn’t terrorism but the cataclysmic eventson what is called Black Saturday, where 173 peoplelost their lives when as many as 400 individualbushfires were burning across the Australian state ofVictoria on and around 7 February 2009.

As you would expect when there is so much lossof life, that triggered a royal commission of enquiry,and the royal commission identified a number ofcritical command communications issues, both interms of how they managed emergencies but also interms of modernisation, where improvements wererequired in every area, including communications.They found that the emergency services, just like inLondon after the London bombings, in that peakperiod of activity were experiencingcommunications problems. They didn’t haveenough technology and they relied on their publicnetwork far too heavily. This is a watchword with allemergency services the world over; if they are overly

reliant on a public network then they are courtingdisaster. Probability wise, they will one day getcaught out and be found wanting.

All of that investigation triggered a requirementby the Victoria Country Fire Authority (CFA), inparticular, to look at what the state of Victoria wasdoing to fix the problem. The Victoria CFA sentsenior officers to the Interschutz fire show, inGermany, in 2010. We had taken a HART vehicle toInterschutz and we also took our owndemonstration vehicle. The Australian visitors wereabsolutely bowled over by their capabilities.Consequently, we were invited over to Australia totalk to them about how we could export ourexpertise and our capability into Australia. That’show it all began, and we are now being seen as partof the solution to their major challenges.EST: How do you plan to manage Excelerate’sbusiness in Australia?

DS: From our perspective the business model forAustralia will be very similar to the business modelthat works well for us here in the UK. We will havea wholly-owned subsidiary with our own peoplethere, and the reason for that is that we can thenenjoy exactly the same sort of close relationshipswith clients in Australia as we enjoy here in the UK.

The satellite we are using is giving us full coverageof the continent of Australia, including Tasmania,and New Zealand. The bushfire season in any yeargenerally starts in October in the north of thecountry and then as the summer kicks in thosebush fires move south east as the summer dries outthe vegetation.

“This is a watchword withall emergency services the

world over; if they areoverly reliant on a public

network then they arecourting disaster.”

EST: Will the Australian market present you withany particular challenges?

DS: The big difference between the situation inthe UK and Australia is that in the UK we werepioneers of the concept of satellite broadband-enabled vehicles. In the beginning the vehiclesdidn’t have all the applications we eventually endedup with on vehicles such as the HART UK vehicles,which have a comprehensive suite of data, voice andvideo applications, which make satellite bandwidthtruly compelling and very useful.

In the UK mobile satellite broadband has movedfrom being a nice-to-have to being a must-have, andanybody who is considering a new commandvehicle in the UK these days absolutely has to havesatellite broadband. We no longer have to sell the

In conversation with… David SavageDavid Savage, founder and Chief Executive of Excelerate Technology Group – a leading command communications and

mobile satellite broadband provider – reflects on a very good 2012 for his company and its customers. Emergency

Services Times spoke to David between trips to Australia and the Middle East.

Excelerate has begun offering Ka satellite services to its clients, inaddition to Ku services delivering its Enhanced Resilience SatelliteNetwork.

David Savage, Founder and Chief Executive, Excelerate Technology Group


ESTPROFILE | 43

concept of satellite broadband. It is now very mucha case of ‘what can you do with that network’ onceyou have it. That is why it is important that wecontrol the network.

The Australians started by saying, ‘we are buildingnew command vehicles and we want everything youhave in the UK on those command vehicles’. So, inaddition to mobile satellite broadband they have afull suite of cameras, body-worn cameras andperimeter cameras, resilient communications, thingslike private GSM. We are not simply bolting asatellite dish onto a vehicle. And they have also ‘got’our DDMI (Digital Dashboard ManagementInterface) solution. They understood that it wasgoing to solve the problem of putting a verysophisticated and diverse range of technologies andapplications on board these vehicles for the firsttime, but also the need for demystifying it all andmaking it easy to use for fire officers.

We are finding the same thing in the Middle East,where DDMI is being seen and accepted as one ofthe best means of overcoming one of the biggesthurdles to introducing new and very comprehensivetechnologies to people who actually aren’t ITliterate. We have never lost sight of who ourcustomers are – they are fire officers, paramedicsand police officers; they are not meant to be retrained to become IT specialists.

For Australia we are also developing thingsspecifically for the client. That is another one of thethings we do, physically investing in and developingnew technologies on the back of requirements fromour emergency services clients.

“Regarding our Ku-basedEnhanced Resilience

Satellite Network, nobodyelse can provide that

level of resilience withoutthe client having to go

through significant extraexpense and delays.”

This is only the beginning for DDMI, forexample. If it were a software product you would becalling it Version 1.0. We don’t see an end to this.The more ideas clients have, the more things theywant to integrate, then the more features will beintegrated into DDMI. There will be many moregood things for DDMI, and it won’t just integratethings that we develop. It will also bring in things –not supplied by us – which clients have introduced. EST: I understand the vehicles were operationalsooner than was planned – why so?

DS: The two vehicles were handed over to CFAin November/December last year and weren’tstrictly scheduled to be on the run – ie operational –until about July this year. But before we even get tothe recent bush fires, there was a telephoneexchange that was burnt out in late 2012. That wassignificant, because it then affected terrestrialcommunications for about 250km. It got to thepoint where people couldn’t draw cash out of cashpoints because there were no comms, peoplecouldn’t buy petrol at a petrol station because there

were no comms. The Victoria CFA chief requested that we

supplied one of our resident engineers to helpsupport the deployment of one of their newcommand vehicles ahead of schedule. That vehiclewas actually parked front-ways in to their firestation in the affected town, with its rear endhanging out with its satellite dish deployed. Thatvehicle actually became the only means ofcommunication for anybody in that region. That gotthe message over very clearly about the importanceof resilience and business continuity.

The second time the CFA vehicle was used inanger was because of the extraordinary level of bushfire activity throughout the state in January thisyear, and they decided they needed to use one of theCFA command vehicles to support operations.

These are the first vehicles of their type inAustralia; they really are pioneering. Even in New Zealand, where there are vehicles that have asatellite dish on them, no one was using the levelsand types of capability the way our customers in theUK do or the Victoria CFA.

We will be headquartering our Australasianbusiness in Melbourne and supporting NewZealand clients from there. The trip by plane to NZis almost a domestic trip. EST: You are now offering both Ka and Ku bandsatellite solutions. What are the differencesbetween the two?

DS: With Ku satellites one satellite can cover avery large geographical area, whereas Ka usesnarrower spot beams and a number of those spotbeams to cover the same area. It is quite possiblethat an emergency services client needs to transit thearea of a spot beam in order to cover their territory.An antenna might not actually be able to find thesatellite. These are all issues that we have to adviseon. We offer technology that offers automatic beamhopping, so we ensure that our customers can accessproper professional roaming type networks with Ka. EST: You weren’t the first company to offer thesesolutions. Could you explain why?

DS: We are agnostic about both alternatives. Wehave no axe to grind concerning either of the twosystems. Unusually for us, we were not the first

supplier to provide Ka solutions for emergencyservices, and the reason we didn’t do that, the reasonwe waited, was because at the time none of thehardware platforms were actually accredited by thesatellite networks.

What we can’t do, given that we have a brand anda reputation to consider, is to introduce and offer aKa solution where there was any risk whatsoever,where the client might buy a product that couldtheoretically be turned off if there wasn’t accreditedequipment. So we waited until various platformsstarted to get their accreditations. That hashappened, so we are now in the Ka satellite market.

We also wanted to be able to offer things thatnobody else could. Regarding our Ku-basedEnhanced Resilience Satellite Network, nobody elsecan provide that level of resilience without the clienthaving to go through significant extra expense anddelays getting reconnected should there be aterminal failure of a satellite.

With Ka we had to wait until the satelliteantennae received their approvals andaccreditations. We needed to choose our networkcarefully, because the only competing services beingoffered in the UK were effectively offering consumerproducts and consumer tariffs, network dynamicsthat were for the masses but those providers have nocontrol over the quality of that broadband. Havinggone through the pain barrier many years ago, weknow it doesn’t work if you can’t control quality; ifyou can’t provide a more professional grade ofservice. For emergency services customers andbusiness customers we have had to do quite a lot ofwork in coming up with a range of solutions toovercome that problem.

However, if a client insists on being supplied witha consumer-type solution, purely based on cost, wewill be as competitive as we need to be to securethat business, and we can do that because of our sizeand our market penetration – our market power ifyou like.

I believe we can provide Ka satellite antennas farmore competitively than anyone else in the marketplace. www.excelerate-group.com

The State of Victoria Country Fire Authority’s first mobile command vehicle with a full suite of integrated command communications solutions suppliedand supported by Excelerate Technology Group.

FloodSax® On The Flooding FrontlineWhen flooding strikes either inside or outside you have little time to act.

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Save LivesWhen Hurricane Sandy struck the USA in October 2012 it sent anhorrendous amount of debris heading for homes and people. Just lookat how this wall of FloodSax® (right) held back a colossal amount ofwater and debris that would have devastated homes alongside the RiverDelaware close to New Jersey.

Save MoneyThe damage caused by any kind of flood can be astronomical, describedby insurance companies as “the thief who takes everything in its wake”as insurance claims from floods are typically 30 times greater than fromburglaries. That’s an awful lot of money, likely to send your insurancepremium spiralling and it could mean you even struggle to get floodinsurance again.

Save SpaceThe beauty of FloodSax® is that they come vacuumed-packed so can bepopped in the smallest of spaces – in a car or on a fire appliance. A boxof 20 FloodSax® which can be carried by one person and moved in acar is the equivalent to a pallet of 20 sandbags that would need aforklift to shift and at least a van to transport.

Save MessWhen flooding strikes it’s powerful enough to send water back up intohomes from sewers, flooding bathrooms with filthy water. Just oneFloodSax® popped down the toilet prevents this. Simply place themunder a leaking pipe or appliance such as a boiler or washing machineand let the FloodSax® absorb all the water.

Save PropertyFloodSax® have proven to be highly effective as they give instantprotection from flooding, leaks and spills. Just 30 of them built as a wallprotected £360,000 worth of equipment at this warehouse (left).FloodSax® can be used as highly effective barriers to stop water gettinginside homes or businesses, but can also be used as barriers to divertwater away from properties and into drains or water courses such asstreams and becks.

Save Clean-upSandbags can deteriorate over time and eventually fall apart unlikeFloodSax® which are clean, dry and easy to store. Sandbags can also bemessy to clean up after the floodwater has subsided.

Save The EnvironmentFloodSax® don’t need to use the earth’s natural resources such as sandand after they’ve been used can be simply and easily disposed of swiftlyin landfill sites where they will decompose over time.

When disaster strikes make sure you’ve FloodSax® to hand


ESTSEVERE WEATHER | 45

Let’s start with the fact that no one is fullyprepared for a disaster. If we were, then it would beroutine and certainly wouldn’t feel like a crisis. Thetruth is that, as emergency professionals, all we cando is try to provide individuals, communities,organisations and responders with a range of tools,skills and capabilities that we hope they will be ableto use to return to some new normality as soon aspossible after a disaster.

Most disasters, however large and whatever theircause, have a predictable set of consequences,including: loss of power, loss of water supplies,interrupted communications, disruption of careservices, removal of transport infrastructure, and anoverwhelming of public services that we normallytake for granted.

The role of the Local Resilience Forum is to usethe skills of member organisations to address eachof these consequences and to make arrangementsin advance to minimise their impact. Althoughthey can’t stop disaster striking, they all contributeto what is known as a Community Risk Register,

used to predict the impact and likelihood of a widerange of incidents.

Improving personal resilienceStarting with the help available to individuals,

many organisations, local and national, offer adviceon how to improve personal resilience. TheEnvironment Agency is a key member of the forumand produces extensive information on issuesrelating to flood defence and protecting homes.This information ranges from how to monitorrising water levels on our rivers to practical adviceon water-proofing homes. In crisis, they activatetheir emergency control rooms that monitorwatercourse levels around the country andmaintain flow through rivers, sluices and drains.

Teams of technicians will be working hard duringany disaster to remove blockages and ensure flow inproblem areas wherever possible. There comes apoint, however, when the water table is full and thelow-lying areas of the county have nowhere to drainto. When combined with continued rainfall, high

winds driving high tides, there is a natural limit towhat can be achieved until conditions change.

The Resilience Forum has an extensivecommunication network using specialist advisersfrom all partner organisations, which gives it theability to quickly develop safety instructions and acttogether to provide consistent messages throughbroadcast media. Many of these are pre-drafted butcan be adjusted to fit the needs of specific locationsin a variety of circumstances.

Just like in the USA last year, if we’re lucky there will be some notice of impending disaster.Well-practiced plans will be implemented and,within a few short hours, all members of the forumwill be brought together for a preliminary meetingto agree early objectives and to discuss the state ofreadiness of public, voluntary and utility services.Based on this and taking into account centralgovernment priorities, pre-emptive public safetymessages will be agreed and members will thenstart preparing their own organisations for what is to come.

How would the UK deal with a disasteron the scale of Hurricane Sandy?CFOA National Resilience lead Jon Hall also chairs his Local Resilience Forum, a partnership formed under the Civil

Contingencies Act 2004 to bring together those involved in responding to and recovering from emergencies. Here he

considers the likely manner of response in this country to a disaster on the scale of Hurricane Sandy.

Words: Jon Hall, CFOA National Resilience lead.

Yellow cabs line a flooded street in Queens, New York in hurricane Sandy’s wake. Photo: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features.


46 | ESTSEVERE WEATHER

Maintaining core support servicesEach county, district, borough and city council

works hard through their forums to ensure theycan maintain core support services during a crisis.They identify the most vulnerable and, workingwith the local Director of Public Health, HealthProtection Agency and NHS providers, can helpprioritise the delivery of life support, medical andcare services when normal delivery is simply notpossible. County and Highways Agency staff will beworking to reinstate transport infrastructure andmaintain a critical supplies network from the outsetand districts will be mobilising groups of staff andvolunteers, implementing well practiced plansopening-up their premises to create rest andevacuation centres.

As the storm hits…As the storm hits, local blue light services and

voluntary responders are likely to be fullycommitted to dealing with incidents during theearly stages. They will all be recalling staff,implementing mutual aid arrangements andworking to coordinate incoming resources from allover the UK and even overseas. In every policeservice area, a multi-agency cell, known as theStrategic Coordinating Group (often wronglyreferred to as ‘Gold’), will meet frequently toprovide high-level decision-making and a clear linkwith Government. Under the overall command of

the local Chief Constable, it is through this bodythat national resources such as military aid will berequested and the machinery of Government willbe kept informed of the local situation. Through itsoffices, coordination will also take place acrossmultiple affected areas.

Representatives of key organisations such asutilities (communications, power and waterproviders) will be brought in to provide a focus foroperations depending upon the developingsituation. Wide-scale weather events are unlikely torespect county borders so extensive communicationwill be underway with neighbouring authorities inthe UK.

During the earliest stages of the emergency, thenumber of people needing help will outstrip theability to respond to every call for help. There areonly so many emergency workers available so,during this phase, initial prioritisation will beundertaken by emergency call handlers.Communities will be asked to manage as best theycan and will be asked to care for their most in need.If the disaster is widespread, this could result in aperiod of days when personal resilience is the onlyoption available.

“No matter how goodpreparations are, therewill be a period whencommunities will be ontheir own while moreurgent issues of the

critical infrastructure aredealt with.”

A number of agencies across local and nationalgovernment promote awareness and preparednessfor individuals and communities (in particular theCivil Contingencies Secretariat of the CabinetOffice). However, this is one area where thefrequency of disasters in the US tends themtowards better individual and communitypreparation. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, theyhave learnt the lesson that, no matter how goodpreparations are, there will be a period whencommunities will be on their own while more

urgent issues of the critical infrastructure are dealt with.

It will depend on the nature of a disaster in thiscountry as to how long this phase might last buteffective pre-plans will bring-in additional staffquickly. Military support will be providedimmediately to help with lifesaving operations andpre-defined logistics centres, known as MASHAs,will be established to manage and coordinateincoming resources. Local authorities will establishevacuation and rest centres as soon as possible andemergency communications arrangements will beimplemented in the inevitable event of lost mobilenetworks.

Start restoring normalityFrom the earliest stages of the disaster, the

objective of all involved will be to start restoringnormality wherever possible. The same agenciesinvolved in the emergency response phase will alsocome together as soon as possible to establisharrangements by which recovery can start at thevery earliest stage.

Although it may not seem it to those mostaffected, quite quickly the initial crisis phase willcome within the control of agencies and as manylives as possible will be stabilised. In a disaster, thismay mean as little as everyone having a roof overtheir head and drinking water/food to survive whileinfrastructure is re-established. The management ofexpectations will be difficult throughout thisperiod. The work will then really start to createwhat is often referred to as ‘the new normal’. Withpossible loss to home and property following large-scale disaster, the previous state of what felt‘normal’ may never be re-established, but slowlyand surely communities will recover.

Arrangements need to evolveThe lessons of Sandy have only just begun and

local arrangements will need to evolve to reflectwhat we learn in the coming months and years.Hopefully the UK will continue to only experiencesmaller-scale incidents but the mechanismsestablished through the Civil Contingencies Actprovide a group of people on Local Resilience Foraworking hard to prepare for that which we hopewill never happen.www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilienceThe work of a typical Local Resilience Forumcan be followed atwww.gloucestershireprepared.co.uk

The National Water Safety ManagementProgramme (Emergency Services) from the RoyalLife Saving Society UK (RLSS) is a suite ofmodular, inter-linked training awards, whichenable emergency service authorities to provideemergency services personnel with a sensible andproportionate level of occupation based training –focused around the first few minutes on scene andbefore specialist back-up arrives.

Depending on local need, authorities can selectfrom three levels – ranging from a half-day WaterSafety Awareness course to a comprehensive In-Water Rescue course. Whichever option isappropriate, officers will come away with a clear

appreciation of exactly how they might be harmedand the best response options for that situation.

The course takes a pragmatic approach andrecognises that sometimes options are limited,particularly where fast-flowing deeper water isconcerned – the key is to know, with confidence,

what is possible and whatpresents an unacceptablyhigh risk.

The programme hasbeen developed in closeconsultation with anumber of relevant andkey lead bodies, including Devon & CornwallPolice, and the Health and Safety Executive wasconsulted in the development of the NationalWater Safety Management Programme and‘endorses the sensible, proportionate, reasonableand balanced advice provided by the programme’.www.watersafetymanagement.co.uk

RLSS training raises water safety awareness

Jon Hall, CFOA National Resilience lead



If you work in the emergency services sector you’llbe familiar with the way in which the EnvironmentAgency operates during an incident. We are aCategory 1 Responder and work closely withemergency services before, during and after floods.This includes carrying out risk assessments,developing multi-agency emergency plans, andtraining and exercising together to ensure we’reready to provide as good a response as possible.

“Improvements intechnology, defences andawareness have helpedus learn and progress

since the 1953 East Coastfloods but we must not

forget that we all need towork together to reducethe consequences of oneof the most significantnatural hazards facing

the UK.”

This preparation and our emergency responsewere certainly put to the test in 2012, the secondwettest year since records began. Flooding occurredacross England and Wales throughout the majorityof the year, river flows tripled from April to July,and some areas received almost double the averageamount of rain for the time of year. Around 8000properties flooded during 2012 but defencesprotected more than 200,000 properties from riverand coastal flooding.

Extreme weather eventsOn 31 January 1953, a number of extreme

weather events – high natural tides, a major coastalsurge and very high winds – combined over aneight-hour period to cause major flooding in areasfrom Yorkshire through to Kent. More than 300people died, 24,500 homes were damaged ordestroyed and more than 30,000 people wereevacuated. The storm had initially led to the loss ofover 100 lives at sea near Northern Ireland, thensignificant wind damage to the forests of Scotland,and finally created a tidal surge that coincided withhigh spring tides from the Humber to Dover. The

tidal surge intensified around Holland where 1800people died. These multiple impacts all happenedover a 24-hour period with the worst coastalflooding during darkness.

Although many communities had emergencyplans in place, by the time the threat of coastalflooding became apparent, some could not becontacted by telephone as many lines had beenbrought down by the gales. In 1953 the emergencyresponse to the East Coast floods was spontaneousand community-led and many of the deaths thatoccurred could have been avoided if an effectiveflood warning system had been in place, givingcommunities sufficient time to evacuate theirhomes. At the time, forecasting technology wasfairly primitive and there was no single bodyresponsible for issuing flood warnings.

The East Coast floods of 1953 were a tragic eventfor both the communities that fell victim toflooding, and the country as a whole. Described asone of the worst peacetime calamities to hit Britain,Winston Churchill declared it a ‘national disaster’.Those affected by the floods would have gone tobed without a flood warning, and many of the flooddefences today along the east coast, includingLondon’s Thames Barrier, didn’t exist at all.

Flood warningsWe’re lucky enough to have a lot more tools at

our disposal to keep flood aware and safe these

days. More than 1.2 million people are now signedup to receive flood warnings, giving them vital timeto prepare. Where there was major loss of life in1953, major flood defences have been built,including Canvey Island, Jaywick, Felixstowe,Lincolnshire, Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth.Reports into the flood of 1953’s effect on theThames Estuary and London underpinned thedecision to build the Thames Barrier, which hasbeen shut 125 times since its first closure inFebruary 1983. But with rising sea levels and thegradual sinking of the coastline, today’s defencesneed regular investment if they are to sustain thestandards of protection we have today. This yearalone, 93 new flood defences have been given thegreen light to start construction, protecting morethan 64,000 more homes from the devastatingeffects of flooding. With £294m to be invested inflood risk management this year, 165,000 homes arenow expected to be better protected by 2015, whichis 20,000 more than the current goal.

Greater scientific understandingAlong with the positive changes in defences and

communications, we now have a far greaterscientific understanding of tidal surges, which leadto coastal flooding. Recently the weather dataavailable at the time of the 1953 event were re-analysed by the Met Office’s numericalprediction models, and the results showed accurate

Commemorating the 60th anniversaryof the 1953 East Coast floodsThis year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1953 East Coast floods – the worst flooding in living memory. Today the

Environment Agency works closely with the emergency services before, during and after flooding, so how has flood risk

management progressed since 1953?

Words: Craig Woolhouse, East Coast Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency.

Today’s defences need regular investment if they are to sustain the standards of protection we have today.


predictions of the movement and intensity of thestorm surge. And in November 2007, a reliableadvance warning of a coastal surge from theEnvironment Agency ensured that an evacuation ofparts of Great Yarmouth could be implemented.

There have also been massive improvements inlong range flood forecasting since 1953 like thejoint Environment Agency and Met Office FloodForecasting Centre, which provides 24/7 floodguidance to emergency services and localauthorities. We’re much better prepared than in1953 but we cannot afford to be complacent.Despite the low probability, extreme floods like1953 could strike at any time and we need to beprepared as a country and as communities forwhen these happen.

National riskThe approach to managing civil emergencies on a

national level has progressed hugely over time anda major coastal surge is recognised as one of themost significant natural hazards facing the UK inthe Government’s National Risk Register. CentralGovernment is currently assessing ourpreparedness for this scale of event as are east coastLocal Resilience Forums, who launched their ‘EastCoast Flood Framework’ at a major conference atBarton-upon-Humber to commemorate the 60thanniversary of the flooding.

One in 25 properties in England and Wales iscurrently at risk of coastal flooding – that’s 1.3million people. Our flood defence schemes haveprotected an extra 182,000 properties in the pastthree years but tidal surges happen regularly. Theflooding on the east coast of America from superstorm Sandy was largely as a result of a majorstorm surge occurring at the same time as naturalhigh tides, showing us that the danger of floodingfrom the sea is very real. With a changing climateand sea level rise, more properties will be at risk inthe future.

We have made many great strides towardsmaking sure we are ready for coastal flooding andour work with the emergency services is crucial inprotecting people and properties from thedevastating effects of flooding but people can alsohelp themselves by making sure they are floodaware. Improvements in technology, defences andawareness have helped us learn and progress sincethe 1953 East Coast floods but we must not forgetthat we all need to work together to reduce theconsequences of one of the most significant naturalhazards facing the UK.www.environment-agency.gov.uk


Safequip is a leading supplier of water rescue PPEand equipment to the emergency services, withspecial emphasis in the professional rescue sector,which include fire and rescue services, ambulanceHART, police forces, Maritime and CoastguardAgency, ALSAR and many other rescueorganisations both here in the UK and overseas.

The company’s wide range of products providesspecialist equipment and PPE that have, in mostcases, been specifically developed to provide safetyand protection even in the harshest ofenvironments.

In addition, Safequip is the UK distributor for anumber of premium brands, which includeStreamlight Lighting, Eska Gloves, Volkl Footwear,Specialist Inflatable Technology and the latestaddition, Kask Helmets. These specialist brandsoffer a wide range of products that arecommonplace in all areas of technical rescue.

The company’s products are used in water rescue,rescue boats, mud rescue, working at height,USAR, and frontline fire operations, includingstructural and wildland fire fighting applications.The products are manufactured and tested to thehighest standards, so users can be confident evenwhen they find themselves in the most challengingcircumstances.

Significant investmentSafequip not only recognises the importance of

supplying good quality products that are fit forpurpose, but also the need to support its productswhen it comes to servicing or repairs. In the past 12months the company has invested in improving itslifejacket servicing and drysuit repairs operation, so

that it can provide a first class service, which isdemanded by its customers (For furtherinformation regarding this service, please e-mail:[email protected]).

Safequip boasts a wealth of experience in thesupply of equipment into the emergency servicesand commercial sectors. The company takes veryseriously the responsibility in ensuring itunderstands its customers’ requirements so it canmake sure it provides not only the best advice, butthe most appropriate products for the applicationfor which they are intended.www.safequip.co.uk

Equipment for specialist rescue

Be safe and secure with the RUD I-Sock According to the NHS in 2009/2010 there were18,570 hospital admissions due to falls involving iceand snow. Don’t take the chance of being a statisticthis winter, make sure you are prepared and wellequipped with the RUD I-Sock.

The RUD I-Sock is a safety product that offersexceptional footing and traction on slippery and icysurfaces. It is extremely quick and easy to use andsimply straps on to your boot. It is very lightweight,easy to fit, robust and an essential safety product thatoffers maximum traction and safety on snow and ice.

The RUD I-Sock is made from a uniquecombination of textile and metal that offers excellentgrip and traction on compact snow, slippery and icysurfaces. Its large surface area on the boot ensuresthat your foot gets more traction resulting in a higherlevel of footing for the user on snow and icy surfaces.

You can also drive in the I-Sock – a perfect safetysolution for customers who do not have time to wasteremoving the I-Sock before driving. www.rud.co.uk

Our flood defence schemes have protected an extra 182,000 propertiesin the past three years.


50 |



While Britain has never faced the ferocity of a‘superstorm’ like Sandy, British gales can cause thesame volume of faults on its electricity system aswould normally be experienced in the course ofweeks. The Great Storm in 1987 destroyedhundreds of kilometres of overhead lines andthousands of wooden poles – the same level of faultsnormally experienced in 15 years.

Work takes place all year round to prepare forbad weather and this year UK Power Networks isinvesting £23m to trim trees that interfere with itsoverhead lines and cause power cuts during highwinds or snow.

Assessing the risksJohn Gibbs, Contingency Planning Manager, said,

“We assess the risks that could affect our networksconstantly and know that preparing for storms andflooding is essential for a quicker response andrecovery from the devastation they cause. Workingclosely together with the emergency services andlocal authority emergency planning officers iscrucial to achieving a successful recovery from amajor incident.”

UK Power Networks constantly tracks severeweather systems via the Met Office. It uses a multi-stage warning system to alert staff and emergencypartners about where and when the impacts may befelt. Once there is strong confidence in the forecastthe company plans resources, arranging foradditional staff to be on standby coveringengineering, technical and call centre roles. As theweather causes damage or power cuts staff prioritisethe incidents coming into the control centre anddispatch staff to safety-related incidents and powercuts affecting the largest number of customers first.As in the United States, the UK electricity industrymutual aid agreement is also invoked in anemergency.

Local authorities often require information aboutwhere the faults are so they can send help to whereit is needed most, such as care homes. They haveinternet access to reports from UK Power Networks’incident management system and can also use thepostcode finder on the company’s public website to

check whether at-risk groups are affected. Ifrequired UK Power Networks can support the civilemergency response with a senior manager inperson or as a critical friend on the end of a phone.

Protecting the most vulnerableThe company maintains a Priority Services

Register of customers who are particularlyvulnerable, especially the elderly or those withmedical equipment powered by electricity at home.While the electricity company endeavours to contactthese customers and keep them updated during apower cut, local authorities often providecomplementary services and practical help, such ashot meals or even alternative accommodation fortheir clients. So UK Power Networks works withthem and shares information with them to get helpto where it is needed most – the most vulnerable.

Also, through its partnership with the British RedCross, UK Power Networks arranges for volunteersto bring face-to-face support to customers withoutpower during more prolonged repairs. Thevolunteers keep customers informed, alongside thecompany’s own customer advisers. The BRCvolunteers knock on doors to check whethercustomers need hot drinks, torches or simply areassuring chat.

“Working closely togetherwith the emergencyservices and local

authority emergencyplanning officers is crucialto achieving a successfulrecovery from a major

incident.”

Monitoring infrastructureToday, the company also works closely with the

Environment Agency to identify and monitorinfrastructure, which could be affected by flooding.January sees the 60th anniversary of the 1953 floods,which killed 300 people and caused havoc along theEast Coast of England. The damage to theelectricity network went largely unreported thenagainst the loss of life and devastation. To mitigatethe current risk identified following the floods in2007, UK Power Networks is spending about £6mover the next three years to make sure that flooddamage and interruption to supplies is kept to aminimum.

Mark Dunk, Infrastructure Manager with UKPower Networks, said, “We have identified the siteson our network that are most at risk and are

spending money on improving the defences. It’sdivided to about £2.6m in the East and £3.1m in theSouth East network with about £250,000 in London.The capital is less at risk from sea flooding since theinstallation of the Thames Barrier but burst mainsand surface water flooding still needs to be takeninto account.”

Working with partnersThe company takes its responsibilities under the

Civil Contingency Act 2004 seriously and cooperatesfully with emergency services and emergencyplanners. This includes attendance at regularcoordination meetings, support for multi-agencytraining and exercising, engagement in localresilience forums and working together during realevents at all levels of the gold-silver-bronzecommand structure. The company is also workingclosely with partners, including Government, toidentify new and creative ways to support itscustomers and restore stability in the wake ofemergency events.

Following Storm Sandy the company will becarefully monitoring the reports andrecommendations from responders and authoritiesto incorporate any lessons into its plans andprocesses.www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk

Weathering the storm togetherStorm Sandy wreaked devastation on an unprecedented scale when it blasted across the east coast of the United

States in October 2012. One company watching events unfold as millions of Americans lost power supplies due to the

severity of the storm was UK Power Networks, Britain’s largest electricity network operator. A quarter of Britain

depends on its electricity network for the necessities of heat, light and comfort.



Three members of the RNLI’s FRT have beenrecognised for their part in the rescue of a womanclinging to a branch in fast-flowing flood waters inUmberleigh, Devon in December 2012. It is the firsttime that RNLI volunteers have been awardedmedals for a flood rescue.

In the early morning of 23 December 2012,Mother-of-one Vanessa Glover was clinging to a treein the River Taw in Umberleigh, having been sweptfrom her car, as the river breached its banks, over3.5m above normal level.

Vanessa had been in the water for 45 minutes, andwas suffering from cold. She would not have beenable to hold on for much longer.

At the request of Devon and Somerset Fire andRescue Service, an RNLI Flood Rescue Team fromPoole arrived on scene at 1:45am, and found the fireand rescue service in attendance.

The situation was inherently dangerous: the teamwas unfamiliar with the area; it was dark and theflood waters were moving at 12 knots and carryingdebris. A bridge a few hundred metres downstreamalso posed a significant risk – anything, including a

boat, could be sucked beneath it with the force ofthe water. If there was a mechanical failure, or if theengine was struck by debris, caught on an unseenhazard, or at worst the boat capsized, theconsequences could be disastrous. To add to this, the water level was still rising and conditionsdeteriorating as heavy rain continued to fall.

This was an extremely unusual incident, withsignificant risks, and no means to provide anycontainment, or to put downstream back up inplace. A wise decision had been made that a rescueattempt was far too risky for one boat team, howeverthe RNLI team knew, with their training, theycould achieve a rescue, even if it did present anextremely high level of risk to themselves.

Partnership workingWith fire and rescue service back up and

command, and illumination and guidance from thepolice helicopter, the RNLI team launched the boatand, five minutes later, Vanessa was successfullyrescued, in complete darkness, from a locationunfamiliar to the team.

This rescue was a remarkable achievementachieved with partnership working between theemergency services. Yet it was only after the incidentthat each organisation was able to truly learn abouteach other’s capabilities, as the relationship hadbeen established in the heat of an incident.

For their parts in the rescue, three RNLI FRTmembers are to be awarded with medals forGallantry.

Boat Team Leader Paul Eastment, is to beawarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry –one of the institution’s highest accolades – for hiscourage, leadership and determination in extremelychallenging conditions. Helmsman Chris Missen,25, and Crew Member Martin Blaker-Rowe, 33, willboth also be awarded the Bronze Medal forGallantry for their part in the rescue.

Vanessa Glover, 46, the woman rescued by theteam, who met Paul and Chris at the site of therescue recently, said, “I want to thank you for yourbravery, courage, determination, professionalismand commendable quality of character. You embodythe highest principles of selflessness I know, ‘greaterlove hath no man than this, that a man lay down hislife for friends’. But you were prepared to do that fora stranger and that stranger was me and in so doingyou gave me the gift of life and the joy of knowingthat Santa called on my son at Christmas. I willhold you in my heart forever. Thank you for savingmy life.”

RNLI Flood Rescue Team reflects on busiest year ever2012 was the busiest year ever for the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team (FRT). Members of the FRT, which is made up of

specially trained RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew and staff, were deployed to 11 flood events throughout the year: three in

Wales (Aberystwyth, St Asaph, Bangor); one in Stockton, England; one in Dublin, Ireland, and six in South West

England. This is the highest number of deployments in a single year since the team was founded in 2000.

(From L to R) The Boat Team: Chris Missen with Vanessa Glover and Paul Eastment. Photo: RNLI/Tamsin Thomas

Crew Member Martin Blaker-Rowe. Photo: RNLI/Robin Goodlad

Helmsman Chris Missen. Photo: RNLI/Robin Goodlad

Boat Team Leader Paul Eastment. Photo: RNLI/Robin Goodlad



Proud momentPaul Eastment said, “I was amazed and delighted,

gobsmacked even, when I heard I’d been awardedan RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry. For ouractions during this rescue to be recognised is theproudest moment of my career.

“Most importantly for me was the recognition forthe whole team – the risk to all of us was significant– and each member of the team was vital to thesuccess of the rescue.”

Michael Vlasto, RNLI Operations Director, said,“This was a rescue carried out in the true spirit ofthe RNLI; the crew assessed the risks and made thedecision collectively that despite the extremely highrisk to themselves, the benefit of attempting therescue was greater. This decision and their skill inextremely challenging circumstancesunquestionably saved Mrs Glover’s life. Theirselfless and courageous actions meant that a familycould be reunited with a mother and wife theythought was lost, two days before Christmas.”

Neil Blackburn, Group Manager with Devon andSomerset Fire and Rescue Service and on sceneincident commander, said, “During my 26 years inthe fire and rescue service, this would rate amongstthe most challenging incidents with which I havehad to contend. Their efforts…without doubt savedthe life of Mrs Glover.”

This rescue was aremarkable achievementachieved with partnership

working between theemergency services.

Further awardsShore Crew Member Bernie Mannings, 50, and

Driver Jason Dunlop, 40, will also be recognizedwith the Thanks of the RNLI Inscribed on Vellum.RNLI Incident Commander Robin Goodlad willbe awarded the Letter of Thanks from theChairman of the RNLI. They supported the boatteam throughout the incident, driving throughflooded roads to the launch site and, once safely

there, contributing to the difficult decisions theteam had to make.

The RNLI Flood Rescue Team (FRT) was set upin 2000, and has 16 type B boat teams spreadstrategically around the UK and Republic ofIreland. 2012 was undoubtedly the FRT’s busiestyear so far, with more deployments in one yearthan the previous 12 years combined. All of these

events, as with all flood events by their very nature,were multi-agency events and a combined effort, and yet for responding organisations at anational level, at the ‘coal-face’ is often the first timethey meet.

With flood events undoubtedly becoming morecommon, close partnership working betweenemergency services has to be the way forward,developing understanding of each other’scapabilities, training together, and sharing the bodyof knowledge. While DEFRA standards outline theskills and equipment required for a type C or Bteam, there is vast variation, and by workingtogether before the floods occur, everyone can be ina better position to respond, particularly if a verylarge scale event occurs in the future. Perhaps thisis one of the best ways the emergency services canimprove their national capability.

Flood training exercisesThe RNLI runs flood training exercises for its

teams across the UK at several tidal and poweredwhite water sites, identified as they allow teams tobest train in the required skills. For those serviceswith which it has already exercised, the combinedresponse has been notably smoother as a result, andthe RNLI would welcome representatives fromother agencies to observe and participate in jointtraining, as well as opportunities to attend otherexercises.www.rnli.org.uk

(From L to R) Chris Missen, Vanessa Glover, Paul Glover and Paul Eastment at the site of the rescue after the water level had dropped.Photo: RNLI/Robin Goodlad


54 |



Simon Lewis, Head of EmergencyPlanning and Response, British RedCross, said, “As the rain continued to fall,it became apparent that this was amassive and nationwide emergency.Water levels in many places roseextremely quickly and forced hundredsof people to flee their homes. We wereable to help with evacuations in sometowns and villages but we were also onhand to help when the blue lights stopturning – to lend support to people whofound themselves isolated and in need ofpractical help.”

Worsening situationShocking rolling news footage showed

the worsening situation in St Asaph asthe November floods wreaked havoc. Residents ofthe unassuming city in North Wales were capturedon camera climbing from windows and escapingtheir homes by boat.

Red Cross emergency workers teamed up withthe RNLI to assist those fleeing the 500 homesaffected – including a heavily pregnant woman whofound herself marooned as water lapped at the doorof her home.

The Red Cross also set about opening a rest centreoutside the flood-zone. The centre provided much-needed sanctuary for residents who were sufferingfrom shock having witnessed their homes beingravaged by the devastating power of the River Ely.

Psycho-social supportKaren Hill, a Red Cross team leader specialising

in offering support to vulnerable and isolated

people, was on hand to speak to flood victims asthey arrived at the centre. She says psycho-socialsupport plays a significant role in helping people ina crisis. She said, “We hear some heart breakingstories [at the rest centre] and there are a lot ofpeople who need emotional support as they re-livetheir experiences. Our volunteers are able to offerpractical advice but also just being here to listen topeople’s concerns is a big help.”

“In just over 48 hours,the Red Cross’s

emergency teamsattended 15 incidents

from Cornwall toCumbria.”

In just over 48 hours, the Red Cross’s emergencyteams attended 15 incidents from Cornwall toCumbria and involving everything from deliveringbottled water and torches to those hit by power cutsto door-to-door visits to ensure vulnerable peoplehad the access to the latest flooding information.

Simon Lewis said, “This was one of our biggestresponses to flooding for some years and as thewinter’s not over, it’s unlikely to be the last thisseason. No sooner had the floods abated than thesnow arrived – we’ve had a busy few months.”

Heavy snow in 2013As floods subsided and 2013 began, the arctic

blast saw heavy snow blanket much of the countryand again, Red Cross teams were braving bitterblizzards to help those stranded. But it was not acase of evacuations and rescues as snow carpeted

the UK. January saw Red Cross LandRover crews take centre stage as theycombined emergency response withhealth and social care services.

In Somerset, teams were working witha local charity – Wessex 4x4 Response –to make sure snow-bound oncologypatients still reach hospital for vitalcancer treatment. Heavy snowfall acrossthe region made it very difficult for somepatients to get to medical appointments.

Tracey Miller, Team Leader, said,“Thirty-three people in our area werescheduled to visit hospital – and someare classed as Category One, whichmeans missing even a single day oftreatment could be life-threatening. Butthanks to our determined volunteers and

the drivers from Wessex 4x4, most of those tripswent ahead.”

In Leeds and Nottingham, Red Cross LandRover teams battled through almost impassableroutes to help determined district nurses carry outtheir visits as well as assisting hospital transportservices to ensure those who had been dischargedmade it safely home.

Resilience campaignAlthough the Red Cross has a network of staff

and volunteers ready to respond to crisis wheneverand wherever it might happen, the organisation hasalso been running a resilience campaign toencourage the public to take simple steps that canhelp them prepare for emergencies.

“We really believe that helping communities toprepare for extreme situations like the ones wehave seen in recent months is key,” said SimonLewis. “Taking a few simple steps like learning firstaid, preparing emergency kits and planning forsevere weather is really important and we’re herewith advice and information that can help them do that.”www.redcross.org.uk

Community support in a crisisThis winter has seen homes ravaged by floods and counties submerged as torrential rain battered Britain, in what

experts have hailed as one of the wettest periods on record. On 27 November 2012 the flooding was reaching its peak

following almost a week of treacherous weather nationwide. As the country woke to the news bridges had collapsed,

entire towns had been deluged and the atrocious conditions had even claimed lives, the British Red Cross and its team

of staff, volunteers and emergency vehicles were working alongside blue light services and local authorities to help the

communities that needed it most.

Simon Lewis, Head of Emergency Planning and Response, British Red Cross.

British Red Cross volunteers conduct needs assessment of strandedMuchelney ‘islanders’. Photo: Bev Sugden (BRC)

Shaun Jones-Booth, Red Cross Emergency Response Volunteer, North Wales – 19 January 2013 Photo: Neil O’Connor.


56 |

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Since the 1953 floods there has been £millionsinvested in coastal defences, including the Thamestidal defences and the Thames Barrier. Howeverkey to the operation of these defences and theactivation of responders’ emergency plans is atimely and accurate warning and informing service.

After the 2007 floods, the Pitt reviewrecommended that ‘The Environment Agency andthe Met Office should work together, through ajoint centre, to improve their technical capability toforecast, model and warn against all sources offlooding’. This recommendation produced theFlood Forecasting Centre (FFC), located in theMet Office operations centre in Exeter providing a24/7 service to Category 1 and 2 Responders. TheFFC, for the first time, brings together experiencedMet Office weather forecasters and EnvironmentAgency flood forecasters to make assessments of theimpacts of any forecast weather for all naturalsources of flooding.

“The FFC brings togetherexperienced Met Office

weather forecasters andEnvironment Agency flood

forecasters to makeassessments of the

impacts of any forecastweather for all naturalsources of flooding.”

Effective warning and informingFor coastal flooding there are two main products

and services the FFC produces to allow effectivewarning and informing. The first is the daily FloodGuidance Statement (FGS), available for free to allCategory 1 and 2 Responders. The FGS looksahead for the next five days and makes anassessment on the potential impacts of any forecastweather, while also considering how wet the groundis, how fast rivers are responding, what are the stateof the defences, how high are the tides etc. Takingall this into account the FGS shows, on a countylevel, the overall combination of the likelihood offlooding happening and the potential impacts ofthe event.

To produce the FGS the FFC has a myriad ofinformation at it fingertips, including access to allthe Met Office weather model runs and expertise

using their supercomputer, plus it usesEnvironment Agency forecasting models and its all-important good local knowledge.

Coastal flood forecastingThe second service the FFC produces for coastal

forecasting is the United Kingdom CoastalMonitoring and Forecasting Service (UKCMF).The main function is to deliver an operationalforecasting service comprising a suite of products. Itis the primary coastal flood forecasting tool for theEnvironment Agency, the Scottish EnvironmentalProtection Agency (SEPA) and the Department ofAgriculture and Rural Development NorthernIreland (DARDNI).

The UKCMF service takes the Met Officeweather model and forecasts what the resultantsurge could be on coastal water levels. The FFCcombines this surge forecast and the height of theastronomical tides to give a total predicted waterlevel. The Environment Agency then takes thisforecast information to decide if Flood Warningsare required around the coast.

Several key ports are also monitored by theservice to check the model performance.

Joined-up approachAnother key area the FFC is involved in is with

the national level planning by the variousgovernment-led coastal flooding planning groups.The aim of these groups is to combine multipleLocal Resilience Forums (LRFs) into a joined-upstrategic approach at national responder level. TheFFC provides advice and knowledge of the realistictimescales for escalation of major coastal floodingbased on current forecasting capability. Using theFGS’s combination of likelihood and impacts theresponder community can then decide which levelemergency plan to invoke.

Since the 1953 floods there have been significantadvances in forecasting capability, construction oftidal and coastal defences and improvements in theprovision of information.

The UK remains at significant risk of a majorcoastal flood. The team in the FFC works aroundthe clock every day to provide a warning andinformation services that give as much lead-timeand notice as possible for our operationalemergency responders.www.ffc-environment-agency.metoffice.gov.ukIf you want to find out more about the work of the FFCplease contact: Tel: 0300 1234501E-mail: [email protected]

Flood forecasting: preparing formajor coastal floodingThe recent flooding in New York as a result of Storm Sandy, together with this year being the 60th anniversary of the

1953 coastal floods in the UK, are timely reminders of the potential devastation and risk of a major coastal flood

affecting us. The 2010 National Risk Register of National Emergencies lists coastal flooding as the second highest

potential impact emergency – behind only pandemic flu.


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The flooding risk from rivers, streams and otherwater courses is clear for anyone to see, but theground in most parts of the UK is also saturated sothe surface water runs off and can quickly floodhomes and businesses.

The Government and the insurance industry hadan agreement that insurers would continue toprovide cover for homes and businesses in flood-risk areas so long as the Government invested inflood-reduction schemes, but that is due to run outin June 2013 and the two sides remain atloggerheads with no further agreement in sight.

The fear now is that insurers will stop insuringthose in flood-risk areas – or put premiums up andadd in huge excesses.

Lightweight alternativesInsurance giant Zurich has warned people to

make their own preparations and names FloodSax®

as ‘lightweight alternatives to sandbags,’ saying‘they are ideal for storage and deployment becausethey only expand when they are wet’.

Manufactured in the UK, these ‘sandlesssandbags’ expand on contact with water to becomeas heavy as traditional sandbags – but without allthe mess associated with sand.

These FloodSax have proved themselves in actionboth in the UK and the USA. A wall of Floodsaxsaved several homes from flooding when HurricaneSandy wreaked devastation in the USA.

Around 50 properties were at risk of floodingwhen the Delaware River rose 2ft as the stormstruck the New York area in late October 2012.Residents feared the water would flood basementsin their homes that are only around 100ft from the river in the Old New Castle area not far fromNew Jersey.

Construction contractor Jonathan Cochranhelped eight worried homeowners by building wallsof Floodsax sandless sandbags to keep the waterout … and it worked for every resident with nowater getting into their basements from the floodsurge itself.

Jonathan said the highest wall constructed fromaround 80 Floodsax was just over 4ft high and 9ftwide, keeping both a high water level andincredible amount of debris at bay.

“If the water had got into the basement at thesehomes the damage caused in each one would havebeen in the region of $3000 or $4000,’’ saidJonathan.

Also last Autumn more than 2000 FloodSax wereused to limit damage after a Scottish village wasflooded by torrential rain. More than 100 residentswere evacuated from their homes in Comrie,Perthshire, when the Water of Ruchill burst itsbanks – and in some areas people had still beenclearing up after torrential floods in August.Tayside Fire and Rescue Service said about 70firefighters and 10 appliances were called to thescene, including water rescue teams. The FloodSaxsandless sandbags had been issued to residents byPerth and Kinross Council.

“These ‘sandlesssandbags’ expand oncontact with water tobecome as heavy as

traditional sandbags.”

Sandless sandbagsAnd in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, a company

deployed FloodSax to save equipment worthhundreds of thousands of pounds.

Just 30 of them protected £360,000 worth ofequipment belonging to warehouse floor-grindingcompany CoGri as torrential floodwater poured

towards their premises.Director Lynn Dare said, “There was a raging

torrent coming down the hill but three layers of 10sacks held it back from our door. The year beforewe were flooded very badly and put in a £250,000insurance claim as a result.”

A multi-purpose invention, FloodSax have evenbeen deployed at crash sites to soak up leaking fuelfrom badly damaged vehicles.www.floodsax.co.uk

Red flooding alert for blue light servicesLast year was the wettest ever in England and the second wettest on record in the UK, while over in the USA

Hurricane Sandy grabbed the world weather headlines. The risk of flooding in the UK is at an all-time high – and no-one

knows that more than the emergency services out there on the frontline.

FloodSax factfile • FloodSax® are endorsed by the National

Disabled Fire Association (NDFA)• They are lightweight, just 200g (7oz) before

they are activated and are UK manufacturedand tested

• The gelling polymer inside FloodSax absorbwater to become taut, weighing 20kg (44lbs)in just over three minutes after absorbing 20-litres of water

• Can be expanded in water in a bath, a sink, abucket, a hosepipe or even the floodwater

• Twenty fit into a cardboard box so can beready for action anytime, any place, anywhereunlike sandbags that need vast warehousestorage space, are heavy and expensive to shiftand require huge manpower and lorries to getthem to the scene

• Can be used to divert water away from abuilding and down a drain

• Easy to store and are vacuumed-packed tosave even more room

• Biodegradable and so can be dumped inlandfill sites.

A wall of Floodsax saved several homes from flooding when Hurricane Sandy wreaked devastation in the USA.


60 |



Officers from the RNLI and CFOA were secondedto write a Concept of Operations for flood rescue,which was published in October 2011. Thisdocument represents the current standard referencefor management of flood rescue incidents in theUK. It sets out strategic and tactical principles, anda standard typology of response options, in theform of ‘team typing’.

The team typing principle is adopted fromexperience in the United States, where emergencyservices are organised at a very local level, and haveto come together to provide a joined-up multi-agency response to any significant incident. As aresult, national FEMA guidance has been producedto ensure that, whichever organisation provides theteam, it complies with a standard set of operatingrequirements, focused on the needs of the task, sothat, regardless of who they are, they can achievethe same outcome. In this way, requestingorganisations can focus on effect-based mobilising,and ask for the capabilities they need, rather thanhave to worry about who is sending them.

Specialist flood rescue teamsIn the absence of any statutory responsibility for

flood response in England, no single agency hasany duty to provide a unitary solution. However, awhole range of agencies can and have chosen toprovide teams that comply with the Concept ofOperations Team Typing. DEFRA has providedfunding in the order of £2.9m to support theequipping and training of those teams that havebeen declared as being available to the DEFRANational Asset Register, for deployment in theevent of large-scale flooding events. Thisinvestment has roughly doubled the number ofspecialist flood rescue teams, to approximately 130.Of these, two thirds are provided by fire and rescueservices, with the balance coming from thevoluntary sector. The largest single provider is theRNLI, with 16 teams.

The National Asset Register is managed onbehalf of DEFRA by the Fire and Rescue Service

National Coordination Centre (FRSNCC), throughthe National Coordination and AdvisoryFramework (NCAF). Where a Local ResilienceForum identifies a potential requirement forsupport from the National Asset Register, based onwarnings issued by the Flood Forecasting Centre,requests for assistance should be passed via thelocal fire and rescue service through to FRSNCC.The DCLG Chief Fire and Rescue Advisors Unit

and CFOA National Resilience then manageauthorisation for deployment exactly as for othernational resilience assets.

While this mechanism is identical to the use ofother national assets such as USAR, there is a keydifference in that flood incidents will have priorwarning, often over a number of days, and thereforeare likely to trigger requests for pre-deployment ofassets, so that they can be in place in good timebefore the predicted severe weather disruptstransport infrastructure. The risk is that, if the callfor help doesn’t come in to the centre before theflooding has begun, then teams will not bephysically able to reach the affected zone.

Two specific team typesWhile the Concept of Operations sets out

comprehensive team types for all levels of floodincident management, the National Asset Registeronly holds details on two specific team types. Theseare Team Types B and C. Each of these consists offive swiftwater rescue technicians and a teamleader. A liaison officer is also attached to teams toprovide a contact with the host FRS. The teams arerequired to be able to operate for up to four days.Type B teams come equipped with a powered boatsuitable for operations in swiftwater, with

minimum capacity for six persons.DEFRA has funded one Type A team, with

additional technical rescue capabilities includingunderwater search and recovery, which is providedby a dive unit operating within Norfolk Fire andRescue Service’s USAR team. This resource isavailable via direct request to Norfolk FRS FireControl.

Flood Response Subject Matter Advisors

The final element of the DEFRA-funded resourceis a cadre of 70 Flood Response Subject MatterAdvisors, who are currently undergoing trainingprovided by CFOA National Resilience. These willbe available to provide tactical advice and supportto local commanders, as part of CFOA NRAT, theteam that will also provide Enhanced LogisticsSupport and complementary assets such as HighVolume Pumps and USAR.

Type D, flood first responder teams, are envisagedas locally provided assets, which are not monitoredor mobilised on a national basis. However, DEFRAhas financed the joint collaborative procurement of30 large powered rafts, which will be held byHumberside, Lincolnshire and Norfolk FRS for theuse of their Type D teams in evacuating membersof the public across the wide areas of slow movingflood water that will be created by an East Coasttidal surge event.

This additional equipment will be arriving intoservice in the next few months, and represents avery significant increase in the lift capacity ofrescue teams.www.cfoa.org.uk

Managing of flood rescue incidents in the UKFollowing the 2007 floods and Sir Michael Pitt’s 2008 report, DEFRA, as lead government department responsible for

flooding, established the Flood Rescue National Enhancement project. The project brought together central government

departments and responding agencies, including the MCA, RNLI and the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA).

Words: Roy Harold, Water Rescue Lead, CFOA and Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

“In the absence of any statutory responsibility forflood response in England, no single agency has any

duty to provide a unitary solution.”

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SP’s flood solution is in the bag‘Britain braced for more flooding’ is an all toocommon headline these days. The Tewkesburyfloods in the summer of 2007 hit the front page ofnearly every newspaper. It was a shocking vision,with a bird’s eye view of seemingly just a small partof the town sitting proud of the water. Now itseems a common event throughout the year. Rivershave burst their banks on several occasions alreadythis winter and the recent snowfalls of January andFebruary and the thaws that followed raisedconcerns for the excess water runoff.

Of course, floods have always affected us. Asmore houses are built on floodplains and otherareas susceptible to flooding the problem will onlyget worse.

With the amount of water already in the groundso high, it doesn’t take a large amount of rain forflooding to start; in 2012 alone billions of gallons of

rainwater fell on alreadysaturated land in a matterof hours causingdevastation for some.

Sandbags have been the‘portable’ floodwater barrierof choice for over 100 years.But their drawbacks arestriking. Sandbags are:heavy; difficult to disposeof; and they leak and cantrap harmful bacteria andtoxins as water filtersthrough them.

The ideal solutionTelford-based medical

equipment supplier SP Services is championingHydroSack andHydroSnake as the idealsolution to a criticalproblem. HydroSack andHydroSnake are the new,modern method to create ahighly effective barrier tothe threat of floodwater in emergency situationsand domestic and commercial properties. It is theperfect replacement for the old, traditional sandbag,which is less effective, difficult to handle, labourintensive and a potential health hazard.

Before use, each HydroSack or HydroSnakeweighs less than 1kg and each pack contains theequivalent of six sandbags. When soaked withwater before installation, each HydroSack orHydroSnake can absorb up to 20-litres of water.

HydroSack contains a super absorbent polymer,which expands to hold up to 40 times its own

weight – letting the water in but refusing to let thewater out. When built into layers, a wall built fromeither HydroSack, HydroSnake or a combination ofboth produces a highly effective barrier to floodwater. Combined together HydroSack andHydroSnake can provide effective damming oflarge areas.

Flooding is a problem that won’t go away, butwith the right planning and preparation anyonecan minimise the damage to their property, ordamage to critical areas.www.spservices.co.uk/hydrosack

With UK rescue teams called out to hundreds ofemergencies each day, having easy to use, effectivelife-saving equipment to hand is essential. However,with over 300 deaths in or around water every year,it seems that more must be done to improve thefirst line of emergency assistance.

John Rinfret, inventor of The Balcan EmergencyLifeline (BELL) and Chairman of BalcanEngineering, believes that by specifying the mosteffective equipment and raising awareness of watersafety, the number of casualties could be cutsignificantly.

“The difference between life and death is thetime taken to reach victims, so having an effectivefirst line of water rescue can make all thedifference,” said John. “Developed for ease ofdeployment, accuracy and a 40m range, the BELLis the perfect rescue device, providing a reliableway to assist those in danger at the greatestdistance.

“Used by emergency services teams across theUK, the BELL has proved itself in countlessrescues. In addition, its allocation of NATO stocknumbers (NsNs) by the Royal Navy means it isalso widely used by the armed services.”

Easy to deployDeploying the BELL is easy, simply hold onto

the grip and throw. As the BELL flies through theair, 40m of lightweight polypropylene line isreleased. All the stranded person has to do is graband hold on to the rope or capsule, as the rescuerthen pulls in the line, which has a breaking

strength of 260lb (118kg), as specified by the DoT.Its long range and lightweight design mean that,

unlike other rescue devices, the BELL can reachcasualties up to the full length of its line – asignificant distance from the shore – and can be re-thrown in seconds without the need to repack.www.throwlines.com

The essential line for emergency rescues



Flooding is one of the most traumatic things toaffect people’s lives. The impact lasts long after theblue flashing lights have gone, as people struggle toget back in to their homes and put their lives backtogether again. This may take 12-18 months, andall the while they are struggling with loss adjusters,builders and a myriad of other problems.

The impact of flooding on people’s health is notto be underestimated. While we still do not haveany good longitudinal studies, we know that manypeople suffer, particularly from mental healthissues. We also have anecdotal evidence that manyold people have illnesses such as strokes fromwhich they never fully recover.

Flooding is unlike any other form of incident;because it can, and often does reoccur. People worrythat it will happen again, often checking drainswhenever it rains, frequently getting up in themiddle of the night to do so.

So protecting your home to reduce the likelihoodof being flooded and being able to get back in againquickly is really important.

For many people, traditional flood defences ofwalls and pumps are appropriate. But as the floodsin 2012 showed, over 50 percent of properties sufferfrom surface water, drains backing up andgroundwater. For these, other solutions arerequired, a question of ‘flood risk management’rather than ‘flood defence’.

Community-centred approachFrom our work we know that a community-

centred approach to raising awareness works.Empowering people to understand and addresstheir flood risk helps them to take control, torecognise that managing flood risk is aboutreducing risk, rather than removing it, and thatthey can do something about it by working withothers. Communities work in partnership to reducerisk and prepare to deal with flooding when it doesoccur. They can also hold organisations to account.

Flood products can play an important role as partof this, helping to protect individual properties orcommunities and providing peace of mind.Preventing water getting in to properties, or makingbuildings resistant to flooding so that people canget back in to their homes much more quickly ifthey do flood, is important, as is help with clearingup after a flooding incident. See the Blue Pagesdirectory (www.bluepages.org.uk) for a range ofproducts available.

“Many new products arecoming on to the market,

offering better floodprotection andinnovation.”

We can also help to reduce the impact of floodingthrough personal and community emergency floodplans, so that people know what to do should therebe a flood. And communities are increasinglylooking at the wider opportunities to manage theirflood risk; such as by ensuring that gullies andculverts are clear, maintaining ditches, installingbypass channels around bridges, and working withfarmers to slow water down further up thecatchment.

But the flood products industry is relatively new,and can be compared to the household renewableenergy market, where only a few years ago there

were just a few small manufacturers. Now there arehundreds of firms with thousands of products in arapidly developing supply chain and an increasingservice sector, tied to financial planning. This rapidincrease was linked to a series of Governmentincentives as well as raised awareness of what ispossible. The Green Deal promises to revolutionisethe whole process still further. There are risks thatgo with this too; the recent changes in Feed inTariff (FITS) payments caused chaos, with manyfirms going bankrupt, or having to restructurerapidly to survive. Many ‘cowboy’ firmsdisappeared overnight.

The flood products industry is still very young bycomparison. There are lots of small firms thatconcentrate on manufacturing and selling a smallnumber of products. There are many new entrants– I get contacted by one or two new manufacturersevery week – and a recent survey we undertookidentified 200 flood product firms very easily. But,there is also a small, but increasing number ofmedium size and larger firms, some of whom arebecoming much more sophisticated.

Flood Risk ReportIncreasingly, standards are becoming important

as a way of ensuring that the products people buydo what they say on the tin. For example, manyproperty level protection products are now kite-marked, and the standard itself is under review.

However, we also need to ensure that the rightproducts are fitted to deal with the particular floodrisk (surface water, ground water, drains backing upor fluvial), the type of building construction andany particular features such as cable entries. Mostimportant of all, however, the product should becapable of being used by the householder. Too oftenwe find that an unsuitable product that is too heavyto use has been installed for use by an 80-year-old.To address these issues, a standard template forrecording the flood risk of a property before andafter installation of flood resistance and resiliencemeasures is now available (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/129526.aspx).

National support for communities at risk of floodingThe National Flood Forum is a national charity that supports and represents people and communities at risk of flooding.

The charity works in three ways: helping people and communities to identify and reduce their flood risk; supporting

people to recover if they have been flooded; and working to ensure that policies and their operation take account of

flood risk communities.

Words: Paul Cobbing, Chief Executive, National Flood Forum.

Automatically deployed flood barriers.

Large flood doors.

Flood protection for infrastructure.



Referred to as a Flood Risk Report, it wasdeveloped by the Environment Agency, Defra,Association of British Insurers, British InsuranceBrokers Association, Royal Institution of CharteredSurveyors, National Flood Forum and the Law Society.

The insurance industry recognises the Flood RiskReport as a standard approach for presenting theflood risk of a property, provided a professional,suitably qualified, independent surveyor hascompleted it. Insurers may take into account theinformation and flood protection measures whenassessing the terms they will offer for continued ornew cover, but there is no compulsion to do so.

This is a really important first step in linkingprotection of homes to insurance and we need toseek out and develop similar mechanisms acrossthe flood protection arena.

What next?We need to encourage people who have reduced

their risk by whatever means to ensure that theirsystems are properly maintained and that theyknow how to use them. This can be done either

through maintenance contracts or through regularcommunity events.

Grants for property level, and all other forms offlood protection now come under the PartnershipFunding arrangements. While potentially morecomplex, they should encourage more innovativeapproaches than some grant schemes in the past, socould encourage the market to develop.

Many new products are coming on to the market,offering better flood protection and innovation.Increasingly, passive systems are becomingavailable and, if they can be made affordable, arelikely to be much more acceptable to insurancecompanies as they are not reliant on someonehaving to act to make them work.

However, as the flood products market developsand matures, companies are likely to start sellingsolutions rather than simply pieces of equipment,in the same way that a burglar alarm on a

maintenance contract can reduce insurancepremiums. Provided that trust, quality and priceissues can be addressed it could well be the catalystfor the flood product industry and for peoplelooking to protect themselves.www.floodforum.org.uk

Rescue 3 Europe has established an eventspecifically for the technical rescue industry: aunique combination of conference, trade exhibitionand instructor update workshops. The event willbring together industry experts, technical rescueprofessionals, expert practitioners, manufacturersand distributors to share developments in practiceand equipment, access the latest research andtechnology, and network with other professionals.

Rescue 3 Europe is the European division ofRescue 3 International – one of the world’s largesttechnical rescue training providers, with over150,000 students in 32 countries.

In 2011, Rescue 3 Europe hosted the inauguralRescue 3 Instructor Conference at DurhamUniversity Campus and Teesside InternationalWhite Water course. It enabled Rescue 3Instructors to share and promote best practice intechnical rescue. The event was attended by over150 Rescue 3 Instructors from Europe and NorthAmerica, and was an overwhelming success. In fact,it was so successful that the company decided todevelop it as a biannual event, open to anyonewithin or with an interest in the technical rescueindustry.

Trade exhibitionThis year sees the follow-up event, which takes

place from 16-18 April at the Millennium Stadiumand the Cardiff International White Water coursein Cardiff.

The technical rescue conference and tradeexhibition are open events, intended for anyoneinvolved or interested in the technical rescueindustry, and are based at the Millennium Stadiumon 17 April.

The conference features keynote speakers fromaround the globe including: Shannon Crofton(NSW State Emergency Services, Australia), TimRogers (Charlotte Fire Department), Peter Glerum(Watersave Project, Netherlands) and ProfessorDavid Kay (Aberystwyth University). The tradeexhibition runs alongside the conference andshowcases the latest technical rescue equipmentfrom leading manufacturers and suppliers to therescue industry.

In addition to the conference and tradeexhibition, the 2013 event also features InstructorUpdate Workshops on 16 and 18 April. Run byRescue 3 Instructor Trainers from Europe and theUSA, these workshops are based at the Cardiff

International White Water course and involvetechnical input and practical sessions, enablingRescue 3 Instructors to update their water, boat andrope instructor awards.www.rescue3europe.com

Sharing best practice in technical rescue

Alternative sandbags.

Flood protection for patio doors.

Preventing water getting in to properties, or making buildings resistant to flooding so that people can get back in to their homes much more quickly ifthey do flood, is important.


68 |



Peli offers a range of professional lighting productsbuilt tough for extreme weather conditions,particularly suited for water rescue.

The rugged 9410 LED hand lamp from Peli is apowerful but compact, rechargeable light perfectfor riverbank search and rescue applications. Thelamp is lightweight, at 1.4kg, with an array of fourintense LEDs giving a 710-lumen output that cutsthrough darkness and fog.

Supplied with a shoulder strap and designed tobe carried easily, the 9410 features a 120° tilt headto angle the beam exactly where required and has 3modes: high beam, economy and flashing mode.

The lamp has a three-stage battery level indicator– green for full, amber for medium and red for low.A sure grip handle provides a comfortable and non-slip grip in wet conditions and an extra large spaceto accommodate gloved hands.

The Peli 2690 HeadsUP Lite is a tough, weather-resistant, headlamp ideal for hands-free use.Compact and weighing only 117g, the lampfeatures a super-bright LED, which produces 60 lumens at peak brightness and usable light formore than 10 hours. It is powered by three x AAAbatteries and features a 90° pivoting head, so you

can direct the light exactly where you need it most.This rugged, weather-resistant, headlamp hasATEX Zone 0 and Mining Group 1 approval, foruse in all hazardous areas.

A watertight casePeli cases offer essential protection for all types of

SAR equipment, including laptops,communications gear and medical equipment.They offer watertight, dustproof and crushproofsecurity and they also float, making them ideal forwater rescue.

Professionals have chosen Peli Protector Cases formany years for their reliability, performance anddurability in the most testing conditions.

The 1460EMS case offers a tough solution toprotect medical kit. It features a three-level, fullycustomisable tray system that lifts out of the caseon reinforced stainless steel brackets. It also offers alockable tray section for secure controlled substancestorage. For added security, the top tray and caselid work together as a seal that prevents traycompartment contents from spilling out into thecase during transit. For easy transport the case alsocomes with a nylon shoulder strap.

Peli cases and torches are designed specifically foremergency services and backed by the legendaryguarantee of excellence.www.peliproducts.co.uk

Making light ofextreme weather

‘Point andgo’ off-roadvehiclesSpecialist Vehicle Trading has introduced a whollynew range of high-speed, high-mobility vehicles tothe rescue and off-road market.

Highly manoeuvrable, amphibious, fully tracked,and with an ultra-low ground pressure of just0.163kg/cm2, the vehicles are fitted to a modernhigh-standard of driver and passenger comfort andare attracting strong interest from buyers aroundthe world seeking access to areas previously onlyreachable by helicopter.

Complete access solutionsThe vehicles, suitable for crossing mud, sand,

snow, screed, rocks, rubble, areas of liquefaction,water etc are lightweight yet robust and, given theyare amphibious without preparation, offer a reliableplatform for building complete access solutions forfloods to severe snow, to areas devastated byearthquake. They also operate at high angles ofgradient.

Fitted with steel tracks with bolt-on rubber pads,the vehicles offer a damage resilience not found inother vehicles of their size and, since the range is incurrent manufacture, all parts are available off-the-shelf at published prices.

Making their official debut at The EmergencyServices Show 2012, these vehicles are fully road-legal and placed to carve a niche for themselves atthe top of the mobility scale for off-road vehicles.Described variously as ‘Point and go’ vehicles –since they are able to negotiate almost any barrierthey encounter in a chosen direction, or as the‘Smart Buyer’s Helicopter’ (since they’ll reachalmost anywhere a helicopter can reach – but lessexpensively), the range offers waterborne payloadsfrom 600kg to 3000kg.

Remote control optionsSpecialist Vehicle Trading has also developed full

remote-control options for this range enabling themto be driven without a crew (or filled withpassengers without the space taken by a driver) to arange of 70 miles. Full all-directional videofeedback is paired with full duplex audio allowingthe ‘driver’ and passengers to communicate asrequired.Tel: 01603 812680



The near-permanent wet weather during 2012,combined with the snow in recent weeks, hasserved to give the AA’s Special OperationsResponse Team (AA SORT) its busiest year since itwas formed in 2008. The team, which usesdedicated 4x4 Land Rover Defenders, is equippedto deal with severe weather response includingfloods and snow.

The team numbers around 90, with the majoritytrained as Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.Crewmembers are located from Inverness toDevon, and from Ipswich to Aberystwyth. Mosthave a regular ‘day’ job but are called out for SORTduty as and when required.

Ignoring the signsJohn Seymour, National Manager for Special

Operations at the AA, says, “The biggest singlechallenge we’ve faced this winter has been thenumber of drivers who’ve ignored ‘Road Closed’signs and tried to drive through flood water. Notonly in most cases have they wrecked their cars –some of them high-value models too – but theyhave put their own lives at risk as well as the livesof those who have been called to rescue them.”

The AA, in consultation with the fire and rescueservice, has developed specific scripting for its callhandlers when dealing with drivers stuck in floodwater. This ensures that drivers are not referredunnecessarily to the fire and rescue service. Inaddition, the AA SORT duty officer makes directcontact whenever possible with anyone stuck inwater to give specialist advice, including personalhealth and safety guidance.

Operations extendedThis last year has seen the SORT team extend its

operations to include river-based search and rescue,working on several occasions with mountain rescueand other land-based SAR teams in searching formissing persons. Seymour comments, “This hasgiven us valuable experience and enabled us todevelop strong working relationships with otherresponders for mutual benefit.”www.theaa.com/emergencyFollow @AASORT

Specialistadvice fordrivers stuckin flood water

Climate change has caused a significant pattern ofincreasing annual rainfall leading to spectacularflooding throughout the UK (Source: DEFRA). InWales alone, 2012 was the third wettest year everrecorded and subsequently rescue crews were keptextremely busy.

Combined with environmental extremes to whichfire and rescue teams are responding, governmentcutbacks are now drastically affecting the numbersof personnel available to assist in military andnatural disasters. Expert multi-agency teamworkand investment in the best purpose designedlightweight portable equipment is nowacknowledged and recommended to be essential toplay a major role at the scene of water-relatedincidents.

Rapid responseThe MFC Airtrack and Rescue Sleds comply

with the specifications and recommendations forgood practice in fire and rescue services (FRSs),ensuring rapid response in flooding and swift water.The Rescue Sleds can be motorised, paddled,waded and tethered.

The RSIOT is a flat-bottomed sled ideal forshallow water and can take an outboard motor. Astemperatures plummeted in early 2013, the MFCAirtrack provided a safe platform, which hasproved critical to support the weight of the rescuer

and the rescued over fast flowing water beneath iceof suspect thickness.

Stable and usable platformAn MFC Rescue Sled offers a stable and usable

platform that is very light and easily manoeuvredinto most situations. The sled can be stored in arelatively small space and is made ready for usequickly and easily. In a rescue situation it is easy toget people out of the water and on to the sled; itcan also be easily put to work as part of a linerescue system using the robust anchor points.

The API Stretcher (suitable for use with a spinalboard) is ideal for casualty recovery in tight ordifficult to reach spots. Laden, it can be lifted byhelicopter. Deflated, it stores compactly and is easyto carry.

The hose inflation kit provides a buoyant lifelinefor waterborne casualties, and can be used as a damto catch casualties in fast flowing waters.www.mfcsurvival.com

Survival solutions from MFC

Rigiflex Boats UK has launched its Rescue/SafetyBoat Hire scheme. Utilising the company’s popularNewmatic 360 model, which is already in servicewith many emergency services nationwide, as of 1 February 2013 Rigiflex UK is now able to offershort-term boat hire with very little notice.

Each craft will be equipped with an easy launchtrailer, outboard motor with propeller protectionand other relevant safety equipment and will beready for immediate service.

Managing Director Paul Martin said, “Afterconsultation with several emergency services, we

could see that reduced capital budgets would notallow the purchase of equipment that would onlybe required occasionally. By offering a short-termhire option, emergency situations could befacilitated efficiently and quickly, and we areconfident that our service will be well received.”

With the nation’s weather becoming ever moreunpredictable, and all emergency services fundsshrinking with the current austere fiscal controls,the above could be vital to any emergency servicerequired to respond to situations on or in the water.www.rigiflexboats.co.uk

Rescue boats for hire


ESTCOMPANY PROFILE | 71

Unlike other academic research units, which areformed around the interests of the academic staff,ESRU was formed specifically to respond to theneeds of the emergency service community. It isprimed to research any topic that the emergencyservices bring to the team as an issue of importanceneeding attention.

Although based in the Division of Psychology atNottingham Trent University, the unit haspurposefully built in inter-disciplinarity andflexibility into its running. The ESRU team hasachieved this by establishing a core membership ofacademic staff, from various departments, who areall specialists in emergency services related research.This core membership is then supplemented by anassociate membership, which joins ESRU for aparticular research project, to provide subject specificexpertise. In this way every research project ishandled by a team that both understands the specificcontext of the emergency services while also havingthe specific disciplinary expertise to deal with anyparticular research problem. This allows ESRU torespond with knowledge and proficiency to any needthat the emergency services (and associatedorganisations) might bring forward to them.

Driven by the needs of the servicesAt any given time ESRU is involved in a number

of research projects. These projects are facilitatedthrough all kinds of funding, driven by the needs ofthe emergency services concerned. Sometimesresearch can be done for no cost at all, eg throughstudents voluntarily engaging in research or throughtheir module work. Sometimes ESRU finds thenecessary funding, eg through writing successfulbids to external funding agencies. Sometimes theorganisation commissions the work. In all cases westrive to ensure that the projects directly address theemergency services’ needs and are completed to thebest possible standard.

Recent and on-going work currently beingconducted within ESRU includes the following:

A two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership withNottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS)has just ended. This work began as an evaluation ofNFRS’ community safety initiatives – but ended upbeing far further reaching. As findings from theproject emerged these were drawn upon, alongsidetheir Fire Cover Review (into which ESRU alsofed), to inform a structural reorganisation of theservice. Other outputs from the project include aguidance document on information sharing, whichhas been used both internally and with partnerorganisations to better understand legislationgoverning this issue; and an evaluation toolkit,which can be used not only for community safetyinitiatives but also for any initiative within theorganisation.

Post-traumatic growth researchAn ESRU PhD studentship is currently being

advertised on the topic of ‘Post-traumatic growth inemergency services personnel’.

It is well understood that emergency servicespersonnel inevitably witness and experience events ofa traumatic nature and this has been the focus ofmuch research in the past. However, this researchhas almost exclusively considered negativeconsequences of this exposure, particularly post-traumatic stress. However, we know that mostemergency services personnel do not develop post-traumatic stress as a result of their daily experiencesand in fact can experience extremely high levels ofjob satisfaction. In recent research literature therehave been suggestions that traumatic experiencescan lead to positive rather than solely negativeoutcomes; for example, increases in areas such as lifesatisfaction, resilience, and spirituality. Currently it istheorised that such benefits arise from the internalconquering of more negative outcomes duringtherapy; however, this PhD will explore whetherthese positive outcomes occur in the absence of anystress reactions or therapeutic interventions.

“Our motto is ‘Bring usyour problems’ and if you

do that we will do ourvery best to assist with

their solution.”

Death and serious injury notificationOne important, ongoing, project is the conduction

of a policy review focused on death and seriousinjury notification. This is a complex issue withservices keen to do whatever they can to ensure suchcommunications with their personnel’s families arehandled sensitively and appropriately. The policyreview will offer a robust view of best practice in thisarea and offer recommendations for future practice.

Allied areas consideredAlthough ESRU is usually only concerned with

the emergency services themselves we dosometimes look at organisations with certainsimilarities in order to consider whether anythingcan be learned from these allied disciplines. Oftenthis involves considerations of the military; as thereare similarities in terms of culture, hierarchy, andtraumatic exposure (although it should beacknowledged that these similarities are erodingsignificantly through the rapid cultural changeundergone within the emergency services). Recentwork with the military has looked at the issue ofhelp seeking to explore the barriers personnel canfeel are in place when they themselves feel stressedand need support. This work has included anevaluation of a telephone support service for bothpersonnel and their relatives.

More than just researchThese example projects are intended just as a

snapshot of the kinds of research undertaken byESRU. As well as research, we also carry outbespoke training for emergency services, organise abiannual conference ‘Emergency management:Themes in planning response and recovery’, run anumber of modules within our own degree coursesfocused on the emergency services or on alliedissues such as disaster and also run courses foremergency services personnel.

Our unique style of working is intended torespond to your needs rather than merely treatingyou as a sample for our convenience. To facilitatethis our membership has a diverse breadth ofexpertise without ever compromising quality. Ourapproach is never ‘ivory tower’ but instead we havea solid understanding of your working landscapes;for example, budget restrictions and governmentcuts, wider public sector issues, inter-agencyworking, different styles of working within andacross services, public accountability etc. The mostimportant thing to ESRU staff is that your needsare serviced and this means we will put together ateam and design a research project (or trainingcourse) specifically for you. We will also look forfunding for you where necessary. Our motto is‘Bring us your problems’ and if you do that we willdo our very best to assist with their solution.www.ntu.ac.uk

For further information please contact:Viv Brunsden, Director of the Emergency Services Research [email protected] or 0115 8486824

Researching the work of theEmergency Services Research UnitThe Emergency Services Research Unit (ESRU) at Nottingham Trent University is unique in two key ways: firstly,

because of the reason why it was formed; and secondly, in the way that it operates.

Words: Viv Brunsden, Director of the Emergency Services Research Unit.

Viv Brunsden, Director of theEmergency Services ResearchUnit.

Rowena Hill, Senior Lecturer ofPsychology, Nottingham TrentUniversity.



“It’s all about using your senses and acclimatisingto the environment,” says Perry McGee, NationalTracking Advisor at Perry McGee’s NationalTracking School. “It’s out there, you just need tofind it and use it.”

Perry runs courses and lectures in the science oftracking and has consequently been involved invarious high profile incidents and enquiries, wherehis skills have been put to test. Also anaccomplished author on the subject, Perry hasreached the pinnacle of his trade and is anxious toshare his skills with the UK emergency services.Incidents from a common burglary, to house fires,and searching at accidents are all situations wherePerry believes the skills of the trained tracker canbe used to great effect.

“Tracking within theemergency service

environment requires theuse of all your senses.”

Perry and his associates have been widelydeployed at varying incidents, ranging frommurder scenes to animal welfare or propertyprotection. Specific incidents, such as fires, searchand rescue, and missing persons have led to thedesign of bespoke training courses, designed foreach implication.

Skills and tipsPerry says, “In some parts of the world tracking is

necessary for survival. These unique basic survivaland tracking skills can be learned and adapted byany modern emergency services and, as I havefound over the thirty odd years I’ve been involvedin the field, they feature in everything and theyprovide vital evidence.

“Ask any crime scene investigator; every time asubject connects with a surface it leaves acontaminant, and knowing where to locate, identifyand extract the contaminant is the key to success.Tracking it is not just about following footprints,however. It’s about so much more.”

“Tracking within the emergency service

environment requires the use of all your senses, notjust having simple visual representation,” continuesPerry. “By becoming aware of the basicrequirements and adapting to the circumstances, aneffective tracking unit can deliver instant essentialand useable evidence of the presence of a subject(s).Old favourite questions often include; the amountof subjects, when they passed through a location,how far they are in front of our position, and,believe it or not, with very little training, there areways of obtaining this information.”

Basic skills are invaluablePerry believes that in the search and rescue

environment, the use of general tracking skillsshould be mandatory. He says, “Incorporated withother emergency units, such as cadaver dogs,underwater search units, and other specialist searchteam equipment, the basics of interpreting signs isinvaluable, and basic skills have, on occasion, beenresponsible for saving lives. Simplistic, positive,one-dimensional signs allow a trained tracking unitto calculate the speed at which a subject travels andtherefore allows an area of search or an estimatedtime of arrival at a location to be calculated.”

An effective search and rescue team should beable to recognise identification signs of distress,illness or dehydration created by a subject, whichcan be used to raise or lower the intensity of asearch. Other sign recognition can be used topredict and organise the interception of the subjectwith specialist medical needs. Understandingwalking gaits and paths, and how subjects travelwhen lost or disorientated by inclement weather isanother very useful tool for the rescuer.

“For the emergency responder the necessity forspeed, brevity and accuracy are never moreprevalent than when dealing with the threat to life,”says Perry. “Using these ancient resurrectedtracking skills not only enhances the chances ofsurvival of a subject, but can be adapted for thepursuance of a subject.”

Tracking pursuancePatrolling and security of equipment, property, or

animal welfare protection is a good example oftracking pursuance and is, by its nature, a verybasic tracking skill. Perry says, “Consider if you

were able to distinguish the sign from an employeefrom that of an unwanted intruder, and considerhow effective you would become if you could detectthe time or direction and speed at which theintruder left the scene. Knowing where, when, andhow to read these signs, and how to extract the bestimage, dependant on the terrain and weather, arevital skills that can easily be learned with practice.”

Overall, by adopting strict tracking discipline bythe use of these skills at an emergency, scene orincident, and having regard for the tracker’sintegrity, continuity and professionalism willincrease the possibility of capture of any potentialevidence or information. Hypothesising events,scenes and incidents is the essence of the science;the ability to interpret signs and determining keyindicator markers into plausible and useablescenarios for the emergency services to act upon,increases with experience.

So the next time you respond to an incident, orare required to attend a scene consider using theancient science of tracking and become aware ofthe signs around you. Use your natural senses toincrease awareness and remember – you can makea difference, every time.www.nationaltrackingschool.com

The National Tracking SchoolOver the thirty plus years of being a detective in various police units up and down the country, the realisation that

emergency services personnel could learn a great deal from the ancient arts of tracking led Perry McGee to create a

successful tracking training company. As the son of outdoor survival and tracking guru Eddie McGee, Perry has, over the

years, learnt the secrets of the fascinating art of tracking, which has, literally, led him to follow in his father’s footsteps

and create an impressive clientele, including the police and military.

Perry on a UK tracking course demonstrating how to make strongcordage from grass, later used to create a stretcher.


| 73

Why your computersneed to go ‘above

and beyond’Words: Peter Molyneux is the President of Getac UK

The fast-paced world of computing and mobilecommunications devices has undergone a completerevolution over the past decade. Today, the averageperson has an amazing amount of computing powerat their fingertips in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

The same is true for emergency servicesprofessionals working in tough, criticalenvironments, which is where modern ruggedcomputing devices come into their own.

Rugged laptops and tablets offer advancedcommunications, which enable police, fire andrescue, and ambulance personnel to keep in touchwith colleagues, control centres, and otheremergency service professionals when it mattersmost. Route information, traffic and incident reports and access to essentialmedical programs and mapping data can all be accessed at the touch of a key.

These rugged devices also offer protection against the knocks and shakes of ahigh-speed journey while super-fast processors help crews to use power hungryprograms out on the road. Secure vehicle docking and swivel screens that arereadable in low light or in the full glare of sunlight, mean crews can access vitalinformation in the most challenging of circumstances.

“Rugged computers are not a luxury –they are an essential tool that can

seriously enhance the performance ofour emergency services.”

Glove-friendly touch screens and waterproof keyboards, coupled withcomprehensive connectivity options including in-built GPS receivers, Bluetoothand 3G combine to ensure connectivity in whatever conditions the crew findthemselves operating.

Getac’s experience of supplying rugged laptops to fire and rescue servicesaround Europe also highlights that it is never just a case of simply taking anoff-the-shelf piece of equipment and installing it in a vehicle: there is so muchmore to it than that.

We always work closely with the customer on a day-to-day basis to identifyareas where the overall solution can be altered to enhance the service and thatshould include feedback from the crews out in the field.

These customers have already been quick to identify issues that could stiflethe performance of a device, such as the keyboard size being too small for agloved operator, and we have been able to respond at the manufacturing stageto incorporate changes that solve these issues.

Working closely with customers in this way has helped to ensure that thecomputers deliver the optimum performance for the crews, and are as simplefor them to operate as possible.

As a manufacturer we realise that it is not enough just to build some of thefastest, toughest and hardest working devices on the market today; we also needto ensure they are flexible enough to cope with any situation.

The bottom line is that rugged computers are not a luxury – they are anessential tool that can seriously enhance the performance of our emergencyservices. Getac believes that close collaboration between the customer andmanufacturer is vital, along with complete flexibility on the manufacturer’spart, to ensure that the transition from order book to fully functioningcommunication tool is as straightforward and painless as possible.www.getac.co.ukIf you would like to discuss any aspect of your rugged computing requirements, callGetac on 01952 207 221, e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.getac.co.uk

Peter Molyneux is the Presidentof Getac UK, which provides acomprehensive range of ruggedcomputing solutions.


74 | ESTPRODUCTS

As the name suggests, LED Lenser is a master inLED (light emitting diode) technology, which is atthe cutting edge of the lighting revolution and fastreplacing traditional incandescent lighting. Energyefficient and more environmentally friendly, LEDsalso offer better intensity and brightness of light,better reliability of components and a betterlifetime value overall; making them the ideal choicein modern lighting systems.

So why choose LED Lenser overother brands?

The answer is simple. LED Lenser offersrenowned German engineering that is second tonone. The company incorporates some of theworld’s leading technologies, including the patentedAdvanced Focus System™, the multi-functionalSmart Light Technology™ and over 200 otherpatents and petty patents. Most importantly, LED Lenser delivers a quality and intensity of lightthat is simply awesome.

“Every LED Lenser isengineered from the best

quality materials andconstructed to last.”

Just as you would expect from the home of someof the world’s best car marques, every LED Lenseris built to exacting German standards. The housingis made from seriously tough yet lightweightaircraft-grade aluminium covered with an anodisedcoating, which is splash proof and protects againsteveryday knocks. Hard gold-plated contacts forbetter conductivity and corrosion resistant threadsare complemented by a superior modularconstruction that makes cleaning after extremeoperational demands, or the replacing of parts,easier. Taken together this means that every LED Lenser is engineered from the best qualitymaterials and constructed to last.

The task of a technology leader is to developleading technologies. LED Lenser more than meetsthis challenge by developing stunning technologicalinnovations within its own purpose-built researchand development laboratories. Leading the way is

the company’s patented Advanced Focus System™optics, which combines lens and reflector to bringthe advantages of both into one system thus enablingspot or flood beam selection. Combined with single-handed Speed Focus™, the Advanced Focus Systemoptics deliver a wide homogenous flood beam forclose up visibility or a stunning, sharply focused spotbeam for long distance lighting.

Another exciting innovationSmart Light Technology™ (SLT) is another

exciting innovation from the LED Lenser stable.Meeting the needs for different lighting solutions fordifferent situations and environments, thistechnology embeds a pre-programmed microchipinto the torch. This microchip brings the torch tolife by enabling a choice of two energy usage options(Energy Saving and Constant Current), threelighting sequences (Professional, Easy and Defence)and up to eight different light options, includingPower, Boost, Low Power, Dim, Blink, Morse, SOSand Defence Safety Strobe – all via the press of asingle cap-end switch. Now that really is Smart!

Another technological innovation in the LED Lenser arsenal is X-Lens Technology™. Thisdynamic technology has been expertly developed tosynchronise and control multiple LED lenses, inorder to deliver a single superior flood or spot beam

of light that is more intense and wider than otherbeams. This technology is at the heart of thecompany’s flagship LED Lenser X21 (1100lumens) and X21R (1600 lumens) searchlights.These multi award-winning light ‘canons’ deliversensational lighting performance and are capable oflighting up vast spaces. Some car headlights lookdim in comparison and these torches are especiallypopular with emergency services teams.

At The Emergency Services Show 2012, thecompany displayed The World’s Largest Torch, asratified by the Guinness Book of World Records.This working model is based on the LED LenserX21 and is the size of a small family car. It wasproduced to highlight the superior Germanengineering skills of LED Lenser’s technicians.This world beater is capable of generating up to100,000 lumens.

LED Lenser – the lighting brandtrusted by professionalsInitially founded in Germany by twin brothers Rainer and Harald Opolka, LED Lenser today is, for many, the gold

standard in torches and one of the world’s leading lighting brands found in over 50 countries.


ESTPRODUCTS | 75

Dual lens torchesX-Lens Technology™ is also featured in two of

the newest LED Lenser torches – the LED LenserX7R and LED Lenser X14. These dual lenstorches are crammed full of technology as they alsointegrate Advanced Focus System™ optics andSmart Light Technology™. The 500 lumen X7R isrechargeable and is supplied with the FloatingCharge magnetic contact changing system, whichenables recharging without battery removal. The

X14 runs off four standard AA batteries anddelivers a light of 450 lumens. Great to handle andextremely economic, the X7R and X14 are alreadyproving to be winners with users.

LED Lenser’s latest addition to the range is theunbelievable light-powerhouse LED Lenser F1.

The next evolution in LED lightingOnly 88mm long and generating a seriously

impressive 400 lumens, the LED Lenser F1 is thenext evolution in LED lighting. Small and compactyet delivering a seriously impressive amount oflight, the F1 incorporates Smart LightTechnology™, is IPX8-rated so is waterproof to2.5m and is supplied with a variable clip,interchangeable tactical front ring to enable glassbreakage and has integrated roll protection. Thisbeautiful mini light powerhouse is destined to be afirm favourite within every emergency serviceeither as the main torch or a lightweight (68g)backup torch and reinforces LED Lenser’sreputation as a light innovator.

On the head lamp side the LED Lenser X14 4-in-1 seems to be the head lamp of choice for searchand rescue teams and other emergency serviceteams as they appreciate the versatility that thislamp offers. Featuring Advanced Focus System™optics, directional light adjustment for the 210lumens and super comfortable head straps, thishead lamp can also be easily converted into amobile spotlight, a body/belt light or with theincluded clamp it can also be mounted onto bikeand poles. The LED Lenser X14 really is morethan a head lamp it is an all-in-one lighting system.

LED Lenser passionately believes in pushing theboundaries of portable lighting performance. LED Lenser’s superior German engineering andability for constant innovation makes it the lightingbrand of choice for discerning professionalsinternationally.Ledco Limited, Kingswick House, Kingswick DriveSunninghill, SL5 7BHTel: 01344 876222; Fax: 01344 630999 E-mail: [email protected]


76 | ESTPRODUCTS

The technical lead for scene assessment was taskedwith producing a standard operating procedure(SOP) aimed at standardising the use of chemicallights at incidents.

“The SOP is available toshare with other agencies

to ensure continuedinteroperability.”

In developing the SOP, other capabilities, such asHigh Volume Pumps and Mass Decontaminationwere consulted as to their possible use of lightsticks, with the final SOP being shared across FRSNational Resilience. In addition, liaison with otheragencies was carried out and the SOP has beenreferenced in the Concept of Operations and SOPfor USAR support to UK Disaster VictimIdentification (DVI).

Two main areasThe SOP was produced considering two main

areas:1. Safety: The primary consideration was the safety

of all personnel, by detailing safe routeshazardous areas etc crew safety will be enhanced

2. Simplicity: utilising five colours a simple colourcoding system was developed.

The SOP states, ‘The health and safety of allpersonnel deployed to incidents is paramount, byutilising chemical lights access and egress (saferoutes), hazards and areas of specific interest can beidentified and controlled. Chemical lights can alsobe used for additional scene lighting or emergencylighting in the case of a sudden loss of lighting’.

Various colours and shapes of lights are availableand the following guidance is intended tostandardise their use across capabilities andagencies.RED Hazard, No entryGreen Safe routeOrange Marking areas of interestBlue Specialist Use (for example

identifying monitoring equipment)White General illumination

HazardsGeneral hazards can be identified using chemical

light sticks (RED). Specific hazards such as trip hazards, open edges,

overhanging hazards should be identifiedaccordingly: • Low level – trip or open edge – Use red light

stick with a bi-pod base at ground level, this willdraw the eye to the ground identifying thehazard.

• High level – overhanging hazards – hang redchemical light stick from the ceiling or anyavailable high level point using duct tape, cableties or magnetic base from steelwork; this againdraws the eye to the hazard.

Red chemical light circle markers may be mademore informative with markings identifying thehazards such as hazmats, eg:

Restricting entry intohazardous areas

Red and green chemical lightpads can be used as indicatorsof GO / NO GO areas. The redpad should be stuck to the wall

at the entry point to the room/void if entry is notallowed; the reason for the restriction may bewritten on the pad, eg:

Safe routeChemical lights can be

utilised to assist in theidentification of safe access

and egress routes.

Evacuation routes: as crewswork their way into the riskthey can fix a green chemicallight circle marker (markingwith an arrow pointing theway out if appropriate) to the

walls at regular intervals. This will assist in theemergency evacuation.

Safe entry into the area: if chemical lights areutilised to give permission to access the area, ie GO/ NO GO, the GO should be denoted by a Greenlight pad indicating GO, additional information canalso be written onto the pad.

Areas of interestIf there is an area of particular interest to the fire

and rescue service Officer in Charge, or anotheragency, an orange chemical light stick and/or circlemarker can be used.

Search operations: specific areas identified byUSAR technical search teams that require furthersearch or rescue operations, such as possible orconfirmed casualty locations can be identified byorange chemical light sticks.

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI): an orangelight circle placed adjacent to a deceased casualtywill be used to direct body recovery teams to thelocation, for example.

This information should be given to the Police(DVI) Senior Identification Manager (SIM) andother relevant agencies as appropriate.

Specialist useBlue chemical light sticks and circle markers

should only be used for specific tasks. They will beused to identify areas that USAR team membersshould avoid due to specialist tasks being carriedout and where inadvertent interference could have an adverse effect on the incident outcomes oreven safety.

The SOP and associated equipment informationnote, risk assessment including COSHH andenvironmental assessments are now available onthe FRS National Resilience website. The intentionof the SOP has been to standardise the use ofchemical lights across capabilities at an operationalincident and it is available to share with otheragencies to ensure continued interoperability.www.fireresilience.org.uk

Use of chemical lights at incidentsThe Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) National Resilience, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Capability is assisted by a

team of technical lead officers. These officers, who are drawn from teams across the UK, have expertise and knowledge

in the various disciplines that make up the capability and are integral to the ongoing maintenance and development of

USAR. One such area for development has been scene assessment and the use of chemical lights.

Words: Jim Taylor, USAR Technical Lead Scene Assessment, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

To identify a low level open edge usea red chemical light stick with abi-pod base at ground level.

A green chemical light with directional arrow can assist withemergency evacuation.

Chemical lights can be utilised to assist in the identification of safeaccess and egress routes.


ESTPRODUCTS | 77

Blyth-based safety manufacturer, Draeger SafetyUK Ltd, is introducing its new fire helmet for theUK fire and rescue service – the HPS 7000 –designed with the safety and comfort of everyindividual firefighter at the forefront.

For the past 50 years, Dräger has beenprotecting the UK’s fire and rescueservice and as one of the country’sleading manufacturers ofbreathing apparatus andassociated equipment, thelaunch of the new helmetmarks an exciting period ofexpansion to Dräger’s extensiveportfolio.

Personal protective equipment(PPE) has come a long way sincethe early years of tough leather fire helmetsfrom centuries ago and the introduction ofthe cutting edge HPS 7000 falls in line withthe changing demands of the UK fire andrescue service today, where the complexities ofmodern industrialised life have introduced newhazards and materials burn hotter than ever before.There is a greater emphasis on more efficient,economical and effective performance and Dräger’snew helmet has undergone years of research and

development, with a stringent evaluation andassessment process looking closely at the needs of

firefighters who face life threateningscenarios on a day-to-day basis.

Total protectionThe resulting piece ofequipment offers totalprotection of a

firefighter’s headand face, protectingthese vital bodyparts against a

variety of impactsincluding sharp

objects, flames andextreme heat and

enabling him or her to enterhazardous and dangerous situations with

complete peace of mind as well asoptimum wearer comfort.

As the fire and rescue service today faces muchtougher safety regulations in a climate of economiccut backs, the Dräger HPS 7000 has been designedto withstand the test of time, keeping firefightersprotected year upon year with its long service lifeand variety of applications, meaning a cost effective

solution for fire authorities.Comfort is top of the agenda with the launch of

Dräger’s HPS 7000 and while the lightweighthelmet becomes a seamless part of the difficultchallenges the firefighter faces, it is also robust witha streamlined ergonomic design and can also betrusted to keep them protected and safe above allelse.

Total system solutionComplementing the new helmet are Dräger’s top

of the range full service and product offerings,which include telemetry – the Dräger PSS MerlinTelemetry System, a wide range of self-containedbreathing apparatus, cylinders and ‘total care’ aftersales service. Kevin Honner, Technical Specialist atDraeger Safety UK, said, “One of the key aims forDräger in the fire service is offering fire authoritiesa total system solution where the total sum of theparts equates to the safest possible solution forfirefighters. All the elements of the DrägerProtection System fit together with precision givingfirefighters the ultimate protection in everysituation, whilst demonstrating cost efficiencies.”

Dräger’s HPS 7000 is now available to purchasein the UK.www.draeger.com

Dräger announces next generationfire helmet: the HPS 7000


ESTPRODUCTS | 79

Continuous improvement in tactics, training,techniques, equipment and innovation areobviously key elements of USAR strategy. Allsituations, even the most unpredictable, should beconsidered, trained for and anticipated.

Standardising training and operationalequipment for USAR and ISAR is one solution toreducing risk. Marking hazards, safe areas orequipment with chemiluminescent products inpreselected colours will bring a clear advantage forUSAR and ISAR.

Cyalume® lightingsolutions

Cyalume Light Technology assertsits position as the reliable safetypartner for the safety market andmore specifically for USAR andISAR. The wide range ofemergency light solutions providesimproved security for bothcrewmembers and those injuredpeople awaiting rescue.

As a world leader inchemiluminescent light for safetyand security applications andholding more than 40 internationalpatents, Cyalume Technologiesprovides 100 percent reliable lights, without anyflame, spark, heat or gas emission. The company’sgoal is to develop solutions designed to savepeople’s life with easy to use products.

All devices can be used in confined spaces,including ATEX environments, come with a five-year shelf life and contain no batteries. TheSnaplight™ is always ready to use, works everytime and is maintenance free!

Cyalume® commitmentsCyalume Technologies’ constant investments in

R&D contribute to a greener, safer environment;new patented formulations are non-toxic, non-flammable and phthalate free. Moreover, all

Cyalume products are compliant with EuropeanREACH regulation on chemicals and their safeuse.

The ISO 9001 production based inMassachusetts in the US, and France, meets andexceeds the highest level of technologyrequirements. In fact, Cyalume maintains itsposition as the sole manufacturer authorised todisplay NATO Stock Numbers (NSN) on itsChemlights.

The company’s customer services in Europe andUS ensure swift deliveries and help organisationsfind the correct solution for their needs.www.cyalume.euwww.european-lightstick.com

A clear advantage for USAR and ISAR


80 | ESTPRODUCTS

Paramedic Pro – Ikanos Consultingwww.ikanosconsulting.com/products

The Paramedic Pro medical application from Ikanos Consulting, which runson the Golden-i wearable headset computer (pictured), allows healthcareworkers to access and record vital information quickly on their Golden-iheadsets – completely hands-free. Paramedic Pro provides video chat, audiorecording and access to information at the point of care. With its built-incamera, Golden-i enables direct video communication between field medicalstaff and A&E, so experts at a hospital can assess a situation and provide timelyadvice. Paramedics can talk to colleagues using the headset’s video chat capa-bilities, and provide information to doctors so they can prepare for thepatients’ arrival. The application provides a standardised way to communicatedata such as an estimated time of arrival (ETA) back to the hospital, and forstaff on the scene to view the patient’s medical records. It also enables medicalstaff to view maps and use GPS to track their location. Consulting has alsoannounced two other applications: Firefighter Pro and Police Pro.

TWISTER sole – Vibram®

www.vibram.comVibram® fireproof soles combine highly effective design and highly flame-resistant compounds. These soles enable firefighters to tackle fire, flames andwater while counting on greater safety conditions. The Vibram® TWISTERsole is based on the new Vibram® SUPERWORK compound, developed toincrease the antistatic properties and oil and flame resistance. The TWISTERis a box section sole, specially created for safety at work. It features: doubledensity rubber, for better performance and greater comfort; wide contactsurfaces with self-cleaning channels to keep the sole free of oil and residues;anti-slip grooves in the waist for maximum safety on steps; and two-colourconstruction on the tread and the laterals.

Motorcycle Suit – Bristol Uniformswww.bristoluniforms.co.uk

Bristol has designed firefighter PPE for use by members of fire crews usingmotorcycles. In what is believed to be a first, Bristol has designed protectiveclothing, which not only meets the road safety requirements for professionalmotorcyclists but also the highest European level for structural fire fighting.The new coat and trouser combination is a product of Bristol’s New ProductDevelopment Programme (BNPDP). The coat and trouser have beenergonomically designed to ensure ultimate fit, suitable for riding motorcyclesand fire fighting duties. They are designed to be zipped together and areavailable in 28 sizes, both male and female. The ensemble is machine washableafter the back, shoulder, elbow, hip and knee protectors have been removed.

B300 rugged laptop – Getac UKwww.getac.co.uk

One of the industry’s favourite rugged laptops – the Getac B300 – now runsfaster than ever before, with twice the graphics capabilities of the previousgeneration B300. Powered by the latest third Generation Intel® Core™ i5 ori7 processor, the B300 incorporates Intel® vPro™ technology and offersoperators a 67 percent increase in speed; an integrated Intel® HD Graphics4000 card delivers rapid access to high-performance graphics, greatlyimproving display imagery, intricate mapping and advanced video streaming.

Z-Rex – Leathermanwww.whitbyandco.co.uk

Distributed in the UK by Whitby & Co the Z-Rex is the first tool that combinesglass breaking, strap cutting and wrench tools in one, lightweight and easy-to-use tool. The stainless steel 440C V notch cutters are hard wearing, easilyreplaced and can even be flipped over for a fresh edge when it’s needed onthe spot. Tungsten Carbide makes the glass breaker tool a force to bereckoned with – needing less force than steel breakers, the Z-Rex is perfectwhen you need to break through glass with one quick strike. The oxygen tankwrench and hex wrench are built into the lightweight aluminium body, whichis moulded with an ergonomic grip and features a finger hole for comfort andease of use. The Z-Rex is designed and made in the US by the Leathermancompany and comes with a ‘no quibbles’ 25-year guarantee.

The latest must-have kit

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ESTPRODUCTS | 81

Service Collection – Dr Martenswww.drmartens.com/servicerange

British brand Dr Martens launched a new Service Collection of boots at TheEmergency Services Show 2012 designed to meet the demands of today’semergency services. The Autumn/Winter Service Collection draws inspirationand expertise from decades of the brand’s market-leading industrialtechnology. New additions include Shack, a lightweight, athletic, waterproofboot and the ultimate high spec Osprey, which is ideal for the ambulancemarket. This is a non-metallic safety boot, which is waterproof, punctureresistant and anti-static. It also features cutting edge technology: D30™ impactprotection inserts positioned over the anklebone.

Responder Smartphone App – PageOne Communicationswww.pageone.co.uk

PageOne Communications has launched its Responder Smartphone App forBlackBerry, Apple iOS and Android devices. Responder offers resilient closed-user group messaging for organisations looking to improve operationalefficiency and ensure important messages and alerts reach Smartphone usersquickly and securely. Capitalising on the strengths of the two-way Responderpager, the Responder app extends two-way paging’s core alerting features tothe Smartphone world to provide a separate secure messaging channel. Withdistinctive pop-up and audible alerting, a separate Inbox and two-way replyoptions, the Responder App ensures important real-time operational andemergency messages rise above the clutter of everyday e-mail and SMS.

Elite backpacks – Peli Products (UK) Ltdwww.peliproducts.co.uk

Combining the watertight, crushproof features of the Peli case with a practical,stylish backpack, Peli Urban Elite and Sports Elite Backpacks feature built-inPeli cases for maximum protection for sensitive laptops and tablets. The rangeis designed for function with flair and includes different styles to protectlaptops (models U100 (pictured) and S100) or tablets (models U140 andS140) – these are top loading for fast access. The backpacks are equippedwith several pockets and a rigid front plate to securely transport e-readers,tablets and notebooks. Peli Urban (models U105 for laptops and U145 fortablets) and Sport Backpacks use a rigid compartment to protect personalelectronics without the entire weight of an integrated case.

Extended Comfort Footwear – WL Gore & Associateswww.gore-workwear.com

GORE-TEX® daily duty footwear is specifically designed for police officerswhose work often takes them both outdoors and indoors. At the core ofTactical GORE-TEX® Footwear is a three-layer GORE-TEX® ExtendedComfort Laminate that comes without insulation. Its construction consists ofa highly abrasion resistant textile lining material, the microporous GORE-TEX® membrane and a protective knit. The laminate is extremely thin andcapable of effectively transporting any sweat produced by the foot in the formof water vapour to the outside. At the same time it creates a reliable barrieragainst water penetrating from the outside. The laminate is combined withcarefully selected upper materials. The shoes and boots are exceptionallylightweight, athletic, waterproof and extremely durable.

First Responder Respirator – Scott Safetywww.scottsafety.com

Scott Safety’s First Responder Respirator (FRR) is the next generation of res-piratory protection for the global civil responder community. Providingprotection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, theFRR uses revolutionary technology to deliver lower user burden, improvedsystems integration and ease of operation. It is compatible with conventionalround filters with a Din 40 thread, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR),Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and compressed air airlinebreathing systems. With the FRR, the user can switch between supplied airand filters, which is vital for environments where the threat is unknown orextreme (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)).

The latest must-have kit6

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82 | ESTPRODUCTS

Primetech is leading the new revolution of Ka-bandsatellite technology in the UK, which is seen bymany as the future of mobile communicationswithin the fire and rescue service.

Put as simply as possible, the K band is a portionof the microwave range of frequencies in theelectromagnetic spectrum. Formally, this spectrumstarts with 3Hz and ends at 300GHz. Ka-band isdirectly above the K-band covering the frequenciesof 26.5 to 40GHz, while the Ku-band is directlybelow and ranges from 12 to 18GHz.

One immediate benefit is that the physics of thehigher RF frequency used for Ka-band allows forsmaller satellite dishes than the equivalent Ku-banddishes.

Small and mobileImagine a small, mobile VSAT antenna system

that can deliver blistering speeds of 8Mbps uploadsand 20Mbps downloads using only a 3W BUC –welcome to Primetech’s iNetVu® KA-75V Drive-Away Antenna. Because of its size and adaptability,this 75cm auto acquire satellite antenna system canbe mounted on the roof of the smallest vehicle fordirect broadband access over any configuredsatellite.

The system works seamlessly with theiNetVu®7024 Controller, providing single pushbutton, auto-acquiring, automatic beam recognitionand fast satellite acquisition in minutes, anytime,anywhere. Henry Walker, Director of Primetech,explains, “With this type of communication poweravailable, anyone requiring access to vast amountsof data, or needing the ability to provide this data,will be able to achieve more than they thoughtpossible.”

Primetech has been field-testing Ka technology inthis country with outstanding results. Henry wasdelighted to announce that in 2012 the KA-75V

passed its range tests at Eutelsat. He said, “Thismeans that it is the only type-approved vehicle-mounted system useable on the Eutelsat Kasatellite network. This confirms that high-speedbandwidths are no longer a thing of the future –they are available right now.”

Trailer-mounted unitThis highly advanced technology has immense

benefits, which will extend through the whole ofthe emergency services sector. Henry says, “Thisnew technology is just the beginning. We havealready taken it one step further with theproduction of a mobile KASAT Trailer for the UKmarketplace. This is a multi-purposecommunications platform that can be deployed byany driver on a standard UK driving licence usinga conventional family saloon.”

Being highly mobile, it is quickly able to reachthe scene of an incident. The high bandwidthcapability via an auto-seeking satellite system,automatic fallover unit, 5m pneumatic mast withPTZ dual thermal camera and tamper-proof videorecorder makes this trailer a self-contained,versatile, resilient command support unit.

The fire and rescue service has been the firstmarket area to really take advantage of this newtechnology, with Surrey Fire and Rescue Serviceincorporating the iNetVu® Ka-75V Drive-AwayAntenna onto its new vehicle and Cornwall Fireand Rescue Service upgrading to the Ka-band onits current ICU. Gloucestershire Fire and RescueService, meanwhile, has commissioned a KASATTrailer as part of its rapid response offering.

Henry concludes, “This is a really exciting timefor the industry. With the Ka-band providing alarge bandwidth, high performance, cost-effectivealternative to current offerings, the sky’s the limitfor mobile communications.”www.primetech.co.uk

Sky’s the limit forPrimetech and Ka-bandsatellite technology

Bariatricdummy forextricationtrainingMore than eight million people in Britain – 26.1percent of the adult population – are classified asclinically obese, with childhood obesity levels alsorising. Increased weight increases the risk of injuryto the rescuer, so it is therefore essential thatadequate training be given in safe handlingtechniques.

One issue that many fire and rescue services areencountering is that as the population gets larger,more obese people driving cars, and there is theneed to train to extract these people from vehicles.

Ruth Lee Ltd has produced two differentbariatric rescue training manikins that can not onlybe used to train emergency services how to handlea bariatric casualty but also how to extract abariatric casualty from a road traffic accident.

The Bariatric dummy is based around a 100kggeneral purpose dummy with a further five layersover the top, these being a mixture of the weightedlayers and foam cushioning that enables the weightto slide from side to side; the effect is very realistic.

Lawrence Lee, Director of Ruth Lee, states, “Itisn’t possible to simply add dead weight to one ofour existing dummies, as that does not accuratelyrepresent the weight distribution in a larger person.Our aim was to achieve a ‘fluidity of movement’and our designer has created a dummy thatreplicates, as closely as possible, the body mass of alarge person, creating a realistic training tool.

“Rescuers need specific training in lifting aperson of this size safely, both in terms of avoidingfurther damage to the casualty, and in preventinginjury to the rescuers.”www.ruthlee.co.uk

The higher RF frequency used for Ka-band allows for smaller satellitedishes than the equivalent Ku-band dishes.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, meanwhile, has commissioneda KASAT Trailer as part of its rapid response offering.


ESTCLASSIFIEDS | 83

Self-Heating Nutritious Meals

MAKE IT EASY WITH

HOT PACK™

In 12 minutes, you can create a delicious hot meal, with Hot Pack Self Heating Meals,anywhere you need it. Everything is in the pack to produce a satisfying hot meal withoutusing any other equipment. Even cutlery and a dish are included!

Choose from seven great tasting, ready to eat recipes: Chicken Casserole, LancashireHot Pot, Chicken Dopiaza Curry, Sausages and Beans, Spicy Vegetable Rigatoni,Meatballs & Pasta and Vegetable Curry.

Make it easy. Enjoy a HOT PACK™ meal – anywhere!

Contact Canland UK Ltd, Wellington House, Lower Icknield WayLongwick, Bucks HP27 9RZ

Tel/Fax: 01844 344474 E.mail: [email protected] site: www.hotpackmeals.co.uk

Cold, wet and dehydration can reduce performance and impair safety. By fitting a ‘TeaMate’ water boiler,crews can make themselves a cup oftea, coffee or other hot beverage tokeep warm and hydrated, thereforemaximising concentration and keepingfatigue to a minimum.

WHISPAIRE LTD Email: [email protected]

Web: www.whispaire.co.uk T: + 44 (0)1794 523999 F: + 44 (0)1794 519151

VEHICLE MOUNTED BOILING WATER SYSTEM

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KNEE & ELBOWProtection

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Gotec Trading LimitedBoulton RoadPin GreenStevenageHerts SG1 4QLTelephone 01438 740400Fax 01438 740005

Get all the latest news by signing up for the FREE EST E-newsletterwww.emergencyservicestimes.com


84 | ESTEFFICIENCY SAVINGS

At some point in our lives, we will all need thesupport of the emergency services, which makes theprospect of cuts an emotive subject. Across theWest Midlands, our blue light teams have warnedthat the full impact is yet to be felt, with the WestMidlands Police Authority alone facing cuts to thevalue of £125m over the next four years, and theWest Midlands Fire Service suggesting that therewill be a direct impact on response times to large-scale incidents. This picture is no doubt mirroredacross the country.

“There’s a primeopportunity to find

savings in procurementand construction

budgets.”

Commitment to improved reaction times,continuous training, new equipment and high staffnumbers are all a critical part of what makes itpossible for these dedicated response teams tomake a difference, often in the face of a life ordeath situation.

So how can the emergency services tackle budgetcuts, but still maintain, and even improve, theservices that are so heavily relied on by the public?

Protecting frontline servicesWhen it comes to finding ways to reduce

spending, without compromising on quality, theemergency services have a tough task on theirhands. But there are ways of tackling these budgetcuts without providing an inferior service. Somebudgets, such as those set aside for theprocurement of construction projects, as well as forreactive and planned maintenance programmes,could take the brunt of the impact.

In 2011-12, the West Midlands Fire Service spentover £3.6m on capital projects. It also spendsaround £11m a year on procurement of supplies,works and services. So when looking to tackle

tough government targets, cutting these costs couldlessen the impact in other areas such as jobs andtraining. But with new facilities and buildingsplaying a crucial role, not just in supportingfrontline operations but also acting as a hub forgrowing communities, it’s not as simple as justturning off the tap. The quality and safety ofbuildings and equipment must be maintained, evenin the face of such stringent targets. But how? Theanswer lies with the procurement process.

Building a defence against the cutsIn the public sector, in one year alone, the

National Audit Office estimated that a staggering2500 OJEU tendering exercises were unnecessaryand that 20 percent of contract notices could havebeen covered by an already existing framework.

It is clear then that the emergency services couldmake significant savings on the huge costsassociated with the OJEU process, by using anexisting framework that has done the legworkalready and has pre-approved contractors in place.Experienced frameworks can cut costs and savetime without sacrificing the quality of thebuildings, facilities and services on offer.

The Constructing West Midlands (CWM)Framework is a prime example of the benefits thatmore coordinated procurement can bring. Theframework is leading the way in providing efficientconstruction, repairs and maintenance services thatcan meet the diverse needs of the public sector,despite these times of austerity.

Through highly experienced contractors,including Thomas Vale, Willmott Dixon, Mansell,and Community Solutions (MorganSindall/Lovell), the CWM framework hasexperience of working with emergency services.With many recent examples, from the constructionand design of community fire stations tomaintenance for police authorities and the refit ofheating and water systems for fire stations, theCWM framework is perfectly placed to help thesector tackle demanding targets.

The CWM framework also allows public bodiesaccess to leading facilities management (FM)contractors including MITIE, Carillion, IntegratedWater Services, Middleton, and KendrickConstruction. These contractors are able to provideeverything from heating and plumbingmaintenance to refurbishment works and statutorytesting, such as Legionella control.

The CWM framework is managed and supportedby Acivico (Design Construction and FM) Limitedbringing the full range of construction andconsultancy services together.

A complete solutionFrameworks offer a complete solution to daily

management and construction needs and offerseverything from facilities management work andemergency repairs, to renovation and new buildprojects. It offers an end-to-end solution, and it’sone that should be maximised.

The frontline services don’t have to take the hit,and nor should they when there’s a primeopportunity to find savings in procurement andconstruction budgets. Using frameworks to tacklebudget cuts could save time, money and resources,which, both the public sector and the generalpublic would agree, should be better spent onmaintaining these truly life-saving services.www.constructingwestmidlands.co.uk/project-experience

Cutting costs without costing livesFrom the Government’s Autumn 2012 Statement it is clear that, at least until 2018, there will be no let up from the

austerity measures and budget cuts that the UK public sector has come to know so well. And with almost impossibly

high government efficiency targets, the emergency services have not gone unscathed. The challenge now is to balance

these unprecedented cuts with continued quality of service. Construction and procurement budgets could represent a

surprising solution.

Words: Sean McMulkin, Framework Manager at Constructing West Midlands.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead.

Marshes End Fire Station in Poole.

Earlham Fire Station, Norfolk.

est feb 2013

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