February 2013
www.emergencyservicestimes.com
Volume 14 | 1
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IN EVERY ISSUE Comment 5 News 6 Events 18 People 40 Profile 42 Company 22, 24, 71, 72 Profiles 74 Products Efficiency Savings 84
IN THIS ISSUE ESS2013
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Thermal Imaging
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Interoperability
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Severe Weather
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Information regarding The Emergency Services Show 2013, which has moved to the NEC and takes place from 25-26 September. The show welcomed over 5200 visitors in 2012, an increase in attendance of 18 percent year on year. Currently shortlisted for Best Trade Show at this year’s Exhibition News Awards, organisers believe visitors to this year’s show will be delighted with the content and calibre of exhibitors, demonstrations and additional show features.
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Used predominantly by the fire and rescue service, thermal imaging cameras (TICs) look set to play a major role in the future of policing. This feature takes a look at the current trend for supply partnerships, the highly sophisticated kit that is currently in the marketplace, plus an article from Mike O’Mahoney and Mick Cotgrave from Merseyside FRS and James Morton from Hampshire FRS discuss why TICs have become ‘a key element of a safe system of work’.
Following the launch of JESIP (the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme) at the National Interoperability Summit in November, JESIP Engagement Manager Joy Flanagan provides an update on the programme, while Fiona Barton QC believes JESIP provides the perfect platform for emergency services to adopt national frameworks.
CFOA National Resilience lead Jon Hall provides answers as to how the UK would deal with a disaster on the scale of Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the east coast of the US last October. The Environment Agency looks at how flood risk management has progressed since the 1953 East Coast floods and the RNLI reflects on its busiest ever year.
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ESTCOMMENT | 5
ISSN 1472-1090 Date: February 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
Working together, saving lives Words: DCC Craig Denholm, Senior Responsible Officer for JESIP Thankfully, major and complex incidents do not happen very often. But when they do we need to ensure that we have the most efficient, effective and, most importantly, a joined-up response that is possible. How the emergency services operate together has come under some intense public scrutiny following the findings from a number of recent major incident reviews. The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games brought about a very high profile opportunity to test how they could better work together. All of the training, preparation and hard work paid off as the country staged an event, which provided one of the largest national security challenges the UK has seen for many years. The emergency services and other multi-agency partners put in a huge amount of hard work, dedication, time and attention, working in collaboration with resounding success.
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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. Printed by Manor Creative Tel: 01323 514400 Studio work by Keystrokes, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex Tel: 01273 453300 keystrokes@btconnect.com
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“The most important task will, of course, be the delivery and implementation of guidance, training and exercising to ensure that interoperability is embedded within the Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance 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 Services Interoperability Programme (JESIP) was initiated. It is a programme that aims to collate best practice from current interoperability projects and collaborations taking place across the UK right now. It looks to ensure we can reflect and learn lessons from past incidents while finding ways to ensure our emergency services can operate better together when dealing with major or complex incidents. Sponsorship of the programme has come directly from the Home Office. It also has wider ministerial support and has full sign-up from the three professional associations. Ambitious programme With 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 least because of the different cultures that exist between and within the emergency services. Disparate governance models for each emergency service still exist and all this amidst some of the
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deepest public sector cuts the UK has ever seen. However, as the core values for all emergency services are to save lives and reduce injuries, it is widely accepted that it is imperative lessons must be learnt from past incidents and, where improvements are needed, we must act. JESIP is not about the merging or blending of emergency services. It will recognise and respect the differences of each emergency service and it will look to ensure that we do all we can to address the challenges that have been laid at our door. Some may have concerns about what can be delivered in such a short time and what the programme aims to deliver. Nevertheless, it has already been identified that in many instances, some of the very issues we are seeking to address nationally have already been solved at a local or regional level. This programme is about being clear in regard to the issues we need to solve. It is about harnessing the good work already taking place while breaking down any barriers preventing change that will ultimately achieve true interoperability. JESIP launch JESIP was launched at the first Interoperability Summit in November 2012, held in parallel to The Emergency Services Show 2012. For those who didn’t make the summit, you can read an overview of the programme, summarising the workstreams and what they will deliver as well as introducing the team, on page 35. We know there are many people and organisations that will be affected by the work of JESIP. We have had to move quickly and that may mean we have some catching up to do in terms of communicating and liaising with many of the programme’s stakeholders. We will be addressing this over the coming weeks and months with regular updates here in Emergency Services Times. We also aim to inform all stakeholders with information distributed via the professional bodies as well as through our own website. With only 20 months to go, the pressure is on and we aim to make every month count! www.jesip.org.uk
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6 | ESTNEWS Cumbria Constabulary’s Dog Section has received nine new Streamlight Stinger LED torches thanks to a kind donation from the charity Sniffer Dogs UK and International (SDUKI). The charity, which is the brainchild of Maggie Gwynne from Hampshire, in 2011 donated funding for a new police dog, Leo, for the force and he is now an integral part of the team. www.sduki.com www.cumbria.police.uk
Draeger Safety UK Ltd has received the first Home Office approval for a drug detection kit, which will be used by police forces across the UK. The Dräger DrugTest 5000 will be used in police stations to detect cannabis. A positive saliva test with the new device means officers will no longer have to call a doctor before asking for a blood sample if they suspect a driver of being on drugs. www.draeger.com
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has presented Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service with a Diamond award – the highest level in the accident prevention charity’s Quality Safety Audit (QSA) award scheme – after the service reduced the number of injuries to firefighters and other staff by nearly 40 percent in three years. An improvement programme launched on the back of recommendations by RoSPA led to staff injuries dropping from 216 during the 2009/10 to 136 in 2011/12 – a fall of 80 casualties (37 percent).
£50m investment in emergency medicine across Scotland Over £50m will be invested over the next three years to transform emergency and urgent health care services across Scotland. The plans will: change the way that people are seen when they are admitted to hospital to make sure that they are treated as fast as possible; look at how staff work so that people can leave hospital as soon as they are ready; and improve links with other areas of healthcare so that support is in place for people to be treated in the community if possible. With the investment, health boards will increase the number of frontline staff and introduce more flexible hours, develop projects that offer options to be treated at home and offer separate facilities for minor injuries beside or close to the Emergency Department. Health Secretary Alex Neil said, “We are seeing more people than ever before coming to hospital as emergency admissions due to the ageing population. We also know that the majority of people who go
to A&E don’t need to be there and could get more appropriate treatment somewhere else – such as a minor injuries clinic. “That’s why we have looked at the whole system and developed this action plan to improve how quickly people are seen in our hospitals, who treats them and how quickly we can get them back on their feet at home. “Emergency and urgent care is one of the great success stories of the NHS in Scotland, whether responding to the anxious concerns of parents about their child, looking after an elderly person who has had a fall, or dealing with a major traffic accident. We are making sure these services are fit for the future.” Dr Jason Long, Chair of the College of Emergency Medicine Scotland, said, “This is an important initiative that will improve emergency medicine across Scotland, and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate on this initiative.”
“We have a reputation for providing pioneering technology and COBRA is a natural addition for us. Fire services that are currently considering COBRA from an embedded operational perspective will be able to take advantage of our Evaluation and Training programme, which includes low risk access to a fully operational rapid response COBRA unit. “Our specialist understanding of this market, the relationships that we have built with our extensive client base stands testament to our consistently high standards of customer support and a confidence in our product offering.”
The London Assembly’s Budget and Performance Committee has launched a review of the Metropolitan Police’s technology strategy and how it can find technology savings of £42m in 2014-15 and £60m in 2015-16. This year, the Met plans to roll out almost 30,000 new mobile devices to officers across London. The committee will explore how the force plans to use the new equipment to cut the amount of time officers spend on paperwork and allow them to spend more time on the beat. It will also examine the Met’s plans to make significant savings by renegotiating or cancelling its ICT support contracts. The Met currently spends around £325m a year on technology, of which over a third is tied up in a deal with Capgemini that is due to end in 2015. John Biggs AM, Chair of the Budget and Performance Committee, said, “The Met is facing budget cuts of 20 percent over the next three years and it is inevitable that technology spending is going to feel the squeeze, but it is clearly also the case that judicious investment in technology could improve productivity and be an aid to change. “Whether it’s backroom ICT support or the use of innovative new devices like smartphones or fingerprint scanners, the Met will need to ensure that it’s getting the best value for money. “We all know that big IT projects often have a habit of getting out of control and falling victim to unforeseen glitches, compatibility problems and ballooning costs. Our review is all about ensuring that the Met avoids the pitfalls and gets the most out of the technology budget, because at the end of the day, better deals and smarter systems could mean a more efficient police force and more officers out on the streets.” The committee held the first of two public meetings in March to question academics and industry experts about best practice, including issues like major ICT contracts and the roll-out of smartphones and tablets. Representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime will be questioned at a second meeting in June, following the publication of the Met’s technology strategy in the spring.
www.primetech.co.uk
www.met.police.uk
www.scotland.gov.uk
Cutting edge technology from Primetech aids rapid response
www.rospa.com
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has gained accreditation from the Institute of Civil Protection and Emergency Management (ICPEM) for its resilience training courses. The assessment process, which has taken place since November 2012, involved mapping all of the courses to the Skills for Justice standards and the new Department of Health EPRR standards. www.eastamb.nhs.uk
Following a rigorous review process the Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire have agreed not to proceed with further work exploring the Lincolnshire Police outsourcing framework, with G4S as the supplier, for the delivery of the three forces’ Organisational Support services. The decision was taken at a meeting held at Welwyn Garden City on 29 January. www.bedfordshire.pcc.police.uk
Technology expert, Primetech, is now an authorised supplier and installer of the innovative coldcut™ COBRA cutting extinguisher system, which is revolutionising the way that fires are tackled in more than 30 countries. Installed in all forms of fire response vehicles, from small vans to specially built rescue services trucks, COBRA offers a safer and faster means of putting out fires by firing a water jet through walls. Henry Walker, Director of Primetech, explains, “By installing COBRA into smaller and faster vehicles, we can provide our fire service clients with a unique extension to our rapid response technology offering.
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Met Police’s ICT strategy comes under review
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ESTNEWS | 7
Livery supplier wins environmental award West Sussex-based Bluelite Graphics Ltd has been awarded ISO 14001 certification following an assessment by independent assessors, QMS International plc. Bluelite joins an elite group of less than one percent of UK businesses that have achieved this certification, an award that is supported by the Government and recognised worldwide. Bluelite Graphics supplies high visibility livery and markings to the emergency services and has developed a reputation for quality, innovation and customer support. The company continuously invests in technology, operating the latest digital cutting and printing machinery from its modern, spacious facility. Lorraine Avery, General Manager of Bluelite Graphics, said, “I’m delighted
Fire and rescue services explore collaboration In response to the challenges faced by reduced budgets, Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have begun talks to see if there are ways they can work together. Councillor Terry Walker, Chair of Avon Fire and Rescue Service, was keen to point out that these talks are at their earliest stages. He said, “During these challenging times we cannot rule out new ways of working to help meet our reduced budgets, whilst aiming to maintain the much valued service we provide to the public. Our initial talks with Devon and Somerset will look into how we work together.” The initial talks will look to explore all ways of working from potentially sharing supporting functions to the possibility of a full merger. Councillor Mark Healey, Chairman of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority, was keen to stress that any developments considered would need to have tangible benefits for local people. He said, “Working with Avon Fire and Rescue Service could provide real opportunities for improving public safety. We recognise that the fire and rescue service has to change and, like others, face an uncertain financial future. The Government direction is clear and our times of austerity are not behind us. Working with another fire and rescue service may help reduce our costs, whilst continuing our aim to improve or maintain public safety.” www.dsfire.gov.uk
Bomb disposal expert Ramora UK has formed a strategic partnership with dog search company The Dog Unit, to provide its clients with a ‘complete package’ of specialist services alongside its emergency response capability. The Dog Unit also provides specialist training and highly experienced instructors, accredited by the National Association of Security Dog Users. www.ramorauk.com www.thedogunit.com
that we have achieved this award, which will sit comfortably alongside our existing ISO 9001 and BS 8555 accreditations – it further confirms that our service really is quality assured and meets rigorous environmental standards. We are proud of the service we offer our clients and the
way that we conduct our business in an environmentally friendly manner; with the award of ISO 14001 certification, this has been confirmed by outside experts who are used to judging standards on a daily basis in a wide variety of trades and industries.” www.bluelite.co.uk
College of Policing open and ready for business As the first national body to focus solely on strengthening professionalism in the police service, the College of Policing, which opened its doors on 4 February, will be an inclusive organisation and its membership will include all police officers, staff, specials and volunteers. Chief Constable Alex Marshall, formerly of Hampshire Constabulary, is the new Chief Executive of the college. He said, “On behalf of the public and the profession we will set and maintain the highest professional standards. The police hold intrusive powers to allow them to protect the public. The public expect such powers to be used wisely and proportionately by people who are skilled professionals with high levels of integrity. “Our mission is to ensure that everything we do equips everyone in policing with the right tools, skills and knowledge to reduce crime and protect the public. “We will work closely with police forces and universities to ensure that all forces and Police and Crime Commissioners have access to the best evidence available for effective interventions, and that we remove unnecessary bureaucracy. We will work to find the best ways to deliver policing in an age of austerity and support the development of an evidence-based profession. “Today is just the start of the journey for the college. We are now starting a transformation programme, which will be driven by our members to ensure that our work can best
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The ‘Case studies, Exercises, LEarning, Surveys and Training across Europe (CELESTE)’ consortium, led by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), has been awarded the Multiple Framework Contract for ‘Scripting, planning, conduction and evaluation of exercises, training and assessment implementing the draft Decision on cross-border threats to health’. The contract, which is signed between the HPA and the European Executive Agency for Health and Consumers (acting under the mandate given by the European Commission (Directorate – General for Health and Consumers, DG SANCO)), is for three years, with one possible extension for one more year, up to the maximum duration of four years and is worth a maximum of €6m for the whole duration (including the possible extension). www.hpa.org.uk
Policing Minister Damian Green.
serve the needs of the public and all in the policing service.” Welcoming the launch, Policing Minister Damian Green said, “The College of Policing will help forge a force fit for the 21st Century, setting and maintaining new standards that will build on the professionalism of police officers, ensuring they remain among the best in the world. “Under the strong leadership of Alex Marshall, it will promote the highest standards of integrity and ethics so important to public trust. “Crucially it will be independent of government, with officers from all ranks having a direct say in their training and development.” www.college.police.uk
A £2m training facility has opened at Kingsway East Fire Station in Dundee that will allow firefighters across Tayside to train for a number of incident types. The new facility will allow the firefighters based at the station to train for a number of different scenarios without the need to travel large distances to find suitable locations. The centre will also form part of the national approach to rope rescue training, along with two other locations in Scotland, when the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services merge in April 2013. The new building also provides improved accommodation for the station personnel. www.taysidefire.gov.uk
Babcock International Group has been awarded a contract with London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) to manage and maintain their fleet of over 500 vehicles and 50,000 pieces of equipment, located across its 113 stations. The contract, which commenced in November 2012, will run over an 18-month interim period during which LFEPA will be running a full competition for the services. www.london-fire.gov.uk www.babcockinternational.com
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20 | ESTEVENTS DIARY2013
The Emergency Services Show 2013 relocates to the NEC
Wednesday 25 September – Thursday 26 September 2013 Exciting 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.
“I’m confident that visitors to this year’s show will see the positive difference in our new home, and will continue to be delighted with the content and the calibre of our exhibitors, demonstrations and additional show features.” Shortly after news of the relocation was broken on social media, a flurry of enquiries saw 80 percent of exhibition stand space sold out. Emergency
Services Times also announced on Twitter that it would be sponsoring dedicated parking for the show, meaning that there would be no parking charges for either visitors or exhibitors. Visitor growth prompts move and potential award Currently shortlisted for Best Trade Show at this year’s Exhibition News Awards, The Emergency Services Show has enjoyed year-on-year growth. In 2012 the event had an 18 percent increase in visitors prompting organisers to seek a venue that could cater for its need for greater space and offer facilities to enhance the show for visitors and exhibitors alike.
For visitors The Emergency Services Show provides a unique opportunity to see, touch and discuss the latest technology, ideas and initiatives focused on improving public safety and assisting the emergency services. For suppliers to the industry the show offers access to over 5200 buyers and specifiers 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. David Brown, joint Managing Director, Broden Media, said, “I’m confident that visitors to this year’s show will see the positive difference in our new home, and will continue to be delighted with the content and the calibre of our exhibitors, demonstrations and additional show features.”
The new venue: NEC • Physically linked to Birmingham International Railway Station and Birmingham International Airport • Direct access to UK motorway network • No parking costs thanks to dedicated parking sponsored by Emergency Services Times • Excellent indoor and outdoor demonstration space • Opportunity to expand into further halls
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ESTEVENTS DIARY2013 | 21 Emergency Response Zone returns Returning for 2013, the popular Emergency Response Zone is a key networking area aimed at developing relationships and partnerships between voluntary organisations and the blue light services. Broden Media has always been very keen to promote this aspect of interoperability and for this reason exhibition space in the Emergency Response Zone will continue to be offered free of charge to qualifying emergency services-related charities and not-for-profits. If you are interested in profiling your organisation in the free-to-exhibit Emergency Response Zone, contact David Brown (below) to reserve a stand.
Visitor registration is open Registration for free entry is available now – visit the show’s website at www.emergencyuk.com. Entry to the show gives visitors access to a wide range of companies supplying relevant emergency kit and solutions as well as the opportunity to interact with live demonstrations and attend free workshops. Commenting on last year’s show, Andrew Day of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said, “Some equipment that has been exhibited would never be discovered without attending – invaluable.”
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Multi-agency networking The ethos of The Emergency Services Show, like Emergency Services Times, has always been to promote multiagency working between the key emergency responders and their partner agencies. Ross Hardy, Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, said, “The Emergency Services Show 2012 was a great opportunity for a small organisation such as ours to examine new technologies and equipment as well as network with other relevant organisations all under one roof, saving significant time for our staff in the process!”
Exhibition stands still available The success of previous events, coupled with news of the venue change, has seen an even greater demand for exhibition space in 2013. Henry Walker of Primetech, who has already rebooked for 2013, described last year’s show as “an outstanding success for Primetech, our display area was the busiest we have ever experienced.” Many exhibitors are investing in larger stands and 80 percent of floor space is already booked. Confirmed names include PPE specialist Bristol Uniforms, major vehicle manufacturers including Land Rover/Jaguar and Mercedes Benz UK and medical equipment companies such as Physio Control and SP Services. Satellite communications provider Excelerate Technology has major plans for the show on an expanded stand, as have North Fire/Argus Thermal who will be launching a new Metz Turntable Ladder. To book a stand please contact David Brown by e-mail: davidbrown@brodenmedia.com. www.emergencyuk.com
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How would the UK deal with a disaster on 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. Let’s start with the fact that no one is fully prepared for a disaster. If we were, then it would be routine and certainly wouldn’t feel like a crisis. The truth is that, as emergency professionals, all we can do is try to provide individuals, communities, organisations and responders with a range of tools, skills and capabilities that we hope they will be able to use to return to some new normality as soon as possible after a disaster. Most disasters, however large and whatever their cause, have a predictable set of consequences, including: loss of power, loss of water supplies, interrupted communications, disruption of care services, removal of transport infrastructure, and an overwhelming of public services that we normally take for granted. The role of the Local Resilience Forum is to use the skills of member organisations to address each of these consequences and to make arrangements in advance to minimise their impact. Although they can’t stop disaster striking, they all contribute to what is known as a Community Risk Register,
used to predict the impact and likelihood of a wide range of incidents. Improving personal resilience Starting with the help available to individuals, many organisations, local and national, offer advice on how to improve personal resilience. The Environment Agency is a key member of the forum and produces extensive information on issues relating to flood defence and protecting homes. This information ranges from how to monitor rising water levels on our rivers to practical advice on water-proofing homes. In crisis, they activate their emergency control rooms that monitor watercourse levels around the country and maintain flow through rivers, sluices and drains. Teams of technicians will be working hard during any disaster to remove blockages and ensure flow in problem areas wherever possible. There comes a point, however, when the water table is full and the low-lying areas of the county have nowhere to drain to. When combined with continued rainfall, high
Yellow cabs line a flooded street in Queens, New York in hurricane Sandy’s wake.
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winds driving high tides, there is a natural limit to what can be achieved until conditions change. The Resilience Forum has an extensive communication network using specialist advisers from all partner organisations, which gives it the ability to quickly develop safety instructions and act together to provide consistent messages through broadcast media. Many of these are pre-drafted but can be adjusted to fit the needs of specific locations in 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 forum will be brought together for a preliminary meeting to agree early objectives and to discuss the state of readiness of public, voluntary and utility services. Based on this and taking into account central government priorities, pre-emptive public safety messages will be agreed and members will then start preparing their own organisations for what is to come.
Photo: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features.
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46 | ESTSEVERE WEATHER
Jon Hall, CFOA National Resilience lead
Maintaining core support services Each county, district, borough and city council works hard through their forums to ensure they can maintain core support services during a crisis. They identify the most vulnerable and, working with the local Director of Public Health, Health Protection Agency and NHS providers, can help prioritise the delivery of life support, medical and care services when normal delivery is simply not possible. County and Highways Agency staff will be working to reinstate transport infrastructure and maintain a critical supplies network from the outset and districts will be mobilising groups of staff and volunteers, implementing well practiced plans opening-up their premises to create rest and evacuation centres. As the storm hits… As the storm hits, local blue light services and voluntary responders are likely to be fully committed to dealing with incidents during the early stages. They will all be recalling staff, implementing mutual aid arrangements and working to coordinate incoming resources from all over the UK and even overseas. In every police service area, a multi-agency cell, known as the Strategic Coordinating Group (often wrongly referred to as ‘Gold’), will meet frequently to provide high-level decision-making and a clear link with Government. Under the overall command of
the local Chief Constable, it is through this body that national resources such as military aid will be requested and the machinery of Government will be kept informed of the local situation. Through its offices, coordination will also take place across multiple affected areas. Representatives of key organisations such as utilities (communications, power and water providers) will be brought in to provide a focus for operations depending upon the developing situation. Wide-scale weather events are unlikely to respect county borders so extensive communication will be underway with neighbouring authorities in the UK. During the earliest stages of the emergency, the number of people needing help will outstrip the ability to respond to every call for help. There are only so many emergency workers available so, during this phase, initial prioritisation will be undertaken by emergency call handlers. Communities will be asked to manage as best they can and will be asked to care for their most in need. If the disaster is widespread, this could result in a period of days when personal resilience is the only option available.
“No matter how good preparations are, there will be a period when communities will be on their own while more urgent issues of the critical infrastructure are dealt with.” A number of agencies across local and national government promote awareness and preparedness for individuals and communities (in particular the Civil Contingencies Secretariat of the Cabinet Office). However, this is one area where the frequency of disasters in the US tends them towards better individual and community preparation. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they have learnt the lesson that, no matter how good preparations are, there will be a period when communities 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 this country as to how long this phase might last but effective pre-plans will bring-in additional staff quickly. Military support will be provided immediately to help with lifesaving operations and pre-defined logistics centres, known as MASHAs, will be established to manage and coordinate incoming resources. Local authorities will establish evacuation and rest centres as soon as possible and emergency communications arrangements will be implemented in the inevitable event of lost mobile networks. Start restoring normality From the earliest stages of the disaster, the objective of all involved will be to start restoring normality wherever possible. The same agencies involved in the emergency response phase will also come together as soon as possible to establish arrangements by which recovery can start at the very earliest stage. Although it may not seem it to those most affected, quite quickly the initial crisis phase will come within the control of agencies and as many lives as possible will be stabilised. In a disaster, this may mean as little as everyone having a roof over their head and drinking water/food to survive while infrastructure is re-established. The management of expectations will be difficult throughout this period. The work will then really start to create what is often referred to as ‘the new normal’. With possible loss to home and property following largescale disaster, the previous state of what felt ‘normal’ may never be re-established, but slowly and surely communities will recover. Arrangements need to evolve The lessons of Sandy have only just begun and local arrangements will need to evolve to reflect what we learn in the coming months and years. Hopefully the UK will continue to only experience smaller-scale incidents but the mechanisms established through the Civil Contingencies Act provide a group of people on Local Resilience Fora working hard to prepare for that which we hope will never happen. www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilience
The work of a typical Local Resilience Forum can be followed at www.gloucestershireprepared.co.uk
RLSS training raises water safety awareness The National Water Safety Management Programme (Emergency Services) from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS) is a suite of modular, inter-linked training awards, which enable emergency service authorities to provide emergency services personnel with a sensible and proportionate level of occupation based training – focused around the first few minutes on scene and before specialist back-up arrives. Depending on local need, authorities can select from three levels – ranging from a half-day Water Safety Awareness course to a comprehensive InWater Rescue course. Whichever option is appropriate, officers will come away with a clear
appreciation of exactly how they might be harmed and the best response options for that situation. The course takes a pragmatic approach and recognises that sometimes options are limited, particularly where fast-flowing deeper water is concerned – the key is to know, with confidence,
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what is possible and what presents an unacceptably high risk. The programme has been developed in close consultation with a number of relevant and key lead bodies, including Devon & Cornwall Police, and the Health and Safety Executive was consulted in the development of the National Water Safety Management Programme and ‘endorses the sensible, proportionate, reasonable and balanced advice provided by the programme’. www.watersafetymanagement.co.uk
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The latest must-have kit 1
Paramedic Pro – Ikanos Consulting www.ikanosconsulting.com/products
The Paramedic Pro medical application from Ikanos Consulting, which runs on the Golden-i wearable headset computer (pictured), allows healthcare workers to access and record vital information quickly on their Golden-i headsets – completely hands-free. Paramedic Pro provides video chat, audio recording and access to information at the point of care. With its built-in camera, Golden-i enables direct video communication between field medical staff and A&E, so experts at a hospital can assess a situation and provide timely advice. Paramedics can talk to colleagues using the headset’s video chat capabilities, and provide information to doctors so they can prepare for the patients’ arrival. The application provides a standardised way to communicate data such as an estimated time of arrival (ETA) back to the hospital, and for staff on the scene to view the patient’s medical records. It also enables medical staff to view maps and use GPS to track their location. Consulting has also announced two other applications: Firefighter Pro and Police Pro.
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TWISTER sole – Vibram® www.vibram.com
Vibram® fireproof soles combine highly effective design and highly flameresistant compounds. These soles enable firefighters to tackle fire, flames and water while counting on greater safety conditions. The Vibram® TWISTER sole is based on the new Vibram® SUPERWORK compound, developed to increase the antistatic properties and oil and flame resistance. The TWISTER is a box section sole, specially created for safety at work. It features: double density rubber, for better performance and greater comfort; wide contact surfaces 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-colour construction on the tread and the laterals.
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Motorcycle Suit – Bristol Uniforms www.bristoluniforms.co.uk
Bristol has designed firefighter PPE for use by members of fire crews using motorcycles. In what is believed to be a first, Bristol has designed protective clothing, which not only meets the road safety requirements for professional motorcyclists but also the highest European level for structural fire fighting. The new coat and trouser combination is a product of Bristol’s New Product Development Programme (BNPDP). The coat and trouser have been ergonomically designed to ensure ultimate fit, suitable for riding motorcycles and fire fighting duties. They are designed to be zipped together and are available in 28 sizes, both male and female. The ensemble is machine washable after the back, shoulder, elbow, hip and knee protectors have been removed.
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B300 rugged laptop – Getac UK www.getac.co.uk
One of the industry’s favourite rugged laptops – the Getac B300 – now runs faster than ever before, with twice the graphics capabilities of the previous generation B300. Powered by the latest third Generation Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 processor, the B300 incorporates Intel® vPro™ technology and offers operators a 67 percent increase in speed; an integrated Intel® HD Graphics 4000 card delivers rapid access to high-performance graphics, greatly improving display imagery, intricate mapping and advanced video streaming.
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Z-Rex – Leatherman www.whitbyandco.co.uk
Distributed in the UK by Whitby & Co the Z-Rex is the first tool that combines glass breaking, strap cutting and wrench tools in one, lightweight and easy-touse tool. The stainless steel 440C V notch cutters are hard wearing, easily replaced and can even be flipped over for a fresh edge when it’s needed on the spot. Tungsten Carbide makes the glass breaker tool a force to be reckoned with – needing less force than steel breakers, the Z-Rex is perfect when you need to break through glass with one quick strike. The oxygen tank wrench and hex wrench are built into the lightweight aluminium body, which is moulded with an ergonomic grip and features a finger hole for comfort and ease of use. The Z-Rex is designed and made in the US by the Leatherman company and comes with a ‘no quibbles’ 25-year guarantee.
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The latest must-have kit 6
Service Collection – Dr Martens www.drmartens.com/servicerange
British brand Dr Martens launched a new Service Collection of boots at The Emergency Services Show 2012 designed to meet the demands of today’s emergency services. The Autumn/Winter Service Collection draws inspiration and expertise from decades of the brand’s market-leading industrial technology. New additions include Shack, a lightweight, athletic, waterproof boot and the ultimate high spec Osprey, which is ideal for the ambulance market. This is a non-metallic safety boot, which is waterproof, puncture resistant and anti-static. It also features cutting edge technology: D30™ impact protection inserts positioned over the anklebone.
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Responder Smartphone App – PageOne Communications www.pageone.co.uk
PageOne Communications has launched its Responder Smartphone App for BlackBerry, Apple iOS and Android devices. Responder offers resilient closeduser group messaging for organisations looking to improve operational efficiency and ensure important messages and alerts reach Smartphone users quickly and securely. Capitalising on the strengths of the two-way Responder pager, the Responder app extends two-way paging’s core alerting features to the Smartphone world to provide a separate secure messaging channel. With distinctive pop-up and audible alerting, a separate Inbox and two-way reply options, the Responder App ensures important real-time operational and emergency messages rise above the clutter of everyday e-mail and SMS.
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Elite backpacks – Peli Products (UK) Ltd www.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-in Peli cases for maximum protection for sensitive laptops and tablets. The range is designed for function with flair and includes different styles to protect laptops (models U100 (pictured) and S100) or tablets (models U140 and S140) – these are top loading for fast access. The backpacks are equipped with several pockets and a rigid front plate to securely transport e-readers, tablets and notebooks. Peli Urban (models U105 for laptops and U145 for tablets) and Sport Backpacks use a rigid compartment to protect personal electronics without the entire weight of an integrated case.
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Extended Comfort Footwear – WL Gore & Associates www.gore-workwear.com
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GORE-TEX® daily duty footwear is specifically designed for police officers whose work often takes them both outdoors and indoors. At the core of Tactical GORE-TEX® Footwear is a three-layer GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Laminate that comes without insulation. Its construction consists of a highly abrasion resistant textile lining material, the microporous GORETEX® membrane and a protective knit. The laminate is extremely thin and capable of effectively transporting any sweat produced by the foot in the form of water vapour to the outside. At the same time it creates a reliable barrier against water penetrating from the outside. The laminate is combined with carefully selected upper materials. The shoes and boots are exceptionally lightweight, athletic, waterproof and extremely durable.
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First Responder Respirator – Scott Safety www.scottsafety.com
Scott Safety’s First Responder Respirator (FRR) is the next generation of respiratory protection for the global civil responder community. Providing protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, the FRR uses revolutionary technology to deliver lower user burden, improved systems integration and ease of operation. It is compatible with conventional round filters with a Din 40 thread, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and compressed air airline breathing systems. With the FRR, the user can switch between supplied air and filters, which is vital for environments where the threat is unknown or extreme (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)).
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Cutting costs without costing lives From 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. At some point in our lives, we will all need the support of the emergency services, which makes the prospect of cuts an emotive subject. Across the West Midlands, our blue light teams have warned that the full impact is yet to be felt, with the West Midlands Police Authority alone facing cuts to the value of £125m over the next four years, and the West Midlands Fire Service suggesting that there will be a direct impact on response times to largescale incidents. This picture is no doubt mirrored across the country.
“There’s a prime opportunity to find savings in procurement and construction budgets.” Commitment to improved reaction times, continuous training, new equipment and high staff numbers are all a critical part of what makes it possible for these dedicated response teams to make a difference, often in the face of a life or death situation. So how can the emergency services tackle budget cuts, but still maintain, and even improve, the services that are so heavily relied on by the public?
Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead.
tough government targets, cutting these costs could lessen the impact in other areas such as jobs and training. But with new facilities and buildings playing a crucial role, not just in supporting frontline operations but also acting as a hub for growing communities, it’s not as simple as just turning off the tap. The quality and safety of buildings and equipment must be maintained, even in the face of such stringent targets. But how? The answer lies with the procurement process. Building a defence against the cuts In the public sector, in one year alone, the National Audit Office estimated that a staggering 2500 OJEU tendering exercises were unnecessary and that 20 percent of contract notices could have been covered by an already existing framework. It is clear then that the emergency services could make significant savings on the huge costs associated with the OJEU process, by using an existing framework that has done the legwork already and has pre-approved contractors in place. Experienced frameworks can cut costs and save time without sacrificing the quality of the buildings, facilities and services on offer.
Earlham Fire Station, Norfolk.
Protecting frontline services When it comes to finding ways to reduce spending, without compromising on quality, the emergency services have a tough task on their hands. But there are ways of tackling these budget cuts without providing an inferior service. Some budgets, such as those set aside for the procurement of construction projects, as well as for reactive and planned maintenance programmes, could take the brunt of the impact. In 2011-12, the West Midlands Fire Service spent over £3.6m on capital projects. It also spends around £11m a year on procurement of supplies, works and services. So when looking to tackle
Marshes End Fire Station in Poole.
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The Constructing West Midlands (CWM) Framework is a prime example of the benefits that more coordinated procurement can bring. The framework is leading the way in providing efficient construction, repairs and maintenance services that can 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 (Morgan Sindall/Lovell), the CWM framework has experience of working with emergency services. With many recent examples, from the construction and design of community fire stations to maintenance for police authorities and the refit of heating and water systems for fire stations, the CWM framework is perfectly placed to help the sector tackle demanding targets. The CWM framework also allows public bodies access to leading facilities management (FM) contractors including MITIE, Carillion, Integrated Water Services, Middleton, and Kendrick Construction. These contractors are able to provide everything from heating and plumbing maintenance to refurbishment works and statutory testing, such as Legionella control. The CWM framework is managed and supported by Acivico (Design Construction and FM) Limited bringing the full range of construction and consultancy services together.
A complete solution Frameworks offer a complete solution to daily management and construction needs and offers everything from facilities management work and emergency repairs, to renovation and new build projects. It offers an end-to-end solution, and it’s one that should be maximised. The frontline services don’t have to take the hit, and nor should they when there’s a prime opportunity to find savings in procurement and construction budgets. Using frameworks to tackle budget cuts could save time, money and resources, which, both the public sector and the general public would agree, should be better spent on maintaining these truly life-saving services. www.constructingwestmidlands.co.uk/project-experience
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