April 2013
www.emergencyservicestimes.com
Volume 14 | 2
ESTCONTENTS | 1
IN EVERY ISSUE
19
25
Comment 3 News 4 Events 12 People 27 Profile 35, 67,72 Kit Evolution 36 Company Profile 56 Products 68
IN THIS ISSUE
42
65
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
15
Interoperability
28
Medical
39
Vehicles
50
This feature includes: details from the Home Office on the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP), which aims to deliver secure and interoperable communications to all three emergency services throughout Great Britain; Airwave outlines how critical it is for emergency services to have fast and reliable access to data; and Capita takes a look at how effective communications can improve resilience, contingency and interoperability.
28
53
Comms & IT
35
55
The helicopter crash in central London highlights multi-agency collaboration in the Capital – Rita Dexter, Deputy Commissioner at London Fire Brigade, looks at partnership working between the emergency services in London. Plus an update from the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JESIP) takes a look at the work of its Operational Communications Workstream.
Includes a profile of Public Health England, which took up its full responsibilities on 1 April. A report from the Independent Ambulance Association (IAA) calls for a closer working relationship between public and private ambulance services; and we take a look at the capabilities and successes of the HART programme.
NAPFM celebrates 40 years of supplying sustainable fleet solutions in the face of spending cuts; Bristow Helicopters is awarded the contract to provide search and rescue services in the UK; WH Bence supplies a new concept ICU to Cleveland Fire Brigade; and a high impact car crash simulator targets young drivers in Leicestershire.
Emergency Services Times April 2013
ESTCOMMENT | 3
ISSN 1472-1090 Date:
April 2013
Editor: David J. Holden MEng(Hons) Twitter: @999editor davidholden@brodenmedia.com Advertisement Manager: David Brown davidbrown@brodenmedia.com Advertisement Sales: Carol Fox carolfox@brodenmedia.com Office & Events Manager: Lesley Stevenson lesleystevenson@brodenmedia.com Marketing Manager: Emma Nicholls emmanicholls@brodenmedia.com Circulation: Christine Knoll
admin@hpcpublishing.com
Joint Managing Directors: David Brown David Holden Published by
Robert Denholm House, Bletchingley Road Nutfield, Surrey RH1 4HW Tel: 01737 824010 Fax: 01737 824011 e-mail: davidbrown@brodenmedia.com www: brodenmedia.com Distribution: EMERGENCY SERVICES TIMES is free of charge to officers and managers who are buyers or specifiers actively involved in the procurement of equipment or services within the emergency response industry and based in the UK and Irish Republic. All other categories of reader are invited to subscribe at £130.00 to UK addresses and £165.00 overseas. Single copy price £25.00 including post and packing. The articles within Emergency Services Times are copyright and are the property of the publisher Broden Media Limited and cannot be reproduced in any media form without permission of the publisher. Application should be made in writing. Reprints of articles and advertisements are available, allow 28 days for delivery. PDF pages are available by email at £20.00 (+VAT) per page (€32.50, $33). Prices on application to the publisher.
Breathing new life into The Fire Service College Words: Jez Smith, Director, Capita The Fire Service College at Moretonin-Marsh is well established as the largest single provider of specialist operational fire and rescue training in the UK. Capita’s recent acquisition of the College is set to transform it into a world class facility – and Capita has got a lot of experience and capability that it intends to draw upon to get it to that status. Capita is no newcomer when it comes to the emergency services market. It currently supplies services and products to around 67 percent of fire and rescue services and 100 percent of UK police forces. In addition, every ambulance in England, Scotland and Wales is connected using Capita’s technology. It also supplies advanced control room solutions to 139 public safety facilities across the UK and Ireland. Indeed Capita isn’t a newcomer in the learning environment either. It is well versed in delivering staff engagement, personal, professional and curriculum development, and accreditation to both the public and private sector in 25 countries. Pooling this experience means that not only does Capita ‘get’ the needs of emergency services responders, but it also ‘gets’ training too – and the importance of delivering value for money.
“The College already provides a joined up approach to training and Capita is committed to continuing and growing this significantly in the months and years ahead.” The College is set for significant investment to modernise the existing facilities and enhance and increase the scope of practical training that existing and future customers will be able to receive. For many people working in the fire and rescue service today, the College is viewed with respect and a sense of nostalgia. It’s the place they come to early on in their careers
Printed by Manor Creative Tel: 01323 514400 Studio work by Keystrokes, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex Tel: 01273 453300 keystrokes@btconnect.com
NOT YOUR COPY? Register online today at
www.emergencyservicestimes.com
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
and revisit as they continue to develop and are promoted. But the pressures on this sector have changed dramatically in the last 10 years, with emergency responders often facing unique challenges. This means that the way in which we help them prepare to face these challenges must change radically too. Seldom do emergency responders work in isolation. We only need to look back a few years to find examples of major incidents. The Buncefield disaster, the Summer riots of 2011, acts of terrorism or wide scale flooding have all demanded more effective ways of emergency responders working together. Not just in terms of physical ‘interoperability’, but also in the way they share information about events unfolding and using new technology to get the right skills to the right location at the right time. Capita’s vision for the College is to build a resilience training organisation that delivers common and consistent standards of leadership, command and technical training across the range of emergency services sectors and also into related areas, which routinely deal with emergency situations including highways, rail and utilities. The College already provides this joined up approach to training and Capita is committed to continuing and growing this significantly in the months and years ahead. A new type of College It’s also important to create a new type of College, which isn’t simply bound by its physical location and instead is accessible to emergency responders, regardless of their location. It will also make the most of e-learning, ‘off-peak’ courses, regional centres and bespoke training on location in the UK and internationally. This will support the development of operational capability across fire and rescue services. The College has a variety of vital capital assets, such as specialised urban search and rescue rigs, train derailments and motorway pile-ups, which means that the facility at Moreton-in-Marsh will continue to draw clients from both the UK and internationally. Transforming the College into a world-class training and development facility won’t be done in isolation. Capita will work with CFOA National Resilience, and be guided by the LGA and leaders from the wider response community. This will ensure that the training reflects and supports current operational guidance across all emergency sectors. We know that the pressures emergency responders face every day are mounting – and as budgets are further scrutinised, the emergency services sector is being asked to deliver much more for less. We need to equip emergency responders with the knowledge, skills and experience so they can do their jobs in a way that protects the public without risking their own safety. By developing capability both individually and in groups, delivering high quality training against common standards and focusing on flexibility and value for money, we hope that the College will deliver learning tools that help overcome these challenges. www.capita.co.uk www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk
Emergency Services Times April 2013
4 | ESTNEWS Draeger Safety UK Ltd has been awarded the contract to supply breathing apparatus (BA) and associated equipment to both Northamptonshire (NFRS) and Buckinghamshire (BFRS) fire and rescue services. Fully covered by Dräger’s Total Care servicing package, the contract includes: BA sets (telemetry enabled for NFRS), cylinders (nine litre, 300 bar) enhanced BA communications, telemetry entry control boards (NFRS) and a range of ancillary equipment, including retractable personal lines. www.draeger.com
W L Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd, which employs approximately 500 people at its UK plants in Livingston and Dundee, has been named the best company to work for in Scotland for the 10th year in a row! Achieving overall 10th position on the UK Top 100 list published in The Sunday Times on 3 March, and on www.bestcompanies.co.uk, Gore topped the lists for Scotland and Manufacturing, and featured in four of the overall Top Ten lists. Gore’s continued success is attributed to its associates and its unique company culture. www.gore.com
The States of Jersey Police has been given an environmental pat on the back by becoming accredited as an Eco-Active Department as part of the state’s island-wide scheme. The commitment is part of the state’s over-arching plan to reduce the environmental impact caused by its day-to-day operations and activities. Work has already begun on making the force more environmentally friendly, including putting together an action plan of how to make the force greener – mainly through behaviour change and education. www.jersey.police.uk
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR) has provided specialist safety training to incident response staff from Eggborough Power Station. Eight employees of the North Yorkshirebased plant attended SYFR’s Training and Development Centre (TDC) in Handsworth, Sheffield, for training on breathing apparatus (BA). SYFR has, in the last few years, developed safety-related training courses for external companies and organisations, as part of a wider strategy to raise extra revenue in the face of Government budget reductions. Due to the success of the Eggborough course, further training is planned with the power station later this year. www.syfire.gov.uk
Advanced lifeboat set for five more RNLI stations
Police Scotland now fully operational A new chapter in the history of policing in Scotland has opened with the advent of the single service on 1 April 2013.
Prototype Shannon class lifeboat during launch and recovery trials.
The RNLI has announced five more RNLI lifeboat stations earmarked to receive the charity’s latest and most advanced class of lifeboat – the Shannon class. RNLI Lifeboat Stations Amble in Northumberland, Douglas on the Isle of Man, Workington in West Cumbria, Fleetwood in Lancashire and Wells in Norfolk have been earmarked to receive the Shannon, as their current all-weather lifeboats are reaching the end of their planned 25-year life span. Fleetwood will be in receipt of the Shannon in 2015, Douglas, Wells and Workington in 2016 and Amble in 2017. Each new Shannon class lifeboat costs £2m and the RNLI is currently working to identify whether the funding for the new lifeboats, their launch and recovery vehicles and associated shoreworks (if needed) can be raised from legacy gifts or whether fundraising activity is needed. The RNLI will make a local announce-
Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams
ment once the funding strategy has been identified. The Shannon is the first modern RNLI all-weather lifeboat to operate with water jets, not propellers. Capable of 25 knots, the Shannon is 50 percent faster than the classes it has been designed to replace, which have a lower maximum speed of 17 knots. The Shannon class will also improve safety for the charity’s volunteer crews, thanks to its shock absorbing seats and on-board computer system, which allows the crews to operate and monitor the lifeboat from the safety of their seats. The majority of the 50+ Shannon class lifeboats to be stationed throughout the UK and Ireland will be built at the RNLI’s new All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, which is currently under construction. Bringing all-weather lifeboat production inhouse, will save the charity £3.7m annually.
CRUK, said, “We are delighted with the quality of our four winners’ proposals, and I am particularly pleased that we could find the extra funds to support Staffordshire. “Our team of dedicated regional advisors will work with these local resilience forums to ensure that the voluntary sector gets the most from this opportunity. We intend to spread the learning as widely as possible. We are very keen for the lessons learned to be shared with all partners nationally in the spirit of continuous cooperation and improvement. “Our support to our partners and beneficiaries goes from strength to strength, particularly the unlocking of business support and property assets for use in an emergency. We invite all those involved in civil protection to engage with us in supporting our work, and to take advantage of our unique service offering.”
Chief Constable Steve House said, “Police Scotland is up-and-running and is now wholly responsible for the delivery of policing to our communities, from local response to tackling the highest tiers of criminality. We will do this in a way which is very visible, accessible and which truly connects with public priorities, demand and tackles threat, risk and harm where it arises. “Scotland has a proud history of policing. Police Scotland will take that record into a new era.” The budget for policing has been set by the Scottish Police Authority, with 90 percent of the near £1.1bn being allocated to Police Scotland and the Chief Constable. Mr House said, “The budget for policing allows us to focus on how we best deliver against our priorities for keeping people safe. We will work to improve on our performance, maintaining record low crime levels whilst driving change in the new service. Our priorities will be addressing the very local concerns at the same time as national priorities. “This is an exciting time for policing in Scotland. As the second biggest policing organisation in the United Kingdom, the service has a unique opportunity to become truly worldclass.”
www.communityresilience.cc
www.scotland.police.uk
www.rnli.org.uk
Five areas win grants to boost disaster volunteers Five Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) have won grants from Community Resilience UK cic (CRUK) to help test and demonstrate the vital role, which local voluntary agencies can play in responding to major emergencies. CRUK is a not-for-profit community interest company, which helps communities; their public agencies and individuals prepare for and handle major emergencies. Last December, it announced a competition to find four areas that would share £20,000 to support exercises showing local voluntary organisations fully integrated into a major emergency response. However, after extensive assessments CRUK has awarded £5000 each to County Durham & Darlington, North Wales, Norfolk, and South Yorkshire, and a further £1770 to Staffordshire. David Cloake, Head of Emergency Management & Advisory Services at
Emergency Services Times April 2013
Chief Constable Steve House.
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
ESTNEWS | 5
Charities team up Vimpex support for expanded to provide out of Southend Airport Fire Service hours emergency blood service
The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has teamed up with Whiteknights of Huddersfield, a voluntary scheme that provides emergency out of hours blood transportation, free of charge. Whiteknights, a Yorkshire-based Blood Bike charity, has generously offered its services to the local children’s hospice, and will provide an out of hours service to help deliver emergency blood, medicine and equipment supplies for the hospice 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Vicki Finlay, Director of Care at the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, says, “I am really pleased that White Knights have agreed to support us with their emergency out of hours service. The bikes will be able to quickly transport vital equipment and medicines to our nurses caring for families across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.”
Founder of Whiteknights, Vic Siswick, says, “We are delighted to be able to offer our support to Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. Our service will be able to offer this charity our help whenever it is needed, and it is great for two Yorkshire based charities to be able to work together.” The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice provides care and support to children with life limiting conditions, and their families, across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk http://whiteknights.org.uk
Vimpex Limited, a specialist supplier of rescue tools and equipment to fire and rescue services worldwide, has been chosen as a supplier to the newly developed London Southend Airport. Following purchase by the Stobart Group, Southend Airport is going through a period of major expansion. The renewed Airport Fire Service has taken delivery of two batterypowered Ogura BC-300 CombiTools, which were identified as being ideal for airport fire ground use. Ogura tools, supplied throughout Europe by Vimpex, combine light-
weight portability and amazing power to allow the deployment of hydraulic tools in enclosed and confined spaces. Vimpex not only supplies the tools but also provides service, repair and maintenance of Ogura products as well as safe use training for users. Ogura hydraulic tools are used extensively by fire and rescue, police and the military for a variety of extrication, USAR, forced entry and public order operations. The range is one part of Vimpex’s PPE, technical rescue and masts, lighting and power product range. www.rescuetools.co.uk
NIFRS launches enhanced flood response capability Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) is providing an enhanced emergency flooding response capability based in the north west of the country to rescue people trapped or likely to become trapped by flood water and to protect them from serious harm. Fifty-two firefighters from Crescent Link Fire Station in Londonderry, have received extensive training in enhanced flood rescue techniques, and additional equipment, to provide a 24/7 emergency response to serious flooding incidents across Western Area Command and beyond. The resource became operational on 1 April 2013 and is based from Crescent Link Fire Station. Chris Kerr, Chief Fire Officer, NIFRS, said, “The Western Area Command Enhanced Flood Response capability will be used not only for incidents in the north west region but can be deployed elsewhere in Northern Ireland supported by and in support of our Specialist Rescue Team who are
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
based from Central Fire Station in Belfast and who also have an enhanced flood rescue capability. “This resource will not only ensure that we meet our new statutory duty during serious flooding incidents, it can also be utilised during rescues from inland waters in conjunction with our own Specialist Rescue Team and other partner agencies, including the PSNI, Foyle Search & Rescue and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. NIFRS looks forward to extending partnership working arrangements with voluntary agencies involved in search and rescue going forward.” All NIFRS Firefighters have already received Level 1 water rescue training and fire appliances have been provided with the necessary equipment – throw lines, inflation kits, life jackets – to allow firefighters to conduct water rescues from the land. This has been enhanced by the introduction of the emergency flooding response capability.
www.nifrs.org
Partnership work between Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) and Cambridge Airport Fire Service is stronger than ever following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the two services. The MoU confirms in writing the established partnership, which is centred on an understanding of operational requirements of how the two organisations work together in emergency situations. CFRS has benefitted from a long-standing verbal agreement, which reflects Marshalls’ commitment to work with the community, as well as providing the CFRS with valuable training facilities. This is also reciprocated where firefighters at the airport utilise CFRS facilities. www.cambsfire.gov.uk
CEGA Air Ambulance has become one of the first international fixed wing providers to be fully accredited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England. CEGA, which operates a fleet of air ambulances from Bournemouth International Airport, underwent a rigorous inspection of all aspects of its service to gain the accreditation. www.cega-air-ambulance.com
Entrepreneur David Ross has bought Cosalt Workwear from the administrators of Cosalt plc. Under Mr Ross’s ownership Cosalt Workwear, which is registered as Ballyclare Limited, will be able to focus on offering better service levels, improving its lead times and delivery turnaround, while bringing new products to market. The sale means Mr Ross now owns 100 percent of the shares in Cosalt Workwear and the company will no longer be part of the Cosalt Group. Cosalt Workwear employs 58 people and has operations in Stockport and Barnsley and two distribution centres in the south east. www.ballyclare.biz
Argon Electronics has been commissioned to supply a whole range of CBRN training simulators for the Police National CBRN Centre in Warwickshire. The equipment order comprises a variety of CBRN training simulators, including Argon’s PlumeSIM system, EPD-Mk2-SIM dosimeter simulators, and a number of Argon’s LCD3.2e-SIM simulators. www.argonelectronics.com
Emergency Services Times April 2013
ESTESS2013 | 13
Educational and interactive experience in store for visitors to The Emergency Services Show 2013 Plans for this year’s Emergency Services Show, which takes place from 25-26 September 2013 at the NEC, are well under way and exhibitors are pulling out all the stops to give visitors an educational and interactive experience of the very latest equipment, vehicles and technology. With workshops, and live rescue demonstrations, The Emergency Services Show 2013 provides visitors with valuable opportunities to learn and progress their career development. Add the dates to your diary and register now for free entry at www.emergencyuk.com/est Building on the success of its continuing professional development (CPD) demonstration area at last year’s Emergency Services Show, the College of Paramedics is planning a series of new workshops, which will be running in the morning and afternoon on both days of the show. The CPD sessions will be a mixture of lectures and hands-on workshops and will last about 30 minutes each. More details of the full range of topics covered will be publicised in advance of the show.
The College of Paramedics is planning a series of new workshops, which will be running in the morning and afternoon on both days of the show.
College of Paramedics CPD sessions All the College of Paramedics CPD sessions at The Emergency Services Show 2013 will be free of charge and attendees will receive CPD certificates for inclusion in their portfolios. Although designed to help paramedics keep abreast of the latest developments affecting professional practice, other emergency, health and care professions will also find the sessions beneficial and will also receive CPD certificates. The College of Paramedics is the professional body for paramedics registered with the Health and Care Professions Council in the UK. It supports paramedic practice by providing access to CPD opportunities that aim to update skills and knowledge within a modern and changing health care service.
Tactical Ventilation Solutions is the sole UK distributor for the Univent specialist ventilation range of chainsaws and circular saws.
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
internal pressure system protects the electrics and power supply when working in deep water. New exhibitors New names on the exhibitor list this year include Blizzard Protection Systems. The company will be showcasing its new Blizzard Baby Wrap. Developed in conjunction with London Ambulance Service, the Blizzard Baby Wrap is designed for maternity packs and is ideal for keeping new born babies warm. Made from Reflexcell™, the Baby Wrap provides unrivalled thermal qualities (equivalent to an 8 tog duvet). It is light weight, just 55g, small and compact, being no larger than a mobile phone when packed.
“The Emergency Services Show 2013 provides visitors with valuable opportunities to learn and progress their career development.” Visitors to the Tactical Ventilation Solutions stand can find out more about the development of a new range of remotely controlled machines (patent pending GB 1304483.9) for cutting tactical ventilation exhaust/outlet vents in steel composite, sandwich panel and other roofing materials. Another newcomer to the show, the company is also the sole UK distributor for the Univent specialist ventilation range of chainsaws and circular saws. Mercedes Benz makes a welcome return to the show this year and will be exhibiting the Unimog vehicle. The Unimog has the ability to carry firefighters and rescue workers, plus their equipment and machines, closer to the heart of the fire or disaster than any other vehicle. It can Blizzard Protection carry cranes and tow trailers Systems will be for safe and stress-free animal showcasing its new Blizzard Baby Wrap. and vehicle rescue, and its
Register for free entry now The Emergency Services Show 2013 provides a unique opportunity to see, touch and discuss the latest technology, ideas and initiatives focused on improving public safety and assisting all of the emergency services. All emergency and blue light workers are invited to visit. Entry for either or both show days is free of charge for all visitors, as is parking. Register now at www.emergencyuk.com/est
Mercedes Benz makes a welcome return to the show this year and will be exhibiting the Unimog vehicle.
Book a stand For suppliers to the industry the show offers access to 5200 buyers from a wide range of sectors including police, fire and rescue, public and private ambulances, emergency planning, maritime and coastguard agencies, search and rescue teams, government agencies, health authorities and many others. There are also opportunities for emergency response organisations to showcase their initiatives to peers and colleagues in the show’s free-to-exhibit Emergency Response Zone. If you would like to book a stand or profile your organisation in the Emergency Response Zone please contact David Brown Tel: 01737 824010 davidbrown@brodenmedia.com. Getting there The NEC is physically linked to Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport. Visitors arriving by car find the venue directly accessible from the UK motorway network and can enjoy free parking thanks to dedicated parking sponsored by Emergency Services Times. Further information on The Emergency Services Show 2013 (#ESS2013) will be published on the show’s dedicated website or follow @emergencyukshow on Twitter. www.emergencyuk.com/est
Emergency Services Times April 2013
ESTCOMMS & IT | 23
Working collaboratively towards improved efficiency for all Effective communications has never been more vital to the emergency services. With huge pressures on budgets and human resources it may be the single, biggest tool at your disposal. But what do I mean by that? Words: Matthew Palmer, Product Manager, Control Room Solutions, Capita Secure Information Solutions. When I have this conversation with police forces and fire brigades across the UK I often start by confronting what effective communications is not about. Because it’s not about new technology but about using it to genuinely transform the way individual forces and services deploy their resources, focusing on change and outcomes. A consolidated view Focusing on outcomes, for example, can mean that operators no longer have to perform different functions on different systems. Instead, when a call is received from the public, this equates directly to a contact record, the details of which are then available for subsequent action: the boundary between communications and data is removed where possible. Similarly, a resource assigned to an incident can be contacted directly from the incident or resource record without having to initiate communications separately. This approach enables a consolidated view of data and actions where everything that the operator needs in a given situation is immediately available and in context. It can mean bringing together not only core control room functions but also automated actions on other systems. For example, when a contact is recorded, the system automatically searches other systems to identify, prioritise and highlight relevant information, which eliminates the need for operators to perform time-consuming searches manually. The aim is to allow operators to focus on the caller and the actions to be taken by letting the system perform the laborious, repetitive part; information is presented to operators rather than them having to look for it. Improved operational capabilities Capita has been involved in a number of projects with police forces and fire and rescue services that have used more effective communications to improve on areas of the operation for resilience, contingency and interoperability. In 2011, for example, Capita worked with Norfolk Constabulary to provide a replacement control room system to manage the dispatch of resources to incidents. Norfolk’s existing system was no longer
supportable due to its age and a tendering process for a replacement was initiated against the backdrop of budget cutbacks and in-depth discussions with neighbouring forces about ways of working more effectively together. It became apparent that Norfolk and Suffolk were collaborating on an increasing number of work streams, including ICT. Norfolk therefore took the decision to implement the same Integrated Communications Control System (ICCS), allowing it to benefit from similar technology, but also providing significant collaborative benefits downstream. Norfolk’s new system is based at force headquarters in Wymondham, with a fall back site in Dereham. Standby control rooms across the force have been closed as they are surplus to requirements enabling significant savings should the force wish to re-use or dispose of the property.
“Capita has been involved in a number of projects with police forces and fire and rescue services that have used more effective communications to improve on areas of the operation for resilience, contingency and interoperability.” The Chief Constables of both Norfolk and Suffolk are driving further collaboration. They want both forces to have the ability to communicate and utilise joint systems. Force staff must be able to communicate across all platforms. They are working together on other joint systems so they need to be able to do the same with ICCS.
Reciprocal support Also in Norfolk, but this time working with Hertfordshire, the two fire and rescue services now have the ability to provide reciprocal support for taking calls and mobilising. This arrangement enables the services not only to provide assistance for each other’s overflow calls but, should there be a major problem and one of the ‘buddies’ need to evacuate, each can take over the running of the partnered service’s control operation. This allows both the fire and rescue services to save money by removing the need to keep a costly standby control room and associated equipment, as well as reducing staffing since the buddy can provide support during times of exceptional load. Now we are working with the East Coast and Hertfordshire Consortium, bringing together Hertfordshire, Humberside, Lincolnshire and Norfolk fire and rescue services on a single system distributed across the four control rooms. This will build upon the work done between Hertfordshire and Norfolk to enable full collaborative working between the four fire and rescue services, giving greater flexibility in answering calls during peaks and providing mutual assistance for their partners. The system will enable additional resourcing to be available seamlessly during busy periods. Through shared infrastructure and expertise, not only will collaboration and improved efficiency be achieved, but also each service will benefit from a new system for less than would otherwise be the case, reducing ongoing support costs. In conclusion, it’s not about technology – any technology – but working to specific outcomes, working collaboratively, working to transform; and improving results for police forces, fire and rescue services and the wider community. www.capita.co.uk
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
Emergency Services Times April 2013
36 | ESTKIT EVOLUTION
Upper: The 1460 carries all the key brand trademarks – yellow welt stitch, gooved sidewall, DMS tread pattern, heel loop and the boots silhouette.
Outsole: The original Dr. Martens aircushioned sole, is oil- and fat-resistant, tough and offers good abrasion and slip resistance. Construction: This is a Goodyearwelted product. The upper and sole are sewn together and the Z weltstitch and heat-sealing process make it unique to Dr Martens.
The 1460 boot – Dr. Martens The first Dr. Martens boots in the UK came out on 1 April 1960, the 1460 (so named for the date of its introduction, using the convention of day/month/year) is still in production today. By the late 1970s, Dr. Martens boots were cited as standard uniform for the police – although some forces specified that the trademark yellow stitching had to be penned in black to meet colour regulations. The soles, which were resistant to oil, petrol and acid, proved particularly useful for dealing with leaking car fuel at the scene of traffic accidents. Some officers reported that the soft soles proved invaluable for sneaking up on criminals, while the high-legged quarters offered protection against physical attack. www.drmartens.com
Emergency Services Times April 2013
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
ESTKIT EVOLUTION | 37
Safety features: The boots contain a curved D30® ankle guard, which disperses and absorbs impact, reducing force transmitted to the area, and ensures increased comfort for the wearer.
Insole: Removable Smartmask® insole provides extra cushioning and superior shock absorption properties. It is designed to be breathable, avoiding foot perspiration. The insole has an Agion® treatment, which utilises silver ions to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould and fungus.
Upper: Waterproof industrial leather and water resistant mesh with padded collar and padded tongue for comfort.
Insole: The mould arch support provides the heel stability, which reduces foot and lower body discomfort for the wearer.
Outsole: The outsole is heatresistant to 300°C and slipresistant, while its cleated tread pattern offers a high degree of oil and abrasion resistance. A Nitrile rubber outsole combined with an energy absorbing, compression moulded EVA midsole ensures a lightweight, comfortable fit.
The Mustang boot – Dr. Martens The Mustang boot is part of a new Service Collection of boots launched by Dr. Martens to meet the demands of today’s police service. Ensuring that this new product offering meets modern-day requirements of the police service, the team at Dr. Martens has collaborated extensively with police and security officers to fully understand their needs. The Mustang features a cemented construction, which offers a high level of water resistance and features cutting edge technology, including a treated insole to combat bacteria growth and D30™ impact protection inserts positioned over the anklebone. www.drmartens.com/servicerange
Emergency Services Times April 2013
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
56 | ESTCOMPANY PROFILE
Premier Hazard: for a complete vehicle conversion service As a leading provider of vehicle hazard warning and camera equipment for emergency service, commercial and industrial use in the UK, Premier Hazard has been serving customers worldwide for over 30 years. In addition to the manufacture and supply of high-quality components, the company also offers a complete vehicle conversion service for a full range of both blue and amber light vehicles. Working with a nationwide network of trusted installation partners, the comprehensive, competitively priced service is designed to offer an attractive alternative to customers who currently purchase specialty vehicles directly from major vehicle manufacturers. Built to your specifications With the full conversion service from Premier Hazard, customers aren’t limited to the small selection of prescribed vehicle packages offered by the big manufacturers. The company provides a completely bespoke service, and customers can choose from a full range of vehicle hazard warning solutions, picking the right combination of light bars, directional lamps, sirens, speakers and cameras for their individual needs.
“Premier Hazard customers benefit from personalised, reliable, dependable vehicles that are exactly suited for their purpose.” Barrie Driscoll, General Manager of Premier Hazard, said, “Fleet Managers and specialist ‘end users’ come to us because they cannot compromise on essential quality standards, certification or ‘value for money’ constraints. Performance considerations
Defender LED Lightbar.
and consistency of quality expectations by serving officers are critical. Taking an ‘off the shelf’ one size fits all option is rarely the solution. “We recognise that organisations all have different needs – even when they work in the same industry, which is why our customers can create vehicles that are completely tailored to their individual needs, budgets and requirements.” If required, Premier Hazard’s team of experienced advisors can also offer expert advice on the right equipment for individual requirements. The results are vehicles that are tailor-made for their purpose, with no unnecessary features or wasted options.
Flush Mount STC controller
Flush Mount XT3 Blue LED
Emergency Services Times April 2013
Cost benefits One of the biggest misconceptions among customers is that choosing to buy a package from one of the major vehicle manufacturers will work out cheaper, says Premier. In reality, the company says, even when customers can find such a ‘cheaper package’ that seems to suit their requirements, it can prove more expensive in the long run. Barrie Driscoll explains, “Often, buying a stock vehicle and then using our cost-effective full customisation service can be cheaper than packages offered by the main vehicle manufacturers. Using only high quality components, Premier Hazard customers benefit from personalised, reliable, dependable vehicles that are exactly suited for their purpose.
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
ESTCOMPANY PROFILE | 57
“Customers benefit from over 30 years’ experience and for added peace of mind, a comprehensive five-year guarantee is also available on all workmanship and equipment.” “Where the major manufacturers do offer a cheaper option, this can still be ‘mistaken’ economy, when lifetime costs like servicing, maintenance and repairs are taken into account.”
Midimax LED Lightbar.
A versatile responsive, service With an unrivalled range of vehicle hazard warning components available and in stock at any time, Premier Hazard can convert vehicles for any purpose, from emergency service and law enforcement, to a full range of commercial applications. The conversion service is designed to be efficient, as Jason Wingfield, of Manchester-based conversion partner AJ Electric Services, said, “Because Premier Hazard products are manufactured in the UK, all the parts are available on short notice, which means that we can turn around conversion projects really
Midimax LED Lightbar.
quickly. Our customers benefit from a responsive service, quality components and great support, as well as a five-year warranty.” High quality work, guaranteed Hand-crafted to the highest standards, Premier Hazard products are trusted by a huge number of emergency service, law enforcement and
commercial customers worldwide. Customers benefit from over 30 years’ experience and for added peace of mind, a comprehensive five-year guarantee is also available on all workmanship and equipment. Supporting UK business By choosing the Premier Hazard conversion service, customers are choosing to support a range of independent, local businesses across the UK. Working in partnership with a highly skilled nationwide network of installers, all conversion work is carried out by experienced, highly trained body workers. Martin Clohisey, of Bedfordshirebased EVO Ltd, explains, “We’ve been converting blue and amber vehicles alongside Premier Hazard for over 12 years now. Customers can benefit from our years of experience, and can expect first-class workmanship, excellent aftersales support, and reliable, industry-leading products.” Premier Hazard manufactures the majority of its expansive range in the UK and, wherever possible, sources the materials used in the construction of its products from UK companies. The next steps For further information on Premier Hazard’s full vehicle conversion service, or any of its vehicle hazard warning solutions, get in touch on +44(0)113 2391111.
Flush Mount XT3 Blue LED.
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
http://premierhazard.co.uk
Emergency Services Times April 2013
68 | ESTPRODUCTS
The latest must-have kit 1
TRELLCHEM® Super Gastight Chemical Protective Suit – Ansell www.ansell.com
The TRELLCHEM® Super Gastight Chemical Protective Suit from Ansell has been tested to and fulfils the requirements of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC for equipment to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres. The garment’s material has been upgraded by adding conductive carbon black in one of the rubber layers, thereby achieving new antistatic properties. Trellchem Super is approved for use in Zone 0, 1, 2 (gas)/20, 21, 22 (dust) and Group IIA, IIB, IIC, ie within environments with the highest explosive risk. It is available in both fully encapsulating and non-encapsulating design and can be fitted with boots or socks, a variety of gloves, airline pass-through, pockets, loops etc to fit each customer’s specific needs.
2
1
ARS Super Turbocut UV-32E saw – Sorbus International www.sorbus-intl.co.uk
The latest saw in the ARS range is the Super Turbocut UV-32E from Sorbus International. It is so called because the cutting edge has a special tooth shape (UV) that helps increase cutting speed, making it even faster to work with than its popular cousin the Turbocut. ARS pruning saws feature Impulse Hardened blades, which have a blade life up to three times longer than ordinary blades. Hard chrome plating provides rustproofing, adding to the superior durability and the smooth surface is designed to prevent resin from sticking and accumulating on the blades. Each saw comes with its own safety sheath with belt clip and the PRO versions offer a leg strap option.
3
Gas-Pro multi-gas detector – Crowcon www.crowcon.com
Crowcon’s Gas-Pro multi-gas detector is ideal for use in confined spaces. Robust, reliable and simple to use with a bright, easy to read display and long battery life, it means personnel entering confined spaces can focus on the task in hand, safe in the knowledge that their gas detector is watching their back. Combining one or more sensors with powerful audible and visual signals to warn when pre-set gas levels are reached, portable detectors can be carried or worn wherever they are needed. In addition, a compact instrument is easily carried in a confined space, ensuring that pockets of high gas concentration are not missed.
4
3
HD Dome camera – Dallmeier www.dallmeier.com
The DDF4820HDV-DN is a high definition (HD) network camera built into a vandal-resistant (IK10) dome enclosure. It provides real-time full HD video (1080p/30) using the H.264 codec, currently, the most advanced standard for high-efficiency video compression, and supports resolutions up to 3-megapixels. The camera is equipped with a fast (large maximum aperture) and motor-driven P-Iris megapixel varifocal lens, which allows for the convenient adjustment/configuration of the zoom, focus and iris via the web browser. It can be conventionally supplied with 12V DC or conveniently operated via power over ethernet, which allows for an easy, quick and cost-effective cabling and commissioning.
5
2
Harrier LT LBS Bariatric Trolley – Ferno
4
5
www.ferno.co.uk
Ferno has been named a key supplier of Pegasus Stretcher Trolleys and the new Harrier LT LBS Bariatric Trolley (pictured) to the Scottish Ambulance Service. The Harrier LT LBS Bariatric Trolley is the only electro-hydraulic trolley in the UK pre-hospital market that will lift a patient of 350kg. This minimises the effort needed for patient transport while protecting medical staff from any potential ergonomic problems. The Pegasus Stretcher Trolley is suitable for use on ramped or tail-lift vehicles, fully compliant with the ‘lock and load’ two-part vehicle locking system, and has standard drop down foot end for use with PTS vehicles, making it one of the most versatile patient transfer trolleys on the market. Emergency Services Times April 2013
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
ESTPRODUCTS | 69
The latest must-have kit 6
Invisible cycle helmet – Hövding www.hovding.com
Hövding, a Swedish invention, is a collar for cyclists, worn around the neck, which contains a folded up airbag that you’ll only see if you happen to have an accident. The airbag is shaped like a hood, which once deployed surrounds and protects the bicyclist’s head. The trigger mechanism is controlled by sensors, which pick up the abnormal movements of a cyclist in an accident. Hövding, which is covered by a removable shell that you can change to match your outfit, is a practical accessory with a great looking yet subtle design, and could even save your life.
6
7 7
www.magnumboots.com
The Magnum UST (pictured), together with the Hi-Tec Viper, pushes the extremes of technological advancement. The footwear is designed to be solid and robust, while remaining lightweight, comfortable and functional. Global footwear manufacturer Hi-Tec Sports UK Ltd, and its uniform footwear brand Magnum, have recently announced their biggest ever tender win in – over the next four years, both brands will be the official suppliers of training footwear to the British MoD. This is the company’s first contract direct with the MoD and has resulted in both products gaining a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) stock number. This will allow the company to sell the products to any of the other 28 independent countries that are members of the NATO Alliance.
8
8
Magnum UST – Hi-Tec Sports UK Ltd
R1600 power generator – SDMO Energy Limited www.sdmo.co.uk
The R1600 is a 1450kVA, prime power (1200kW COP) portable generating plant fitted into a 20ft (6m) ISO sized container. The set is designed to provide major back-up power for factories, hospitals and similar establishments that require continuous electricity. Fitted with wide access doors and a filtration system accessible from the outside, this mini-power station combines performance with ease of use and maintenance. SDMO believes that the R1600 offers the best ratio of compactness to power, available in the current market.
9
CTF10M mobile lighting tower – Tower Light (UK) Limited www.towerlight.it
9
The Tower Light CTF10M mobile lighting tower combines energy saving LED, bright metal halide or traditional halogen lamps in a compact frame that enables an operator to safely illuminate an area at an economical cost. The tower features a 10m manually operated, galvanised mast, which can be rotated through 360° and offers a high wind resistance. The unit is firmly stabilised via its four, height adjustable, outriggers; with loading/unloading lifting points for both forklifts and cranes. It weighs only 450kg with closed dimensions of 1100 x 1100 x 2500mm – making it simple and easy to set-up and transport. In the UK and Ireland the CTF10M can be purchased from Tower Light’s subsidiary company, Tower Light (UK) Limited, based in Milton Keynes.
10
10
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m
Identicom 8 Series – Connexion2 www.connexion2.com
Like the original 7 Series Identicom range, the new 8 Series from Connexion2 is styled as an identity badge for discreet wear and use, and has been designed and manufactured entirely in the UK. The range’s twoway communication capability will provide the user with the added benefits of being able to use the device as a mobile phone – potentially a way for employers to reduce costs through being able to dispense with company phones for some sections of workers. A user can call a specified number, trigger a text message (SMS) to a specified contact or activate a GPRS location upload to Mobile Workforce Management Platform (MWMP). The ability to discreetly and safely raise Red Alerts is still via a large, easily located button on the rear of the device. Emergency Services Times April 2013