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NOVEMBER 2010
VOLUME 11 | 4
ᔡ Special Edition! 10th Anniversary of Emergency Services Times and the ESS2010 Show Issue!
Excelerate’s central role in Ryder Cup Policing
ᔡ News: CFOA proposes reform to emergency ambulance response provision ᔡ News: Jersey proposes merger of fire and rescue and ambulance services ᔡ Registration open for ESS2010 – visit www.ess2010.com ᔡ Outsourcing: soften the blow of the Spending Review ᔡ Civil Resilience feature takes a look at cyber security ᔡ Company Profiles: Thomas Jacks and PPS feature ᔡ Vehicles: review of NAPFM 2010 and NPIA announces vehicle frameworks
DATA VIDEO VOICE INTERNET VIA SATELLITE & WIRELESS
www.excelerate.info Tel: 0845 658 5747
Photo: Rob Munro/www.stewartcomms.com
ᔡ HazMat: including how to respond to chemical suicides ᔡ Profile: emergency responders – a new Heavy Rescue Partnership, Canoe Lifeguards and the Rotary Club ISSN 1472-1090
www.emergencyservicestimes.com
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Emergency Services Times 11.4_– 01/11/2010 14:10 Page 1
CONTENTS | 1
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Regular features First Words EST Managing Director David Brown says thank you to everyone who’s helped EST reach its 10-year anniversary
3
News CFOA looks at proposals for combined fire and ambulance services, the Ambulance Service Network gives its opinion on the proposed reorganisation of the ambulance service, and other news
4
Page 55 - Herts canoe lifeguards offer flood rescue assistance.
Inside this issue
Company Profiles
Vehicles
Thomas Jacks is now the UK’s largest supplier of consumer/ commercial night vision solutions, and Personal Protective Systems (PPS) adds three major new products to its portfolio
The NPIA vehicle framework is announced, forces are looking at the benefits of emergency services cycling, and we get an insight into the recent NAPFM event
Profile
Simon Purchon, Business Development Director at Babcock, looks at the benefits of outsourcing
28
Iain Lobban, Director GCHQ, explains cyber protection and Water rescue teams from Holland, Czech Republic and the UK have collaborated in Project Watersave
Collaboration
Hazmat
23
The heavy vehicle recovery industry has come a long way in the last 30 years. The Heavy Rescue Partnership is there to support the emergency services in case of an incident
32
Profiles Rotary volunteers hope they will no longer fall under the radar of the civil authorities, Herts Canoe Lifeguards are available to help in case of flooding, and Sky Watch Civil Air Patrol provides vital searches from above
52
Technology
13
Outsourcing
An old fire station in Northumberland has been reborn as a community fire station and children’s centre thanks to Sure Start and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, saving both organisations money
30
ESS2010 The Emergency Services Show is the UK’s leading event for anybody involved in emergency response and recovery. We preview a selection of the many exhibitors at this don’t-miss event
35
Civil Contingencies
57
The shut down of illegal cannabis farms can lead to problems for police officers, East of England HART and hazmat personnel from Essex County and Kent fire and rescue services work together to respond to an apparent chemical suicide
69
Training The European Resuscitation Council and the Resuscitation Council (UK) have published new Resuscitation Guidelines 2010 which include very important amendments
75
New products including an upgrade to Panasonic’s Toughbook CF-19, a audio search tool from CyberTech, and a radio prototype for explosion-prone areas
76
Contracts & People APD Communications assist Gwent Police at the Ryder Cup, Community HeartBeat Trust installs public defibrillators, and new appointments
78
Product Information A vital resuscitation device, a 4x4 diesel ranger, a compact generator and more
83
Last Words Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service pushes ahead with the new Day Crewing Plus duty system
84
Page 13 - Vauxhall is among the companies chosen on the NPIA framework.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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2 | A-Z
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Companies Company Name
Page No
4x4 Response.....................................................................................36 A|D|S Group ...................................................................................42 ACPO .....................................................................................13-14, 19 Air Structures International............................................................42 Airwave................................................................................................7 Ambulance Motorcycle Club.............................................................7 Ambulance Service Network...........................................................10 Antur Insurance Ltd..........................................................................7 APD Communications.....................................................................78 ArcGen Hilta.....................................................................................41 Ashford Borough Council ...............................................................39 Association of Lowland Search and Rescue (ALSAR).................43 Audi ..............................................................................................16-17 Babcock ........................................................................................28-29 Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum........................81 Bedfordshire Police......................................................................7, 81 BlackBerry.....................................................................................7, 76 BMW.................................................................................13-14, 16-17 bott Ltd .............................................................................................78 British Red Cross................................................................................7 Cassidian/EADS Defence and Security .....................................4, 76 Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA)...................................9, 10 Citroen..........................................................................................13-14 Coating Applications Group ...........................................................47 College of Paramedics................................................................10, 51 Colt (Mitsubishi) .............................................................13-14, 16-17 Community HeartBeat Trust...........................................................81 Community Resilience.....................................................................39 CyberTech..........................................................................................76 DMS Technologies ...........................................................................83 Dorset Police.....................................................................................78 Durabook (Twinhead International Corp).....................................44 East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS)..................................81 East of England Ambulance Service ........................................71, 81 Edexcel ................................................................................................4 Emergency Services Show 2010......................................................35 Essex County Fire and Rescue Service .........................................71 Essex Police.......................................................................................20 European Resuscitation Council.....................................................75 Falck ..................................................................................................78 Ferno UK ............................................................................................7 Fiat................................................................................................13-14 Fire Safe International Ltd .............................................................43 Fire Service College .........................................................................20 Ford...................................................................................13-14, 16-17 Gabba...................................................................................................7 GCHQ................................................................................................57 Geargrid.............................................................................................51 Getac ..................................................................................................51 Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service ..............................44 Greater Manchester Police ...............................................................7
Company Name
Page No
Company Name
Page No
Gwent Police .....................................................................................78 Hampshire Constabulary............................................................13-14 Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service .........................................13-14 Harvey Frost .....................................................................................32 Hertfordshire County Council........................................................55 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service ...................................20, 55 Herts Canoe Lifeguards...................................................................55 Highways Agency.............................................................................32 Honda ...............................................................................13-14, 16-17 Hygrapha GmbH & Co....................................................................81 Hyundai............................................................................13-14, 16-17 IBM Software....................................................................................78 International Police Mountain Bike Association..........................19 Interspiro...........................................................................................48 Intramark ..........................................................................................48 Iveco .............................................................................................13-14 Jaguar ................................................................................13-14, 16-17 Kawasaki ......................................................................................13-14 Keela/Ilasco .......................................................................................42 Kent County Council.......................................................................39 Kent Fire and Rescue Service ........................................................71 Laerdal...............................................................................................83 Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service .............................................84 Land Rover ................................................................13-14, 16-17, 32 LGI ....................................................................................................48 Life Connections 2011 .......................................................................4 LifeStar Response Corporation.......................................................78 London Ambulance Service............................................................72 London Fire Brigade (LFB) .............................................................4 The Medical Warehouse ..................................................................43 Mercedes Benz .................................................................13-14, 16-17 Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service .............................................35 Met Office .........................................................................................63 Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)..................................................4 Midlands Air Ambulance ..................................................................7 MITIE..................................................................................................4 MiX Vehicle Conversion Specialists ..............................................44 Mobile Fun .......................................................................................78 National Association of Police Fleet Managers (NAPFM)....................................................13-14, 16-17 National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA)....................13-14 Nissan...........................................................................................13-14 Northern Diver.................................................................................48 Northumberland County Council ..................................................30 Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service ...................................30 Panasonic...........................................................................................76 PBI Performance Products..............................................................47 Peli Products UK .............................................................................51 Perseus Training ...............................................................................69 Peugeot Motor Company ................................................13-14, 16-17 Polaris ................................................................................................83
Primetech ..........................................................................................42 Professional Protection Systems.....................................................27 Proton...........................................................................................16-17 Public Safety Cycling.......................................................................19 RADSAFE.........................................................................................47 Reach and Rescue Limited..............................................................42 Remploy...............................................................................................4 Rescue 3 (UK)...................................................................................41 Response Special Vehicles and Products Ltd................................47 Resuscitation Council (UK)............................................................75 RHA Recovery..................................................................................32 RNLI Flood Rescue Team...............................................................63 Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) ..................................52 Royal College of Surgeons.................................................................4 RSG Engineering..............................................................................41 Safequip .............................................................................................43 SATRA...............................................................................................83 Scott Health and Safety ...................................................................43 Seat....................................................................................13-14, 16-17 Sembcorp...........................................................................................78 Shelterbox .........................................................................................52 Skoda.................................................................................13-14, 16-17 Sky Watch Civil Air Patrol..............................................................52 South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS)...............................13-14 South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).....................7, 78 South Yorkshire Police.......................................................................7 Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service ..........................................32 States of Jersey Ambulance Service..................................................4 States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service .........................................4 Strathclyde Police.............................................................................78 Subaru...............................................................................13-14, 16-17 Sure Start...........................................................................................30 Suzuki...........................................................................................13-14 Symntec Corp....................................................................................59 Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) .......................................................20 Tempus...............................................................................................51 Thomas Jacks Ltd.......................................................................23-24 Toyota ...........................................................................................13-14 TSI Flowmeters................................................................................44 Vauxhall ............................................................................13-14, 16-17 VIKING Life Saving Equipment A/S............................................81 Vimpex...............................................................................................48 Volkswagen Group...........................................................13-14, 16-17 Volvo.............................................................................................13-14 Vygon .................................................................................................83 Watermark.........................................................................................63 West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) ...........................4, 81 West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS)......................................47, 78 West Yorkshire Police ........................................................................7 Whisperpower...................................................................................83 Yamaha .........................................................................................13-14
Company Name
Company Name
Advertisers Company Name
Page No
3tc Solutions .....................................................................................56 802 Global .........................................................................................60 AES (Manchester) Limited .............................................................75 Amputees in Action .........................................................................34 Babcock International......................................................................17 BAPCO ..............................................................................................58 Blazepoint..........................................................................................53 BMW Authorities...............................................................................5 BOC Medical.....................................................................................50 bott.....................................................................................................80 Boundtree Medical...........................................................................67 Braemar Howells ..............................................................................70 Bristol Uniforms...............................................................................40 British Red Cross..............................................................................62 Draeger Safety...................................................................................22 E2V ..............................................................................................45, 68 eRGO .................................................................................................18 Excelerate Technology Ltd .............................................OFC, 64–66 FAME Commercials Ltd.................................................................37 Fire Brigade Models.........................................................................82 Hall’s Auto Electrical Ltd ...............................................................15
Page No
Haztec International ........................................................................31 Indicomm Global .............................................................................62 Intramark ............................................................................................6 Jewers Doors .....................................................................................77 Kussmaul Electronics Co Inc..........................................................37 Laerdal...............................................................................................11 Ledco .................................................................................................77 Life Connections ...........................................................................IBC Lion Apparel.....................................................................................38 Lyon Equipment Limited .........................................................25, 49 Marco Trailers...................................................................................79 Medtronic..........................................................................................74 Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service ..............................................79 Mines Rescue Service.......................................................................74 MixTelematics...................................................................................46 Nightsearcher....................................................................................50 Palm Equipment...............................................................................67 Peli Products (UK) Ltd ...................................................................38 Quartix............................................................................................IFC Red Box Recorders Limited............................................................21 Res-Q-Jak..........................................................................................33
Page No
Rescue 3.............................................................................................26 Response-SV .....................................................................................74 Rigiflex ..............................................................................................37 RSG Engineering Limited ..............................................................82 Ruth Lee............................................................................................54 Servicom............................................................................................77 Scott Health & Safety.......................................................................60 SP Services..............................................................................OBC, 40 St John Ambulance Service...............................................................8 Strongs Plastic Products..................................................................73 Tencate...............................................................................................70 Thomas Jacks....................................................................................53 University of Leicestershire............................................................56 Vehicle Livery Solutions .................................................................82 Volvo ..................................................................................................12 WILL-BURT....................................................................................80 WL Gore & Associates.....................................................................29 Wolf Safety ........................................................................................21 Zodiac ................................................................................................54
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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FIRST WORDS | 3
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Volume No: 11 Issue No: 04 Date: November 2010
Editor: David J. Holden MEng(Hons) Twitter: @999editor davidholden@mmcpublications.co.uk Editorial Assistant: Alice Burton aliceburton@mmcpublications.co.uk Advertisement Manager: David Brown davidbrown@mmcpublications.co.uk Advertisement Sales: Carol Fox carolfox@mmcpublications.co.uk Circulation & Subscription Manager: Anne Ahier anne@mmcpublications.co.uk
IT/www Contact: Ceinwen Clarke ceinwen@mmcpublications.co.uk
Managing Director: David Brown Directors: John Clarke David Holden Colin Robinson
Ceinwen Clarke (Sec.) Published by
Emergency Services (MMC) Ltd a division of Modern Media Communications Ltd Gresham House 54 High Street Shoreham by Sea West Sussex BN43 5DB United Kingdom Tel: +44(0)1273 453033 Fax: +44(0)1273 453085 e-mail: info@mmcpublications.co.uk www: www.emergencyservicestimes.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 £125.00 to UK addresses and £160.00 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 Emergency Services (MMC) Ltd 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.
THANK YOU! It is 10 years since the launch of Emergency Services Times – the first issue was published in November 2000. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our readers, advertisers and suppliers for all their support over the last decade. I’d like to make particular mention of Steve Bray, from SP Services, who has reserved every Back Cover of the magazine, from Issue 1 to issue 41, and a few more in-between. Thanks, Steve, for all your support, friendship and advice. One of the main benefits of publishing Emergency Services Times and the Who’s Who Directory, and of organising The Emergency Services Show, is witnessing, first-hand, the professionalism of the UK’s emergency services, who, I truly believe, lead the world in emergency planning, response and recovery. I am also hugely impressed by the innovation in this sector from the manufacturers and suppliers to the blue light sector. Over the last decade, major incidents on a global, national and local scale have shaped the UK’s emergency services. The Fuel Strike in 2000; the Foot and Mouth epidemic in 2001; the terrorist atrocities of 11 September 2001 in the US, 11 March 2004 in Madrid and 7 July 2005 in London; the Tsunami on Boxing Day 2004; the widespread flooding in Gloucestershire (and the surrounding counties) in July 2007 and in Cumbria in 2009; and this year’s high profile shootings, followed by the inevitable Reviews and Reports, have all been covered by Emergency Services Times. As have the reforms, structural changes and changes to working practices that have followed. In addition, the innovation from suppliers to accommodate these new ways of working has been nothing short of astonishing. My biggest frustration over the lifetime of the magazine has been in dealing with the Government departments responsible for running the emergency sector. When offered, they have all missed valuable opportunities to put out important messages to the readers of Emergency Services Times, the very people for whom they are responsible! My Editor, David Holden, and I will endeavour to engage further with Government as we move forward into the magazine’s next decade, to ensure each relevant department’s voice is heard.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our readers, advertisers and suppliers for all their support over the last decade.” There’s no doubt that last month’s Comprehensive Spending Review will have an impact on all of us, both personally and professionally. It’s going to be a tough couple of years, certainly, but I’m confident that the industry will find the resilience to emerge leaner, more proficient and better able to ensure the safety of the public as a result. Please keep up the excellent work and I hope to welcome lots of you to Stoneleigh Park in November for The Emergency Services Show. David Brown, Managing Director Emergency Services Times
A reader enquiry service is available for readers to indirectly contact companies for further details on products and services advertised in this issue as well as editorial items mentioned. A postcard is inserted in this issue for returning to us or you may fax your enquiries with the numbers and your full address, telephone, fax on +44(0)1273 453085 Studio work by Keystrokes, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex Tel: 01273 453300
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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4 | NEWS
In brief . . . EADS Defence and Security, a world leader in global security systems, has changed its name to Cassidian. It remains a division of EADS and will be able to market its large portfolio of systems more effectively by establishing a more clear-cut position in the marketplace. “Our business is changing and so are our customers. Especially on the civil markets which we address with our security products, it is essential to be perceived as a strong brand,” said Dr Stefan Zoller, CEO of Cassidian. “We are no longer two silos – defence and security, but a company that offers global protection in a wide sense.” www.cassidian.com
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and London Fire Brigade (LFB) are experiencing significant savings and reducing their carbon footprint thanks to energy-saving initiatives from MITIE, a leading strategic outsourcing company. MITIE has installed motion-sensor lighting, energy-efficient boilers and solar panels in 10 LFB stations and 10 MPS stations as part of its CarbonCare service. Overall, the 10 fire stations have seen savings of £50,000 and 242 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The MITIE contract is part of the London RE-FIT scheme, which aims to reduce public bodies’ carbon emissions by 60 percent by 2025. www.mitie.com
With seven separate and very varied conferences now confirmed, Life Connections 2011, taking place at the Kettering Conference Centre, has much to offer delegates wishing to attend their chosen conference. With discounted hotel accommodation available via the event website, delegates can make the most of Life Connections 2011 by attending a conference on each of the two days. On Thursday 7 April 2011 Life Connections is hosting conferences for Paramedic Practice, SADS UK and MAGPAS/HELIMEDIX, and on Friday 8 April Resuscitation Today, BASICS, ICPEM (Emergency Planning) and First Aid Forward (AoFA) conferences will be taking place. With delegate rates starting from just £35, these seven very individual conferences offer exceptional value for money, those attending will also have the opportunity to visit over 40 trade stands. Delegate places are limited for each of the conferences therefore early registration is advisable. www.lifeconnections.uk.com
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Merger of Jersey’s Fire and Ambulance Services proposed The Treasury Minister for the States of Jersey has presented the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) part 2 proposals for 2012 and 2013 together with the 2011 Budget measures implementing the CSR part 1 proposals. Jersey’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) is targeted at delivering £65m (over 10 percent) savings by 2013. A key part of the CSR was the departmental major savings reviews; this included a proposal to merge the Island’s fire and ambulance services. This proposal builds on the close working relationship between both services including operating a joint fire and ambulance service control room. The savings review examined the strategic fit between both emergency services to see if a merger would improve their overall efficiency, effectiveness and resilience. The Chief Fire Officer and the Chief Ambulance Officer undertook the review with independent peer review by the Tribal Group throughout. Part of the review involved visiting the combined Fire and Ambulance Service in Dublin, which showed that such a merger could be successful, and deliver benefits. The independent experts from the Tribal Group concluded that ‘the review on the potential to merge fire
Community responders on course West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body, have launched the most advanced training course for community responders in the UK. The First Person on Scene (FPOS) Enhanced course enables responders to gain more skills and knowledge to provide life-saving treatment before ambulance personnel arrive on scene. It builds on the two existing levels of FPOS: beginner and intermediate, where candidates are taught airway management, basic life support, use of defibrillators and oxygen therapy skills. The Enhanced course focuses on advanced life-saving techniques including additional airway management, the ability to provide ECG interpretations and the ability to administer drugs like adrenaline, salbutamol and aspirin. To be eligible for the Enhanced course, learners must first gain the Intermediate certificate and undergo six months’ practical experience. They then spend a further 64 hours training and working with operational ambulance staff to gain experience. www.wmas.nhs.uk
Mark James, Chief Fire Officer, States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service.
and ambulance service is reasonable and both services should be commended on the responsiveness, commitment and joint working that they have evidenced conducting this work’. The recommendations from the savings review, which is now supported by the Council of Ministers is that a merger of the fire and ambulance services in Jersey should be progressed on the basis that this would create a cost-effective fire and ambulance emergency service with an improved service delivery from a larger workforce with a wider skills base. The proposal is to merge both the services to deliver: a single fire, rescue and ambulance service for Jersey; one
principle management team (senior and middle managers); a single command and control structure; shared accommodation and resources; a single administration team and support managers; shared HR, finance and IT functions; and maintain clear separate emergency response identities with the option for further change in the future as the merged service develops. The proposal is that the merged service will be part of the Home Affairs Department but strong links will be maintained with the Health and Social Services Department to ensure that clinical governance, standards and operational requirements are met. The proposals will now be subject to further analysis and feasibility assessments by the departments before forming part of the Business Plans for 2011 and 2012. CFO Mark James said, “The merger proposal is an exciting opportunity for both services to achieve a greater level of collaboration and integration. This will create a first class emergency service for the Island whilst at the same time achieving improved efficiencies and cost savings. This merger will ensure that we can meet future challenges with a reduced budget.” www.gov.je
CBRN suit scoops another award
Remploy Sales Manager Jim O’Hara, second left, with (from L to R) Home Office officials David Normington, Helen Kilpatrick and John Collington.
Remploy has won another major award for its coveted CBRN suit, the Swift Responder 3. The suit, branded ‘quick don’, won the UK award for best contribution by a third sector organisation at the annual Home Office Supplier Value and Innovation Awards, just months after it won the prestigious DuPont Innovation Award for Protection and Functionality. The company’s textile business, known as Frontline, received the award for the design, development, manufacture and distribution of the suit to British police. The winning submission was based on fulfilling a £15m con-
Emergency Services Times November 2010
tract to supply CBRN suits to UK police forces which started in July 2009 and was completed in just eight months. Richard Bennell, Remploy’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said, “Winning this award further cements Remploy’s position as a leader in the design, development and manufacturing of highly technical garments. We are continuing to work with partners as we develop the next generation of innovative products to ensure UK first responders continue to have marketleading CBRN equipment.” www.remploy.co.uk
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INTRAMARK LTD
is the leading Emergency Services Supplier in the UK of rank structure in metal, textiles, cap badges, hand embroidered insignia, caps, buttons and clothing such as polo shirts, Tee Shirts, Sweat Shirts and Fleeces all with machine embroidered logos.
56 Windsor Street, Burbage, Leicestershire LE10 2EF
Tel: 01455 612400 Fax: 01455 612483 Email: enquiries@intramarkuk.com Website: intramarkuk.com
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NEWS | 7
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BlackBerry helps CRASH card launched to save motorcyclists’ lives in Midlands forces improve of a fatality on the road. SP Services efficiency provided funding for the cards.
Midlands Air Ambulance and the Ambulance Motorcycle Club have launched a live-saving card for bikers. The CRASH card is carried in the lining of a biker’s helmet and contains vital details such as the rider’s date of birth, name, medical history and details of current medication in case Photo: South Yorkshire Police
Police forces across the UK are collectively making savings of £112m by using their BlackBerry smartphones, says research carried out by BlackBerry manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM). Officers using the BlackBerry platform and its dedicated applications are able to spend more time on the streets and less time in the police station as they will be able to take photos at a crime scene or of suspects on the move, and access the Police National Computer (PNC) and DVLA database to gain information and, if necessary, make arrests without having to call into the station first. Bedfordshire Police is one of the forces to report increased efficiency using the BlackBerry platform. The force started using the smartphones over four years ago when it recognised the need for police officers to access the PNC in the community without the need to occupy the radio network or take up operators’ time. The force has experienced a 10 percent increase in the time officers spend patrolling the streets, with 82 percent of officers saying BlackBerrys helped them do their job. West Yorkshire Police has also seen an improved police presence and increased officer productivity after it deployed the smartphones to its officers, while a business analysis at South Yorkshire Police found that since using the BlackBerry solution at least 27 steps have been removed from the start of an officer’s typical shift. This equates to the officers leaving the station quicker to get out into the community. Graham Baker, Senior Manager of UK public sector at Research in Motion, said, “Given the recent announcement to cut budgets in the police service, solutions that drive efficiency savings are making a significant contribution to the future success of police forces.” http://uk.blackberry.com
“This card has been borne out of experience – it has been designed by serving paramedics who have been on both sides of an accident, as the injured rider or attending as medical help,” said Paramedic Ian Burrell, Chairman of the Ambulance Motorcycle Club. “If a biker is injured and unable to talk coherently because of concussion or having been knocked out, how does the ambulance crew find out who the patient is, what medication they take or their medical history?” www.midlandsairambulance.com
Ambulance showcases Ferno products Ferno UK is showcasing its products in a unique way – by going on the road in a fully kitted-out ambulance. The idea came from NHS ambulance trusts, who wanted to see the Ferno range of products in a realistic setting. A bespoke ambulance was ordered and kitted out with bespoke Ferno products, and ‘Little Bernie’ – affectionately named after long-serving employee Bernard Murphy – was born. Just some of the products available to see in Little Bernie include: the Harrier XL, Compact 2 carry chair, EZ Glide evacuation chair, paramedic bags, extrication collars, comprehensive burns kit, and a wide range of other medical equipment. Ferno’s Sales and Marketing Director Simon Shepherd explained, “The customers were the main drivers
behind the idea and Little Bernie is marked with the company’s corporate colours so can’t be confused with a front line ambulance. However, should we encounter an emergency, our sales team would be able to administer first aid so this vehicle is more than just a showpiece, it’s fully functional as far as our equipment is concerned.” The chassis for the vehicle is an LDV Maxus with a Euromax Conversion by Response SV of Keighley, which works with Ferno on an ongoing basis. www.ferno.co.uk
Papal visit marks success of Airwave rollout The completion of a major phase of Airwave’s rollout to the British Red Cross has been a success. The Glasgow deployment was brought ahead of schedule so the British Red Cross would be prepared for the Pope’s recent visit to the city. During the high-profile event, the humanitarian rescue charity was able to enjoy complete radio coverage across a large geographical area with no loss of voice quality for the first time. Its Silver Command Team managed all its vehicles, staff and welfare centres involved in providing first aid to the 100,000 visitors who attended the gathering. The Papal visit demonstrated that the Airwave service will enable the organisation to manage further largescale events in the country as well as
being able to communicate with the emergency services more efficiently. “It is our aim to be at the forefront of emergency response and strategic partners such as Airwave will help us realise this goal,” said Brian Everard, Implementation Adviser at the British Red Cross. “By bringing forward the network deployment in Glasgow in time for the Papal visit, Airwave allowed us to get a good understanding of how its service performs during large-scale operations. The network operated perfectly on the day and demonstrated the benefits we look forward to enjoying once the nationwide rollout is complete: interoperability, scalability, ease of use and above all, operational efficiency.” www.airwavesolutions.co.uk www.redcross.org.uk
Emergency Services Times November 2010
In brief . . . Antur Insurance has seen a rise in the number of new enquiries from private ambulance companies that are operating without the correct insurance cover. Approximately 50 percent of new enquiries to the broker did not have the right policy in place. Charlotte Stevens, Account Handler at Antur, said, “Without adequate cover for either blue light driving or emergency response, the insurer can refuse to pay out on a claim, potentially very damaging for a small business owner.” www.anturinsurance.co.uk
South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) staff can now access ‘message in a bottle’ information through the trust’s 999 computer system. The system can identify addresses where patients have a ‘message in a bottle’ – a small container which holds their vital medical information. Chris Stamp, SECAmb’s Senior Operations Manager for north and east Kent, said, “This is a very simple scheme which has the potential of not only ensuring we deliver the most appropriate treatment to the patient but may even reduce the necessity to take them to hospital.” www.secamb.nhs.uk
Greater Manchester Police’s oneday tweeting exercise, in which the force documented on Twitter every incident it dealt with, is a sign of things to come, according to Paul Fabretti, Director of Gabba and social media consultant to GMP. “We applaud GMP for being brave enough to divulge details of how they are tackling crime,” said Paul. “The force is under tremendous pressure to prove it is spending taxpayers’ money wisely, and social media is the ideal medium to engage with this audience on such a sensitive topic. This project has been an instant, cost-effective way of highlighting this to the public while demonstrating the importance of modern media.” www.gmp.police.uk
In the August 2010 issue of Emergency Services Times, the article on page 33 entitled ‘Two MercedesBenz Sprinters with two very different roles’, states, ‘The first two are about to be delivered to Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service…’ – we would like to point out that this should have read ‘Guernsey Ambulance and Rescue Service’ and apologise for any confusion caused. www.ambulance.org.gg
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CFOA proposes a new approach to emergency ambulance response Some 12 months ago in the context of an impending change of government and a bleak financial climate, internal discussion was initiated within the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) around the future role of the fire and rescue service (FRS). One of the proposals CFOA has since put to government is that the issue of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) should be examined in an open and objective way. Since those initial discussions, debate has been wide-ranging and has culminated in a series of papers which have been submitted to the Fire Minister which were intended to inform the Strategic Review, which was urgently called for by the Coalition Government given the financial crisis in the public sector. This work has been carried out independently by CFOA and is separate from the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Fire Futures project. The association has called for a review to be jointly commissioned by CLG and the Department of Health (DH) to fully explore whether emergency services could be better delivered with a different approach. CFOA has considered how elements of the ambulance service and the FRS could work more closely together, or indeed potentially be combined, in order to realise significant benefits consistent with the Government’s concept of Big Society. There is a real opportunity to realise financial savings estimated to be in the order of £250m while at the same time creating a better performing, more efficient, locally based service that meets local community needs.
“CFOA believes that there is the potential for a combined ambulance and fire and rescue service provision using a High Performance model to increase the number of lives saved.” In developing this proposal, the experience across North America and in much of mainland Europe was considered, where the FRS provides the emergency medical response. Indeed there are similarities to the position in many areas of England prior to 1974. In towns and cities across England, fire stations are located next to, or in very close proximity to, ambulance stations. Despite the obvious synergies however, the two organisations remain distinctly separate other than in the case of a small number of co-location schemes. Exploring options With the Government’s reform of the NHS and the responsibility for public health services passing to local authorities, an ideal opportunity exists to explore
options for providing a service designed to meet the Government’s stated aims of ‘putting patients and public first’ and ‘improving healthcare outcomes’ by way of a new approach to emergency response. CFOA believes that there is the potential for a combined ambulance and fire and rescue service provision using a High Performance model to increase the number of lives saved. It is anticipated that over 420 lives would be saved every year. This would be delivered on a locality basis taking into account District General Hospital provision and population density. The emphasis is on a local service meeting local needs and is consistent with government’s concept of Big Society. We fully accept that any joint arrangement would still require a high degree of clinical oversight, with a national clinical ambulance committee and local ambulance clinical structures if it is to maintain political and public confidence. Such reassurances would also come with oversight from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which would provide independent quality assurance. CFOA and the Audit Commission have previously raised the possibility of integrating emergency ambulance response with the FRS. The NHS itself recognises that an element of emergency response (specifically HART and other USAR/CBRN trained responders) could be transferred out to either a combined civil contingency service or local FRSs. Using the US model of High Performance Ambulance Services (HPAS), the following outcomes should become the benchmark for performance: 90 percent response times for all life threatening emergencies in eight minutes; 20 percent cardiac arrest survival rates for all cardiac arrests; and a service that meets public satisfaction and at a cost which is publicly acceptable.
These services are based on a population of 300,000 to 1.1 million and utilise systems engineering concepts based on a demand analysis on a temporal and geographical basis, restructuring shifts, fleet standardisation, investment in IT and streamlining logistics and vehicle preparation. Productivity measures include costs per Unit Hour (UH: 1 hour of ambulance time, available to be tasked) and Unit Hour Utilisation (UHU).
Reduction in costs Staffordshire Ambulance Service, prior to regionalisation, adopted this method of working, with a major reduction in costs, reduction in Whole Time Equivalents (WTE) and meeting the standards listed above. We understand that the changes CFOA is proposing are likely to produce concerns and opposition but it is our belief that engaging fire, health and ambulance professionals in the debate around benefits to the public is essential. www.cfoa.org.uk
Photos courtesy of Hampshire and Cheshire fire and rescue services.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Author: Peter Holland, President, Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA).
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Further integration is needed, not pointless reorganisation Emergency services are rightly expected as the sort of thing you can rely on. They are part of the many unconsidered hallmarks of a civilised nation. We’ve all grown up with and come to rely on them for a quick response from someone who is efficient, polite and knows what they are doing. Nevertheless, as users and taxpayers, we expect the emergency services to keep pace with our increasing expectations, changing technology and all the while continuing to deliver value for money. There are always opportunities to improve public services. But these opportunities must be taken in the context of a long-term vision of what the public and professionals agree services should be expected to deliver rather than the opportunism of meeting short-term expediency. Stretching targets The ambulance service in England is made up of 12 trusts. If you are judged to have life-threatening injuries, an ambulance should get to you at least 75 percent of the time within eight minutes. It is the most stretching response time target for ambulance services in the developed world and so far this year, all but one trust is meeting this target and even then that trust is only missing it by a fraction. Meanwhile, public satisfaction with the service was over 95 percent the last time it was measured. All this in a context of a service that received almost 8 million calls last year and gave almost 6.5 million of these calls an emergency response at the scene. In responding to calls, highly trained ambulance staff, backed by a network of skilled and (in more remote areas) supported volunteers, use everything from pushbikes to helicopters to get patients to the most appropriate place for treatment. Ambulances
are a true ‘Big Society’ public good that predates the term itself. Nevertheless, this ‘scooping and running’ is only one element of the role ambulance services are developing. The key challenge is that calls to ambulance services are increasing by around 5-6 percent per year. Last year this meant just under 400,000 extra calls – equivalent to two thirds of the total number of calls made to the fire and rescue service (including non-fires) last year. To meet this challenge, ambulance services have developed themselves locally as the mobile health treatment arm of the NHS. They provide a service that triages, treats and refers on the phone, at the patient’s home or where the incident has occurred. Wide-ranging services A wide range of other services is on offer too. Some run GP out-of-hours services and in some parts of the country a new NHS111 number is being piloted as a precursor to a national role out that will allow ambulance staff to make appointments directly at GP surgeries, walk-in centres and with community nursing services, among others. The ambulance service is part of an entire NHS response to urgent and emergency care needs and in future this integrated approach will only be reinforced. Key role While helping the NHS to manage demand, ambulance services are also increasingly playing a key role in providing public health advice. The recent FAST stroke recognition campaign is supported fully by ambulance trusts with some featuring the campaign’s messages (Face, Arms,
Speech, Time to Call 999) on the side of their ambulances. A recent poll showed that the campaign is recognised by over 80 percent of the public. Trusts also support the Stroke Association, which runs the FAST campaign, by helping organise blood pressure checks for Stroke Awareness Day. Great reputation There is potential to use the great reputation and visibility of ambulance services to do more. At the local level trusts are starting to exploit this potential by, for example, going into schools to for first aid training. Ambulance services have come a long way in the last 10 years. They have reduced in number from 29 to 12 and in so doing have made £11m of recurrent savings. Trusts are big enough to take advantage of economies of scale and work together effectively but small enough to meet local needs and come up with local solutions. Better care Through innovative new services of the sort set out above, ambulances trusts are getting to more people, more quickly and offering better care than ever before. The opportunities to improve further rest in furthering the integration of the services ambulance trusts can offer into the NHS. They do not lie in the opportunism of taking the most crucial function of ambulance services out of the NHS in a pointless reorganisation. www.nhsconfed.org
Author: Jo Webber, Interim Director of the Ambulance Service Network.
Changes could be ‘damaging and costly’ Following CFOA’s announcement, The College of Paramedics released a statement outlining its initial thoughts, the first of which was disappointment at not being consulted by CFOA prior to the launch of its proposal. It stated, “The ambulance service and in particular the paramedic profession has undergone huge change over the past decade. Paramedics no longer simply provide basic first aid and transportation. Rather they now routinely treat a range of complicated conditions as first contact health professionals. This includes referrals to other specialisms and discharge of patients where appropriate. Integral part of NHS “As a result of the development of the profession, paramedic education now sits firmly within the higher education sector at DipHE or BSc levels in most cases and paramedics are accepted as health professionals in their own right, working as an integral part of the NHS. “In terms of workload, whilst both services
[ambulance and fire and rescue] respond via the 999 system, calls to the ambulance services can often be considered as urgent, rather than emergency and much of the profession’s development has been pushed by the need to manage a wide range of health conditions. Ambulance service workload is highly complex and 999 call turnover numbers far exceeds the fire service.” Very challenging The College also cited the structural and performance criteria changes that have occurred within the ambulance service since 2006. The statement reads, “As can be expected from such momentous changes, these have been very challenging. A takeover by fire services would necessitate further large-scale changes which in the College’s view could prove damaging and costly.” The College does, however, welcome cooperation between the two services, highlighting the success of first responder schemes, which have proliferated in recent years in ‘hard to reach’ areas.
The College is currently canvassing its members for their initial thoughts on CFOA’s proposal and looks forward to future dialogue with the association which seeks to improve the emergency services to the public, and which also capitalises on the contribution that paramedics have to offer. www.britishparamedic.org
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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NPIA announces successful vehicle framework suppliers The new National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) framework for the supply of vehicles to the UK police service has now been launched as of 5 October 2010. This 4th generation arrangement will not only bring significant savings to the UK police fleets, but also this time round can be utilised by the other emergency services, including fire and rescue and ambulance services. The framework provides all 52 police forces the ability to procure their fleet vehicles through this unique arrangement. The previous NPIA framework provided UK police fleets estimated savings last year on vehicle procurement alone in excess of £36m against retail prices, with overall police fleet savings for tyres, windscreens, lubricants, lightbars etc delivering more than £56m of savings in that year. It is envisaged that the new five-year framework for vehicles will deliver even better savings, as it allows for both regional procurement collaboration between forces and for mini tendering, as well as ‘turnkey’ vehicle specifications that will lead to standardisation, and the opportunity to drive down costs.
“As recognised by all, collaborative working is the greatest means of leveraging public-sector procurement efficiency and use of NPIA is one such instrument that capitalises on such leveraging abilities.” Robust vehicle specifications The NPIA procurement department working closely with the NAPFM Procurement and Technical Committees, NPIA Automotive and Equipment Section, ACPO and the National Federation as well as its members, have delivered a unique vehicle procurement framework, taking into account robust vehicle specifications, integration of specialist equipment, health and safety, environmental, electrical, as well as whole life costs etc. This arrangement will support the future fleet needs of all of the 52 UK police fleets, as well as collaboratively providing the other emergency services an extremely specialist framework from which they can source their own particular vehicle requirements. “Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are delighted that they, and other emergency services, can now take full advantage of the many advantages and efficiencies to be enjoyed from officially having full access to the latest NPIA vehicle procurement frameworks. This is another
example that helps to illustrate the ever-increasing amount of business collaboration and partnership working that is being developed and implemented by such organisations to their mutual benefit in these challenging times,” said Tim Mansbridge, Fleet Manager for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. Collaboration “South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SCAS) collaborates with Hampshire Police in maximising its savings opportunities through use of NPIA frameworks for vehicle and vehicle consumables related procurement. Access to NPIA framework agreements is seen by SCAS as an effective and efficient method of increasing economic benefit to SCAS, the wider emergency services industry, as well as, and more importantly
the general public (‘tax payer’) as a whole,” commented John Newcombe, Head of Procurement, and Rick Stillman, Head of Fleet, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust. As recognised by all, collaborative working is the greatest means of leveraging public-sector procurement efficiency and use of NPIA is one such instrument that capitalises on such leveraging abilities. The new framework has a number of categories of vehicles including cars, light commercials, motorcycles etc that should provide the police service as well as the fire and rescue and ambulance services a mix of different manufacturers’ model types. The categories cater for high performance, intermediate, 4X4 etc, and will provide a range of different manufacturers’ model types for a variety of other operational roles.
Peugeot endorsed for blue light sales
The NPIA has awarded preferred supplier status of vehicles and equipment to Peugeot Motor Company in an extensive number of categories including first place in the coveted ‘beat car’ category, following a rigorous tender process. Peugeot’s Specialist Vehicles Operation (PSVO) is a unique manufacturer-owned ‘one stop shop’, based at its headquarters in Coventry. PSVO is an established provider of cars and vans to the UK emergency services market; dedicated Peugeottrained technicians work on the vehicles and, as a result, have an intimate knowledge of the architecture of Peugeot’s vehicle systems. Peugeot has a wealth of technical experience in creating bespoke conversions to suit every need
complete with dedicated after sales support. This complete package offered was clearly an important factor in this decision. Peace of mind Peugeot’s Fleet Director, Phil Robson, said, “Peugeot offers the emergency services high quality products that are provided ‘fit for purpose’ to the required specification and also offer ‘best value’ to the fleet manager. Peugeot’s exceptional environmental credentials and a nationwide after sales support network provides complete peace of mind contributing to a comprehensive range of services.” www.peugeot.co.uk
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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Vauxhall in the frame yet again Vauxhall has once again been appointed as a preferred supplier to the UK’s 54 police forces and other emergency services under the NPIA and NAPFM framework arrangement. The company was successful in being listed in all of the 12 categories in which it produces vehicles. This indicates the breadth of its car and light commercial vehicle range and its ability to provide vehicles to meet a wide variety of demanding applications. Forces across the UK use the framework to choose suppliers for the 8000 vehicles that they collectively buy each year. Vauxhall anticipates that it will supply up to a quarter of these vehicles, from roads policing cars to local beat cars, vans and minibuses. Turnkey solution Speaking of the success under the tough twoyear tendering process, Maurice Howkins, Fleet Sales Director, said, “Vauxhall provided a tender submission that met the Home Office’s requirements and our understanding of the operational needs of the police business allowed us to provide exactly what the customer requires in terms of a turnkey solution together with a comprehensive after sales support package.”
A key element in Vauxhall’s success is its ability to offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ service to forces. Integrated into the models it offers is a wide choice of options designed and validated to meet the demands of the police. At its Special Vehicle centre in Millbrook, Bedfordshire, it can build on these options to produce complete finished vehicles ready to enter service almost immediately following delivery.
A list of the manufacturers on the new frameworks for marked vehicles is shown here. • Marked Non response (Not traffic): Ford, Vauxhall, Hyundai, Peugeot • Marked response (Not traffic): Ford, Vauxhall, VW, Seat, Skoda • Marked 4x4 vehicle (Not Traffic): BMW, Ford, Vauxhall, Honda, Hyundai, Land Rover, Nissan, Peugeot, VW, Colt (Mitsubishi), Toyota, Volvo • Marked Operational Vans (+ or - cells): Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Vauxhall, Hyundai, Iveco, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, VW
• Dog Patrol vehicles: Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Vauxhall, Hyundai, Iveco, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, VW • Personnel Carriers (Unprotected): Fiat, Ford, Vauxhall, Iveco, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, VW • Protected Personnel Carriers (PSU): Fiat, Ford, Vauxhall, Iveco, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, VW • Marked Motorcycles (Traffic only): BMW, Kawasaki, Yamaha • Marked Traffic vehicles: BMW, Audi, Volvo • Marked Traffic 4x4: BMW, Ford, Vauxhall, Honda, Hyundai, Land Rover, Nissan, Peugeot,
VW Group gains blue light approval Emergency services fleets, from law enforcement agencies to coastguards across the UK, could be running Audis, SEATs, Škodas and Volkswagen passenger car and commercial vehicles following the signing of a Group-wide four-year supply deal with the NPIA. The purchasing framework means all five brands can supply vehicles to every police, fire and rescue and ambulance service in the UK – as well as other emergency services and the NHS. It is the first time the Volkswagen Group has worked so closely on a joint fleet project. The Group’s model line-up offers a clear advantage, encompassing small, large and high performance vehicles, as well as a range of vans. All have impressive whole-life costs and as a Group, offer an unrivalled after sales support network. Robin Woolcock, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group, commented, “We’re delighted to be working with the NPIA on this key initiative. We’re confident our proposition gives the emergency services a strong model line-up as well as excellent support – which is just as important in day-to-day operation.”
All lighting requirements, aerials for radios, incident data recorders, mobile data terminals, livery and force crests can all be fitted or applied. Vehicles can also be registered prior to delivery. This reduces delivery lead times, which will help forces under severe budgetary pressures and helps their cash flow. The ancillary equipment is covered by the Vauxhall Lifetime warranty. www.vauxhall.co.uk
VW, Colt (Mitsubishi), Toyota, Volvo • Driving School Vehicles (exclusively): BMW, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Honda Motorcycles, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Peugeot, Piaggio, Proton, VW Group, Subaru, Suzuki, Colt Car Company, Toyota, Volvo, Yamaha • Large Goods Vehicles (LGV): Iveco. This year’s NAPFM Conference and Exhibition held at Exec Exhibition Centre in Peterborough proved to be yet again a huge success – read a review on page 16. This new framework reinforces the good work done collaboratively by the NAPFM working with a range of other agencies, and with the current economic climate this framework will assist in driving down the costs of UK police fleet operations. Contracts expertise Richard Flint, Chair of the NAPFM, said, “I would like to thank all those who were involved in delivering this new framework, in particular: Dr David Horne and his team at the NPIA for their procurement and contracts expertise and assistance in delivering this new contract; those forces who allowed their fleet managers to be involved in the tender specification process, in particular Lancashire and Sussex; and the manufacturers’ for their input and patience during the lengthy procurement process. This new framework clearly evidences the good work that has been delivered over many years by the NAPFM working closely with other agencies.” www.npia.police.uk www.napfmevent.org.uk
www.volkswagen.co.uk Robin Woolcock, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Author: John Bradley MBE, Fleet Manager, Hampshire Constabulary, and Press Officer, National Association of Police Fleet Managers.
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Greener, meaner and more cost-effective fleets – all with reduced budgets. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? A new home, a new ‘feel’ – and new challenges ahead for emergency services fleets nationwide; little wonder the recent National Association of Police Fleet Managers (NAPFM) annual conference was one of the most interesting I’ve ever attended. ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’ – I simply can’t think of anything more apt to summarise the many challenges lying ahead for emergency services fleet managers in the light of the drastic cuts on their budgets that’ll shape the way future 999 fleets are run. That those eye-watering cutbacks will have an affect on all areas of fleet management is a given – and it’ll be interesting to see how the resilience, ingenuity and nascent ‘thinking outside the box’ mentality will surface to ensure that frontline services are affected as little as possible. Yet despite the impending gloom – I remember one fleet manager telling me in 2008 that it would take two years at least before the economic slowdown would affect his fleet in 2010/11 – many delegates at the show were putting on a brave face. Praise for new venue The NAPFM event is now at its third new venue in 10 years; after outgrowing Devizes, then finding Wroughton and Cheltenham not the most suitable sites, the event’s new home – the East of England Showground near Peterborough – was praised by many. It’s much more compact, easy to reach and blessed with excellent facilities. Fleet managers are under tremendous pressure to run greener, meaner and more cost effective fleets – all with reduced budgets. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Well, a ‘critical mass’ is building as the work of an increasing number of manufacturers comes to fruition; coming soon will be a new generation of electric cars and exciting developments with traditional petrol and diesel power. All this was against a backdrop of the new NAPFM/NPIA vehicle agreements announced in late October. Now that the winners and losers have been announced (see page 13) the future of vehicle procurement has now been settled – until the next review of course. The manufacturers BMW took pride of place in the atrium where its cars and bikes made for an impressive display. The first police liveried 5 was on show – its debut was during the Papal visit – while the most attention grabbing car there was a concept ‘Interceptor’ 3 series now doing the rounds as a competitor to the Mitsubishi Evo. Andrew Buxton from BMW was tight-lipped about its power plant but it’s rumoured to be the hard charging 330D that’s drawn rave reviews from the motoring press. A section of ‘X’ models including the new 1, 3 and 5 were also on display, some in armoured specification, while BMW is now building its R1200RT-P patrol bike as a turnkey product.
Ford has made large strides with its product range in the last two years. Its Fiesta is a consistent best seller, a new Focus is imminent, its revised Mondeo has recently been introduced and the Transit and Transit Connect ranges continue to set the pace in the LCV market. Highlights on its large stand were the turnkey Fiesta and Focus and a concept ‘one box’ Mondeo. The Honda stand showcased the latest models from its impressive car and bike ranges. The CRV is still a popular choice with paramedic fleets while its new hybrid/electric sports car is not just a flight of fancy; watch this space for how Honda will develop the electric car over the next few years. From 0-400 in the last five years! It’s an impressive track record, and Hyundai has earned its stripes with numerous police fleets thanks to the hard work of Gavin Thompson and his team. Thompson, ex-police and government sales manager for the defunct MG Rover group has, since late 2005, spearheaded Hyundai’s sales to 999 fleets; mainstay of police sales has been the i30 range in Comfort diesel spec which comes as a hatch or estate. Spectacular rise The rise of Jaguar has been nothing short of spectacular since Tata took over Britain’s premier luxury car manufacturer. The new XF diesel has been a deserving hit with police fleet managers, with numerous cars now on duty with the Central Motorway Police Group. Its new XJ diesel – touted
for senior officers only – is priced from around £59,000; it’ll be a brave police authority which signs on the dotted line but poring over the display model at the show, you can see the XJ’s allure. Along with Jaguar, Land Rover has also seen resurgence in the last two years with product led recovery very much a reason for its growth. The new Discovery has taken the mantle of the bigger and more expensive Range Rover, while the Defender is still flying the flag for the UK in a multiplicity of frontline applications worldwide; the AA is buying another six for specialised duties when disaster strikes. Welcome return? They’re back! Mercedes Benz is to re-enter the UK police market in a small way via its E class range aimed at high profile road policing work. Its decision to pull out of the market six years ago was lamented by many; let’s see if its return is just as welcome. Mitsubishi is now the leading supplier of Japanese built vehicles for 999 fleets in the UK. With Lexus, Mazda, Suzuki and Toyota all absent from this year’s show, the firm can only go from strength to strength with vehicles like the Outlander and much cleaner 2011 Shogun. Meanwhile, its diminutive iMiEV shows how quickly electric cars are developing for mainstream policing in city centre roles. No big news from Nissan for 2010. It’s been concentrating its efforts in renewing its passenger
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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high profile road policing roles. It’s also seeking new fire and rescue markets for the car. Lifetime warranty A lifetime warranty for its cars might be good news for retail customers – but how will it work in the tough 999 markets? That’s one question that will only be answered in the next few years but, true to its word, Vauxhall is offering the generous warranty on all emergency service vehicles. On show was the latest Astra estate, the very competent Insignia tourer, a selection of Corsas and variety of LCVs. VAG – Audi, SEAT, Skoda and VW – put on another ‘show off force’ at the event with one of the largest stands. Audi’s setting the pace – the legendary Quattro drive train and the fast but frugal diesel engines are available in its A4, A6 and Q7 ranges. SEAT had little new on offer, while Skoda proudly displayed the new Superb tourer range. VW reported healthy interest in cars like the Golf Plus and its new contender in the pick -up market, the Amarok. cars range and it was left to its new NV 200 – winner of the International van of the year contest – to fly the flag along with a revised 190 PS Pathfinder van and recently revised Qashqai. Peugeot had a lot to live up to in 2010. After winning the stand of the year for its display at Cheltenham, the team came up trumps again, reflecting the staggering variety of products that bear the Peugeot name. The company is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, but it’s in the last five or so that Peugeot has been making big strides in the police and ambulance markets.
Fuel for thought That Proton continues to exhibit at the event is testament to the firm’s decision to maintain a profile – albeit low – in the 999 market where it’s best known for LPG powered cars. The company has kept faith with this alternative fuel, which is now capped for the next three years at around 60p/litre – giving fleet managers fuel for thought. Humberside Police has recently ordered another 40 Impian LPG models for its fleet. Subaru – at last – has a new weapon in its 999 armoury; its Impreza STi now comes as a saloon for
Cost savings Recycled police cars? It’s not as crazy as it sounds and Jack Hodson displayed a brand new Volvo V70 with a ‘hidden past’! Many of its fixtures and fittings were swapped from an identical car written off in a serious RTA, saving Merseyside Police a healthy £15,000. www.napfmevent.org.uk
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Author: Roger Blaxall, Motoring Correspondent.
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Raising the standard of emergency services cycling You have to be trained to ride a bike, right? Well yes, you have to be competent or be certified to a standardised level. Would you drive a response motor vehicle without a training course? This reduces the risk all round and gives the staff in the field clear direction of what the service wants by having disciplined training, as with any other department. learn to identify and correct improper technique, how to assist students overcome individual difficulties, and how to incorporate various methods of instruction into the courses. Instructor certification is given upon satisfactory results of written and on-bike tests, as well as evaluated presentations.
The results modern day emergency services personnel can deliver on bicycles are well documented. Their positive image, health rewards and low environmental impact are all benefits, as is the fact that they are cheaper if you have limited budgets.
“This course is undoubtedly the leading UK emergency services instructor course and is being used as the standard for nationwide cycling standards.” Standardisation across the emergency services is the key to providing sustainable cycle patrol teams and, for the first time in 10 years, we now have this. It is evident that basic cycle national standards/Bikeability is not enough. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has consulted with Public Safety Cycling (PSC), a network of worldwide proactive emergency services personnel and leaders in the field of ‘cycle patrol training and instructor training’, to go someway to agreeing policing cycle standards. The National Directors of Operations Group (NDOG) for the ambulance service has authorised a group to do the same and to include fitness standards. The fire and rescue service needs to step up its ‘cycle patrol’ standards also and is welcome to join us in formulating the guidelines.
What is the PSC Instructors Course? The PSC Instructors Course is a five-day course designed to train and certify qualified people as Police, EMS or Fire Cyclist Instructors. It is an intense UK course based on the hugely successful International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) course that is currently taught in the US, Canada, and Europe. The Instructor course is also based on many previous emergency services cycling instructor courses and has been developed by a collaboration of UK emergency services, by officers in their own time.
This course is undoubtedly the leading UK emergency services instructor course and is being used as the standard for nationwide cycling standards. It will increase the confidence of the student, increase their knowledge and reinforce their understanding of the basic principles of public safety cycling, as well as improve their bike-handling skills, and communicate their knowledge to others. Teaching methods include in-class presentations, on-bike drills and peer and self-critiques. Students
Why take the PSC Instructors Course? The PSC Instructors Course will take your onbike and classroom instruction skills to a new level of proficiency. The primary goal of the course is to produce highly qualified instructors who possess indepth knowledge and outstanding skills, as well as the ability to provide expert instruction to riders of all levels of experience. Another equally important goal is to ensure standardisation of instruction. Both of these goals support the ultimate objective of training public safety cyclists to operate safely and effectively under the wide range of conditions and in every type of situation. Over five days, the PSC Instructor Course covers: PSC Cycle Patrol Course theory and delivery; cycle drills, cone courses and tactics; theories of adult learning; course planning and record keeping; all on-bike manoeuvres; road ride training, including national standards; use of instructional aids; responsibilities of a PSC Instructor; course safety considerations; and Instructor certification. Over three days (reduced to two days on pre-read workbook), the PSC Cycle Patrol Course covers: bike fit and safety check; nutrition and fitness; slow speed skills (cycle drills, cone courses and tactics); group ride to national standards; patrol skills and staff safety; legislation; basic maintenance; and a cycle safety test and written test. PSC developed and has delivered ‘emergency services cycle training’ for nearly a decade. Certified instructor courses are held at the training school in the City of London (five-day course every first Monday of the months of March, June and September and Cycle Patrol Courses every first Tuesday of the same months) and at venues around the UK. The next available dates are March 2011. Workforce cyclist Cycle training is not just about riding a bike, it is about becoming a ‘workforce cyclist’ that will stay on the bike in all weathers (wearing the correct cycle clothing) and of course being a safe cyclist. By ‘raising the standard of emergency services cycling’ we ensure the safety of our staff and can deploy a modern, cost-effective dynamic workforce. www.publicsafetycycling.co.uk
Author: Tom Lynch MBE, Public Safety Cycling.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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20 | TRAINING
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Exercise Orion – preparing for the unexpected After 18 months of planning, and the involvement of around 2000 people, the UK’s first live European Union Civil Protection exercise, Orion, took place in September. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service led the exercise following a successful funding bid to the European Union by Hertfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer and Orion Project Director, Roy Wilsher. Hampshire and Lincolnshire fire and rescue services, The Fire Service College and Technisches Hilfswerk (THW), Germany supported the bid. We started planning for Orion in the second half of 2008, and it began as a fairly low-key, small-scale exercise, to test the European Union civil protection mechanism, and specifically how the UK would receive international mutual aid in the event of a major disaster where assistance was needed. From there it grew, and continued growing until February 2010 when we had to issue a design freeze. Along with the rest of the project team, I quickly realised that there was a huge amount of scope within Orion and we didn’t want to miss any of the opportunities that the exercise presented. View from above a collapsed apartment block. What we ended up with was a scenario whereby an earthquake struck four areas of the UK were working in dark, confined spaces, making simultaneously. This involved two full-scale live operations all the more challenging. exercises, in Hampshire and Merseyside, and Gold command exercises in these locations, plus Earthquake scenario Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire. At the second live exercise site in Merseyside, the Orion was a huge undertaking that took an awful main focus was on dealing with the impact if the lot of planning and organisation. But there were earthquake struck the Birkenhead tunnel. some excellent people on the planning team and As well as the rescue operations, Disaster Victim it’s been a huge success. Identification teams were deployed to the live exercise sites, testing their identification Impressive live elements procedures, body removal and mass mortuary The live elements of the exercise were impressive plans. Ambulance Hazardous Area Response to say the least and extremely realistic, especially the Teams (HART) also worked alongside rescuers. Hampshire scenarios. It gave crews on the ground Across the four sites, UK authorities had to deal the most realistic conditions imaginable to practice with 3000 fatalities and thousands more injured their urban search and rescue (USAR) techniques people. alongside European colleagues. Having to work within different command structures, overcome language barriers, differences in procedures and was excellent preparation for dealing with a real life disaster of this scale should it occur. Testing the entry procedures for the European teams into the UK was also extremely useful. The German team was fully self sufficient and arrived in convoy with 68 personnel and 12 tonnes of equipment. Getting through customs could have been a problem, we just didn’t know how all these things would pan out and it was important that all these processes were tested to ensure the incoming teams were able to get themselves and their equipment into the country. Essex Police tested their convoy arrangements and the sight of all those German trucks with police outriders and Live web feeds were used to provide video footage Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service liaison from the exercise sites to the Strategic Covehicles must have turned some heads. ordinating Groups (SCGs), so that they too could During the 56 hours of live play, emergency see the scale of devastation, and not have to rely on responders were faced with a collapsed apartment their imaginations to picture the consequences of block, motorway bridge and an oil storage plant, such an event. The SCGs involved all the agencies resulting in 600 live and simulated casualties at the Hampshire site alone. Crews had to search through that would expect to deal with an emergency of this size. In Hertfordshire this included the agencies the collapsed structures and rubble for survivors. that dealt with Buncefield so successfully, showing Some of their access was through the labyrinth of the value of realistic training. tunnels spanning Fort Widley, meaning rescuers
“Orion was a huge undertaking that took an awful lot of planning and organisation. But there were some excellent people on the planning team and it’s been a huge success.”
Preparedness and response An earthquake was chosen as the scenario for Orion because it is highly unlikely to occur in the UK, and therefore is outside of current planning assumptions. While the scenario was important too in terms of the exercise, it was the consequences of the earthquake that were fundamental in terms of our preparedness and response. As a result of the earthquake, we were left with collapsed buildings and other structures, fires, explosions and road traffic collisions; they were the consequences of the incident and could have been caused by any number of natural or deliberate disasters. The most important element of Orion was how we responded to these consequences and most of the techniques and procedures practised and tested would be applied in the event of any major incident in the UK. Emergency responders in the UK are also going on more international deployments and have recently provided assistance in Haiti following the earthquake earlier this year. Cost of the exercise A few uninformed people have questioned the cost of the exercise and whether it provided value for money. Having been involved in Orion from the very beginning and seeing it right through to the end, I have no doubt that this was money well spent. The UK has highly-developed and wellrehearsed resilience arrangements, which have been enhanced through Orion. As a nation, we are fortunate never to have experienced an incident where we have needed overseas assistance, but with more and more disasters happening across the rest of the world, it is possible. There would be nothing worse than experiencing such an event and not being prepared. Expect the unexpected; that’s what we’ve been working towards. Past events have demonstrated the importance of being prepared and responding quickly and efficiently. That’s how more lives can be saved and the impact of such events minimised. I hope that we never find ourselves in a position where we’re faced with an incident where the scale of disaster is so huge that we need overseas assistance. But if we do, I’m confident that we’re in an excellent position to deal with it, and anything else that may come our way. www.orion2010.co.uk
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Author: Author: Roy Wilsher, Chief Fire Officer, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Orion Project Director.
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COMPANY PROFILE | 23
Night vision specialist Thomas Jacks expands its product portfolio Thomas Jacks Ltd started life as Baigish UK Ltd supplying night vision solutions to police and security professionals. Today, the company is the UK’s largest supplier of consumer/commercial night vision solutions with over 80 models to choose from and exclusive distribution for three brands. It is also the exclusive UK representative for L-3 Insight Technology Inc, a leading US military supplier of night vision, thermal imaging and aiming solutions available only to law enforcement or military customers. Current customers include the Ministry of Defence, emergency services, government agencies, blue chip companies and security professionals. The company has now expanded its product portfolio dramatically.
Adventure Lights Originally designed to withstand the rigours of use by the military and police, Adventure Lights products are some of the most rugged personal identification beacons on the market. All models offer waterproofing to 100m depths – way beyond that of many competitors.
The Guardian vest-mounted visible identification beacon.
The Guardian has seen huge success as a vestmounted visible identification beacon. Its ultracompact, ultra-lightweight and extremely rugged design makes it a firm favourite. For the first time at The Emergency Services Show 2010, visitors can see the Guardian’s latest development – the Guardian UK Emergency Services Strobe. This model offers an exclusive emergency services flash pattern and a wider field of view so that personnel can be identified as members of the emergency services from a wider angle than the standard light.
The VIP UK Emergency Services Strobe, here shown with a KlickFast Adaptor attached, can be fitted with a suction cup, allowing this unit to be quickly deployed to the windows of unmarked cars.
Thomas Jacks has recently been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Energizer’s Hard Case Tactical lights range.
The ultimate in emergency services lights from Adventure Lights is the VIP UK Emergency Services Strobe. This unit offers five white LEDs with two output levels of steady-on white light for reading/writing or hands-free area illumination and four blue LEDs that flash in an emergency services pattern so that personnel can be easily identified. A VIP suction cup also allows this unit to be quickly deployed to the windows of unmarked cars. Both UK emergency services models can be fitted to standard vest KlickFast adaptors. Unlike many competitors, Adventure Lights specialises in customised light options. Cobra Optics With a large choice of monocular, binocular, goggle and weapon-mounted solutions, Cobra Optics offers the largest choice of mid to top-end night vision solutions plus hands-free thermal imaging goggles in the UK. Top-end units offer the choice of up to 13 image intensifier options.
ElectroPhysics The addition of an ElectroPhysics Astroscope™ converts a standard digital SLR camera or a camcorder to a high performance night vision image capture solution. Using a US-manufactured Gen 3 image intensifier tube, the Astroscope™ adaptor allows full functionality of your camera and lens. Energizer Tactical Thomas Jacks has recently been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Energizer’s Hard Case Tactical lights range. Billed as ‘The toughest flashlight you’ll ever need™, all models offer droptesting to 3m, are fully IPX7 waterproof and extremely economical since they run on AA batteries. The Swivel Head Gen 2 offers three power outputs of bright white light combined with separately switched red, green and blue secondary LEDs, again with three output settings. There is
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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24 | COMPANY PROFILE also an IR LED that offers an IR IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) facility. The lighting head swivels through 130° to allow signalling to aviation assets overhead or to illuminate the way ahead, hands-free, when attached to a tactical vest. The Helmet Light offers a lockable 360° rotating, hands-free lighting solution when fitted to a military or emergency services helmet. This unit also offers three outputs of bright white light plus the option of either a secondary red or blue LED again with three output levels. A forward facing IR LED is also fitted along with a rear-facing IR IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) facility. The Vest Light is an ultra-compact, ultralightweight right-angle torch that runs on a single AA battery. It comes supplied with a red and blue signal filter that screws into the base and will run for over three hours on a single battery. There is also a range of three ATEX certified Intrinsically Safe lights, a 2AA and 2D torch and a hands-free headlight that offers dual brightness, wide and spot white light output, two red LEDs and a green LED. The latter will survive a 2mdrop, is IPX4 rated has a non-slip two-way strap and gives 12 hours of high output white light on one set of three Energizer Ultra+ AA batteries. ISS (Infrared Security Solutions) ISS offers UK manufactured high quality, medium to long-range thermal imagers. Designed specifically for security/surveillance use the ISS T-iV and PSS thermal imagers offer man detection of up to 2000m, resolutions up to 640x480 and a battery run time of up to 10 hours. L-3 Insight Technology
The M6X Tactical Weapon Light/Laser Aimer from L-3 Insight Technology.
Military-grade night vision, thermal imagers, aiming devices, weapon lights and hand-held tactical lights are available from L-3 Insight Technology through Thomas Jacks.
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Opticron High quality day optics from Opticron include compact, roof prism, marine and observation binoculars, rugged monoculars and spotting scopes with camera mount options.
Thomas Jacks Ltd is the UK’s largest supplier of consumer/commercial night vision solutions with over 80 models to choose from and exclusive distribution for three brands.
Monocular, binocular or weapon-mounted image intensified night vision is available from Gen 2+ through to Gen 3, while the new, compact thermal imaging monocular offers 344x288 resolution at a market-leading price. All Pulsar products feature a three-year warranty. QuiqLite Designed by a law enforcement veteran, QuiqLite allows you to wear and use a light source for reading and writing with your hands totally free for other tasks. All models feature a 180° rotatable dual LED option with each LED separately switchable for steady-on use. You also have a switchable flashing option to attract attention or warn people of your presence. The White-Blue model is only available to emergency services personnel.
PowerFlare
The QuiqLite Stealth features an ultra-rugged aluminium bodyshell and is fully waterproof to 3m/10ft.
PowerFlare is the original rubber armoured, multi-LED safety light. The unit is manufactured in the US – unlike the Chinese copy offered by several vendors. Developed by a US police officer, PowerFlare is ultra-tough – you can run over it with a fully laden US fire truck – and fully waterproof to 24m, but will actually float in water (unless weighted). It is available with eight LED options and seven bodyshell colours with the option of either rechargeable or non-rechargeable models. Unlike most competitors, the rechargeable variant features a fully user-replaceable battery. The rechargeable model is initially sold in packs of six with a dedicated, compact charging unit that plugs in to a 12V vehicle socket for charging with a mains adaptor also available.
The QuiqLite Pro is ultra-lightweight due to its impact resistant plastic bodyshell. The QuiqLite Stealth is the latest variant – it features an ultrarugged aluminium bodyshell and is fully waterproof to 3m/10ft. Both models are supplied with a 360° rotatable, 1in/2.5cm jaw QuiqClip, run on standard CR2032 3V Lithium button cells and have a Limited Lifetime Warranty. SwatScope SwatScopes are lightweight, compact tactical periscopes that allow observation without compromising your position. With a focusable eyepiece, they offer 4-9x zoom magnification and the facility to fit a torch, camera or Weaver mount accessory to allow added flexibility. Uses include looking over walls, through windows, around corners and loft searches without exposing the user.
Pulsar The Pulsar range of products features mid to top-end night vision solutions, thermal imagers and day optics.
The Pulsar Recon 550R of digital night vision monoculars. The ultra-compact, MilSpec MTM thermal imaging monocular from L-3 Insight Technology.
Laserluchs German company Laserluchs provides hand-held or weapon mountable Class 1 Eyesafe infrared (IR) laser illuminators for use with night vision scopes.
The Pulsar Recon range of digital night vision monoculars use CCDs rather than image intensifier tubes so cannot be damaged by bright light sources at night. The latest models also feature a built-in recording facility while all models feature a Video Out so that they can be linked to an external recording source or monitor.
SwatScope can be used for looking over walls, through windows, around corners and loft searches without exposing the user.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Yukon Advanced Optics Budget night vision solutions are also available. Gen 1, CF-Super, Digital and Gen 2+ night vision solutions from Yukon are on offer at very competitive prices. Yukon day optics offer great performance at cost-effective prices. All Yukon products feature a three-year warranty. www.thomasjacks.co.uk
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COMPANY PROFILE | 27
PPS invests for worldwide expansion Professional Protection Systems (PPS) has completed an investment in excess of £100,000 in property expansion, manufacturing processes, new customer services and strengthening the management team at its head office location in Milton Keynes. PPS, now part of Versar Inc, provides personal, protective equipment to core emergency services with particular expertise in the nuclear industry. Its products include protective suits, decontamination showers and emergency shelters. The company’s products are sold in over 30 countries and the recent investment will enable a specific focus for expansion in the UK, Europe and Asian markets. PPS has also launched three major new products this year: • Rapid-Pro shelters • ONEsuit, gas type suit • NuPo Powered Nuclear Full Suit
The OneSuit-Gas Tight Suit The ONESuit (left) has been developed for first responder personal protection at incidents where the hazard may already be known and incidents where the extent, nature or content of the hazard is not fully determined. The ONESuit can protect against CBRN hazards including: terrorist activity, ‘dirty bombs’, nuclear accidents, industrial accidents, and biological hazard releases. The new ONESuit fully encapsulating, gas tight suit comprises: ONEsuit PPS shell resistant to chemical and warfare agents; CBRN, emergency team or industrial gloves and boots; cuff options; integral sock and boot options; internal hump reinforcement; and internal belt loops and belt.
“We have strengthened our management and sales operation in the UK and abroad in answer to demand from the market place.” Rapid-Pro shelters PPS has developed a range of Rapid-Pro shelters using the latest technologies while improving delivery, technical support and customer service. Key features include: computer modelled folding structure with reduced stress in the articulating sections; easier deployment and folding; increased corrosion resistance; stronger pivots and node fasteners to reduce failures; smaller, lighter, stronger nodes featuring captive fastener design to improve ease of manufacture and repair; simpler ground sheet location with clear floor space; simplified shower booms with switchable jets; and a full range of accessories maintaining compatibility with existing equipment.
Commenting on the recent investments and range of new products for 2010, PPS Managing Director Mark Whitcher, said, “With the support and synergies of our parent company Versar, we have been able to drive our company forward to develop a range of world class products, which protect and manage a wide range of incidents that occur more frequently in today’s environment. We have strengthened our management and sales operation in the UK and abroad in answer to demand from the market place.” Exhibiting at ESS2010 PPS is showcasing its new, comprehensive range of products at The Emergency Services Show 2010 from 24-25 November at Stoneleigh Park. www.ppsgb.com
Visit PPS on Stand 77.
Improved NuPo Powered Nuclear Full Suit Further innovation at PPS has seen the launch of the NuPo Powered Nuclear Suit (right), which solves the problems associated provided by conventional suits with breathing air conection and no breathing air connection. The NuPo solution provides a suit encapsulating a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) with the following advantages: no breathing air infrastructure and no umbilical cord; suit protection (APF 200) with extended duration; double fail safe; uninterrupted respiratory protection when undressing; and a reusable breathing system.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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28 | OUTSOURCING
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Outsourcing: softening the blow of the Spending Review George Osborne has now revealed more than £81 billion worth of public spending cuts through the changes laid out in the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). Many see the announcement as the trigger to cut public sector jobs – as many as 490,000 in the next 24 months. These changes will have an impact on every part of the emergency services sector. So decisions now have to be made and changes must be implemented. The sector must adjust and look for new ways to save money. The overarching view seems to be that that maintained, fully supported in the the CSR represents financial cuts that will delivery of frontline services. reduce the quality of emergency services. I beg to differ. When combined with the 2. Better optimisation of Coalition’s core principles of localism and resources the Big Society, it will certainly spark a There are significant long-term financial fundamental shift in the way emergency benefits from the outsourced asset services are managed and delivered, but management model because it promotes not necessarily their scale nor the quality the optimisation of resources and the of service. In fact, the CSR should be a removal of waste from the system. Savings catalyst for the reinvention of blue light are generated by reducing the size of services and the establishment of new, fleets, reducing maintenance costs, more efficient approaches that maximise instigating better procurement processes, operational capability while reducing risk resource sharing, and ensuring the most and cost. efficient use of current assets including One of the most effective ways to achieve Babcock uses its relationship with an accredited dealer network across the UK to carry out vehicles, facilities, people and systems. this is by outsourcing asset management to maintenance and repairs. How does this work in practice? Let’s private partners – a practice that can deliver take vehicles as an example. Many organisations that can reduce costs by up to 20 percent and free financial savings of up to 20 percent. So in have the opinion that there is nominal spare up capital to re-invest elsewhere. this article I will outline what outsourced asset capacity within their fleet, and that this capacity is management is, how it works, and what benefits very difficult to access. The response is often to it offers the emergency services. develop ‘shadow fleets’ to ensure 100 percent availability. This results in pools of spare vehicles – What is outsourced asset duplication of assets and therefore duplication of management? maintenance costs. Under the outsourced asset Outsourced asset management is when the management model, experienced asset managers responsibility to ensure the operational capability, can interrogate the existing approach, accurately availability and maintenance of high-value assets is identify the assets required to deliver against transferred to an external private sector partner that requirements, and quickly remove duplication. specialises in managing those assets efficiently. The This offers (on average) a 10-15 percent reduction The customer can also go a step further, entering definition of assets is wide and can include vehicles, in assets throughout the organisation and is subject into an availability-based contract with the private marine vessels, and aircraft (mobile assets) as well to any geographical constraints. When combined as the workshops, depots and storage facilities often sector partner. Under this arrangement the partner with an availability-based contracting model this takes responsibility for ensuring not just the associated with their maintenance (fixed assets). translates into an average cost saving of 20 percent. operational capability of the assets during the contract period, but also their availability as and when required. The emphasis is then on the supplier to develop a management programme that ensures the most efficient use of the assets to deliver the service required, to the highest quality.
“Get it right and you have a solution that shares the risk and reduces the total cost of ownership.”
The benefits There are seven important benefits of this approach for blue light authorities: The assets covered under such contracts typically require maintenance throughout their operational life and so the partner takes on some or all of the risk of ownership as part of the contract. The customer relinquishes the burden of managing the assets and, in doing so, also pushes the responsibility for finding more innovative ways of delivering savings to the outsourcing partner. Utilising their experience, external outsourcing partners can quickly assess the true requirement for customer assets and help them implement changes
1. A focus on frontline delivery Partnering with a private outsourcing partner enables organisations to concentrate on their core activities. This is because organisations whose core business is asset management are well placed to take on the risks and responsibilities associated with procuring and maintaining assets. With an experienced outsourcing partner and Service Level Agreement (SLA) in place, emergency services personnel have the reassurance of knowing that their assets are being both well managed and
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relationship with an accredited dealer network across the UK to carry out maintenance and repairs ensuring a cost-effective and efficient process that minimises downtime and ensures optimum availability. 7. Access to broader base of expertise Outsourcing asset management means working with an organisation that has experience across multiple sectors and with many different types of organisation. The breadth of experience at Babcock spans critical assets, security, resilience-reliant services, and complex environments. So customers benefit from everything the company knows about working in all those areas. 3. Enables change Outsourcing asset management also offers opportunities to identify best practice from both the private and public sectors that can be applied to the emergency services environment. By demonstrating the impact of new approaches from the private sector and other parts of the public sector, private partners can be the catalyst for change in customer operations that lead to greater success. For example, Babcock has worked with a number of emergency service organisations to introduce a new workshop technology that automatically prioritises jobs according to the customer’s immediate vehicle needs, taking into account the constantly changing availability of the fleet. This automated prioritisation through robust industry software maximises asset availability and efficiency. 4. Access to third party revenue to share base costs An outsourcing model opens up the opportunity to ‘sweat’ an organisation’s assets and generate maximum possible returns. Babcock often enters into gain-share contracts with customers and generates additional revenue for them by ensuring surplus capacity from facilities is used to provide services to other third parties, often within the same sector. The financial return, which the customer
may otherwise have not received, helps reduce the overall cost of the outsourcing contract. 5. Facilitates working across public sector There are significant efficiency gains to be made if blue light authorities can share resources but stretched capacity can sometimes hinder the progress of valuable public sector collaborations. Private sector partners work with many different organisations across private and public sectors so they can facilitate such collaborations, enabling people to see considerable and immediate efficiency gains by working closer together. 6. Access to greater purchasing power One of the advantages of working with private sector outsourcing partners is that it offers an opportunity for customers to leverage their purchasing power. Companies like Babcock are big buyers so they can broker very attractive purchasing arrangements that can be passed on to customers, offering a way to reduce capital expenditure. For example, Babcock is responsible for purchasing the Highways Agency’s fleet of Traffic Officer patrol, resilience, and team manager vehicles based at 40 locations across England. Babcock also uses its
Experience and understanding It’s quite clear that outsourcing the management and availability of public sector assets is an effective way to soften the blow that the CSR has dealt the UK’s public sector purse. There is no doubt that cuts will need to be made but that doesn’t mean services need to suffer – indeed there are a number of key benefits to be gained by outsourcing the management of your assets to an outsourcing partner. However, the selection of the partner is crucial in ensuring that you benefit from both a seamless asset management operation and reap the numerous benefits this type of partnering offers. The complexity of operating within an emergency services sector requires both experience and understanding of an environment that impacts both on the emergency services organisation, its people and citizens. But get it right and you have a solution that shares the risk and reduces the total cost of ownership, leaving blue light authorities to focus on their core activity – delivering emergency services that save lives and protect citizens’ wellbeing. www.babcock.co.uk
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Author: Simon Purchon, Business Development Director (Critical Assets), Babcock
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30 | COLLABORATION
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Co-locating services in Northumberland: reducing risk and preventing harm Like many rural areas, Northumberland County Council is delivering services with limited resources, covering a large area with a population spread across small towns and villages. The village of Rothbury lies in a river valley and is vulnerable to extreme weather – the recent hard winter left many stranded in their homes and flooding remains a risk after heavy rainfall. Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service had a fire station in Rothbury that was coming to the end of its life. The building was in a poor state and had little in the way of modern facilities. At the same time the Children’s Centre needed to develop a useful building that could serve rural families, acting as a hub for services and an outreach base for the Sure Start team. In addition to the centre, a small play van would take services to families in the remote areas surrounding Rothbury. A disused ambulance station was identified as a possible location, bringing an empty space back into use and avoiding the cost of building a completely new centre. The two services pooled their capital budgets to set up a shared building. It took two years to set up the new joint centre and it was officially opened in July 2009. Both services share the facility and the costs of running the building, leading to significant financial savings. Rothbury now has a modern, well-designed community fire station, with the facilities needed to provide a safe, child-friendly, welcoming family room for use by Sure Start and the wider community. The centre has also become a resource for other emergency services, as demonstrated in July 2010 when police units used the centre for refreshment breaks during a large and highly publicised incident in the area. Projected savings and benefits The old fire station was expensive to run, costing around £6500 a year for water and electricity. It was empty when not in use, used only for call outs and weekly training sessions for the retained firefighters, adding up to about 300 hours usage a year by the fire and rescue service. Recycling an existing building has achieved further savings. A new build fire station would cost around £1.6m and a new Children’s Centre around £300,000, a total outlay of £1.9m. Refurbishing the disused ambulance station cost less than £500,000 and the old fire station will be disposed of as an asset raising approximately £200,000 to set against the costs. Energy savings The hourly rate for occupancy based on the final year energy bills for the old fire station was approximately £21.82 per hour. Energy saving features such as insulation have been built into the new centre and from the first figures for the new station the cost per hour has been reduced to £3.24. This has been achieved through a higher occupancy rate and cheaper energy bills. Materials from the old fire station have been recycled and the fire and rescue service has made a point of using local businesses and materials to complete the refit.
Service benefits Benefits of the new community fire station to the fire and rescue service include: space for a fire appliance and a 4x4 vehicle. The latter is able to support the main fire appliance and was deployed in flood conditions and heavy snow to deliver medicines and support essential health services; improved storage and facilities for changing; being part of a busy and vibrant centre; potential to increase the diversity of the fire and rescue service workforce, as the new station has modern facilities and is DDA compliant; and cultural change – through working alongside the Children’s Centre team and working together to reduce the risk of fire and accidents, eg educating the public about smoke alarms and the safe fitting of children’s car seats.
to fire calls as needed. They possess a deep local knowledge of their locality and provide a service that supports their families and friends and the rest of the wider community. The Sure Start team also have local information and intelligence about vulnerable families, and combined this information can allow families and small areas of the population to be targeted and supported to greater effect. Not all the benefits to the community are easily quantified or measured but one notable achievement from its work with local families has been that the Children’s Centre has made contact with 66.7 percent of the local community it serves (total population of 227 children aged 0-4 years). (Source: the number of families who have signed consent to be entered onto a database).
“Two very diverse work forces now meet on a regular basis, to support the local community.”
Overcoming the barriers to a joint service Putting a fire station and a children’s centre together is not an obvious move and the design and set-up of the centre had to take on board some basic concerns about safety. The centre has two entrances so that families can enter safely and fire vehicles are not blocked by parked cars. Some areas are shared, such as the kitchen and toilets but there are secure locked areas where equipment can be stored out of harms way. The firefighters have had CRB checks and some joint training. The community was involved in the design of the centre, with lots of input from parents and retained firefighters.
The Children’s Centre benefits from: a fully accessible centre, in a central location; the local knowledge of the firefighters as they live and work in the community; positive male role models for the children – the building was designed with an observation window so that children can look into the community fire station; and the fire and rescue service is passing on messages to families about health and signposting to services, reaching a wider audience particularly those who are vulnerable or isolated. Two very diverse work forces now meet on a regular basis, to support the local community through the provision of heath and safety advice, and resources such as smoke alarms and home safety items such as stair gates, fire guards and socket covers from Sure Start. For two days a week, a retained firefighter (funded by Sure Start) opens the centre, selling home safety equipment and providing safety advice to families in the community. Both staff teams promote fire and accident awareness, and can support each other in annual safety events and campaigns, from bonfire safety to candle safety at Christmas. Community benefits The benefits described above are also felt by the local community through increased access to services and the protection of vulnerable individuals and families. Retained Fire Service personnel live and work in the local community, carrying pagers and responding
A rural hub The centre is becoming a rural hub as the meeting room can be booked by other services and local groups when not in use. For example, social services are using the site as an outreach centre for staff working with the local community. Roll out and next steps Rothbury is one of six sites featuring Community Fire Stations and SureStart Children’s Centres across Northumberland, proving that this is no ‘one-off’ project and that the model can work in other locations. The co-location of a multi-disciplinary, multiagency team can provide an extremely cost-effective model. Shared premises, shared outcomes, shared and pooled funding, cross agency skill sharing and shared practice all add up to an improved offer for the local community, better value for money from the public sector, and a more informed workforce. www.northumberland.gov.uk
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Author: : Jan Casson, Children Centre Locality Manager, Sure Start North Northumberland.
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Vehicle recovery partnership offers even more assistance at major incidents The vehicle recovery industry has developed in the past 30 years from an industry which turned up on the scene of a breakdown or accident with a Land Rover laden with a Harvey Frost crane bolted to the back, to an industry fit for the 21st Century. Most of the independent recovery firms are now benefiting from the latest technology that helps them solve the smallest problem like a flat battery re-start to a major trauma accident, which could involve lifting several tonnes of metal from a motorway lane. Alongside this wonderful high-tech equipment is a generation of knowledge of using this equipment whether it be a job that needs the expertise of an underlift, or a winch and restrain, or all this together and an airbag thrown in for good measure! The independent recovery operator has had to learn new skills and invest in new technology in order to gain contracts with the police, Highways Agency or the many clubs like the RAC who dish out the contracts, which are the lifeblood of their industry.
“The service is completely free to use – the Staffordshire recovery operators are so keen to make the system work that they are offering this service on a voluntary basis.” These companies, many of them small family firms have had to deal with many changes in their industry in the past few years: speed limiters, London LEZ, EU Driver’s Hours legislation and, last but not least, escalating fuel prices, which take the profit out of the job in an industry which is dominated by long-term, fixed contracts. With all this in mind and despite most of it, the independent operator still loves his job; he is proud of his achievements; he is proud that he is playing a part in working with the emergency services on a large majority of his jobs. Heavy Rescue Partnership A group of operators in Staffordshire have taken this love for the job one stage further. They have combined with the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to form the Heavy Rescue Partnership (HRP). The HRP was trialled in Staffordshire three years ago and in essence it works along the lines of the emergency services contacting the recovery firms when they have a major motorway incident. Most emergency services utilise the recovery company at
the latter stages of an incident to take away the debris and clear the motorway lanes after they have dealt with the business of releasing trapped drivers. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service recognised that having the recovery specialist involved at the early stages of an incident enabled them to utilise the specialist lifting equipment to release trapped drivers or to lift obstructing vehicles out of the way to enable the paramedics and the fire and rescue specialists to execute a speedy resolution where life and death lie side by side. Staffordshire FRS claims that its scheme, when trialled over an 18-month period, saved at least 12 lives. The service is completely free to use – the Staffordshire recovery operators are so keen to make the system work that they are offering this service on a voluntary basis!
Flood response The HRP has now been constituted in such a manner that it will be going ‘live’ as an official charity on 26 November – the day after The Emergency Services Show 2010. In addition, members have taken their scheme one stage further and have brought in several heavy-duty high wheel base vehicles to cope with flood and disaster emergencies that have become all too frequent in recent years – remember Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and Cumbria? The Bedford MJ and GM four-wheel drive vehicles can be driven in up to 2m of floodwater. They will be strategically placed at independent recovery bases in the UK and brought into action at times of crisis. And the HRP has enlisted the
support of the Red Cross in its campaign, who are in turn supported by Tesco. Rob Flello MP and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Freight Transport, is Chairman of the HRP Trust. He said, “There is no good place to have a traffic accident, but if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in one then Staffordshire is the best place for it to happen. By this we mean that Staffordshire emergency services have got their act together and formed a partnership with local recovery firms who have this high-tech lifting equipment that can and does save lives.” Tesco on board The Heavy Rescue Partnership hopes to broaden its remit to other parts of the country and the Red Cross is playing its part too. It has already trained up volunteers to work in flood awareness and Tesco, who have in recent years offered fresh bottled water to these beleaguered areas only to find that there is no means of getting it there, are also fully on board with the scheme. The Heavy Rescue Partnership is now an official charity and is looking for future funding. This scheme is so simple in its concept – as well as saving lives on our motorways, it will also offer an alternative when the floods come again. www.rha.uk.net/recovery_members
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Author: Dave Gregory is Secretary of RHA Recovery, a trade association for the vehicle recovery industry. He also publishes Professional Recovery magazine and has been recruited on to the board of the Heavy Rescue Partnership Trust..
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Make the most of The Emergency Services Show – plan ahead! The Emergency Services Show 2010 (ESS2010), the UK’s leading event for anyone involved in emergency planning, response or recovery, takes place on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 November at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. Registration to attend the FREE exhibition will remain open for the duration of the event so go online now – www.ess2010.com – to register. The Emergency Services Show 2010 is a unique event promoting multi-agency collaboration by bringing together everyone in the UK involved in an emergency – a unique mix of some 380 commercial and non commercial exhibitors, from the manufacturers who showcase their latest products to the emergency services and first responders demonstrating how this equipment is actually used. The exhibition will provide access to the latest technology, ideas and initiatives focused on improving public safety and protecting the environment and the Critical National Infrastructure. In light of the recent Spending Review, and with both eyes firmly fixed on reduced budgets, the show will also provide the ideal opportunity to speak to like-minded emergency personnel and exhibitors with regard to framework agreements, income generation and outsourcing, plus efficiency-focused equipment and managed service schemes. New for 2010 To reflect the importance and popularity of this event, exhibition space has been increased to meet demand. The new Hall 3, accessible via Hall 1, will incorporate the larger displays of specialist equipment and vehicles previously shown outside. Under cover and protected from the elements, the hall will also host a large-scale, multi-agency ‘Hot Zone’ demo by police, fire and rescue and ambulance services from the West Midlands. Hall 1 will once again include: the growing Blue Light Zone -– which brings police, fire and rescue
from a range of high profile speakers. There will also be ample time to visit the FREE exhibition. For more information visit www.ess2010.com – registration for the conference is available at the show.
and ambulance services from around the UK together to showcase the ‘Best of British’ and share initiatives and examples of best practice; and the popular Emergency Response Zone – which comprises other Category 1 and 2 Responders, professional, government and voluntary organisations, offering perfect networking opportunities to affiliated organisations. Also in Hall 1, there will be a dedicated UK Search and Rescue (SAR) Zone, featuring British Cave Rescue, Association of Lowland Search and Rescue, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Mountain Rescue England &Wales and the RNLI. Who should attend? This FREE two-day exhibition is open to all Category 1 and 2 Responders and is key for those with a role in operations, procurement, training, recruitment and emergency planning. The types of products on show from exhibitors include: Communications & IT, First Response Equipment, PPE, Station Equipment, Training & Education, Vehicles & Vehicle Equipment, Business Continuity and Outsourcing. The two-day supporting conference will provide delegates with the opportunity to discuss the latest news, developments and strategic advances as well as hearing about lessons learnt and new initiatives
How to get there Stoneleigh Park (or the National Agricultural Centre, as it is sometimes called) is located in Coventry, Warwickshire. For those of you coming by car, the venue is easily accessible from the M1, M40, M42, M45, M6 and M9 – look out for the AA signage that will be visible when exiting major roadways, this will direct you to the nearest available entrance to Stoneleigh Park and the FREE car parks. • NB it is a five minute walk to the entrance to the exhibition • SatNav users – the postcode for the venue is CV8 2LZ. For those travelling by train, there are excellent discounts to be had if you book your tickets in advance, the earlier the better: there are services every 30 minutes between London Euston and Coventry; and frequent services between Birmingham New Street or Birmingham International and Coventry. • Courtesy coaches will be running every 30 minutes from 8:00am from Coventry railway station (15 minutes from the exhibition). For further information on the Show – Exhibitor lists, Floor plans and Conference Speaker profiles – visit www.ess2010.com. There’s still time to register, so go online today. www.ess2010.com
Multi-agency training on Merseyside Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s Commercial Training Department’s trainers are all Merseyside FRS personnel with a wealth of experience in a variety of disciplines. Breathing Apparatus Instructors (BAI), Fire Behaviour Instructors (FBI) and Road Traffic Collision Instructors (RTCI) offer a spread of specialist skills and qualifications suited to the various training solutions on offer. Facilities at the Training and Development Academy (TDA) in Croxteth, Merseyside, include: a Realistic Fire Training Building (RFTB) that allows breathing apparatus training in a safe and controlled environment; a Fire House that can burn live fires for more extensive training; and a series of carbonaceous Fire Behaviour Units that are used for compartment fire training exercises.
As a multi-agency training provider, the academy works closely with the police, ambulance and other agencies to provide seamless multi-agency response. Training is also provided for the national Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) capability for each of the regional ambulance services. These are the ambulance staff who enter the inner cordon at major incidents to work alongside fire and rescue service personnel in areas such as triage and casualty care. Courses on offer The types of courses and assistance on offer include: fire safety in the workplace; fire fighting/search and rescue and breathing apparatus training in a variety of scenarios and environments; specialist rope access and confined space trainers
who can discuss your needs within the legislative framework; extensive tunnel/sewer training and exterior trench and tower equipment; a dedicated road traffic collision (RTC) training area that can be used to train release techniques from car to HGV; command and control training for industrial emergency response teams, maritime fire teams and agency partners to integrate with fire and rescue service incident command systems; and Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) accredited courses – STCW 95 Advanced and Basic. Merseyside prides itself on the relationships it builds with all its customers and this is a major factor in the development of the academy. www.merseyfire.gov.uk
Visit Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on Stands F4 & 557.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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The responders came in 4x4s – Hurrah! Hurrah! 4x4 Response is possibly one of the fastest growing voluntary groups involved in emergency response but also probably one of the least well known. So what is 4x4 Response? What can it do? And what has it done to date? Most emergency responders can no longer justify keeping 4x4 vehicles on their fleets just for the times they actually need them. And although they can hire in 4x4s when needed, staff may not have the skills to use them. Training is available but if you only get to drive a 4x4 once a year, that training may go to waste. It is therefore becoming more common for agencies to turn to their local 4x4 Response group. It is probably the rapid rise of 4x4 Response that is most responsible for the lack of its awareness among other emergency responders. Many groups have literally found themselves thrown in at the deep end and haven’t had time to promote their existence; they have just got on with the job in hand. What is 4x4 Response? Throughout the UK, groups of volunteer 4x4 enthusiasts are ready to offer up their time, vehicles and skills to assist their communities in times of need whatever the emergency or conditions. They are members of the umbrella Charity 4x4 Response that serves as a conduit for support and mutual aid. There are 24 member groups in the UK with 1300 members, with others in the process of forming and a further four non-aligned groups, who work within the 4x4 Response ‘family’.
Delivering water during the July 2007 floods.
Although the concept has been around since the 1953 East Coast floods when Land Rover clubs turned out to assist, it was not until 2008 the National Charity, 4x4 Response was formed, another reason we are still relatively unknown.
“Throughout the UK, groups of volunteer 4x4 enthusiasts are ready to offer up their time, vehicles and skills to assist their communities in times of need whatever the emergency or conditions.”
work, transporting out of hours doctors, carrying meals on wheels volunteers on their rounds, patient transport to hospitals, transporting district nurses, health visitors and home carers to their clients, and getting staff to work at acute hospitals. In floods we have evacuated residents from their flooded homes, delivered bottled water, transported emergency responders in flood zones and taken GPs to their patients. Hopefully this article has given you a flavour of what 4x4 Response is and what we are able to provide. Visit our website for details of your local 4x4 Response group. www.4x4response.info
Visit 4x4 Response on Stand 556. Author: Tony Ferrari, National Secretary of 4x4 Response & Emergency Planning and Resilience Manager for NHS Hertfordshire.
A Meals on Wheels delivery – February 2009.
Our members gain their skills through a variety of routes. The important factor is that they are enthusiasts, who know their vehicles and their capabilities; we also provide ongoing training to keep these skills up to date. We can help in any emergency that needs resilient transport, whether transporting staff or equipment in difficult conditions or to locations off the beaten track, or just providing a capable and reliable transport option. In recent years we have assisted a wide range of agencies in snow and floods as well as more unusual tasks like delivering antiviral medicines during the flu pandemic.
National guidelines and training Nationally, the last two years have seen the development of a third party liability insurance policy that all teams can buy into and a sponsorship deal with Community Resilience that has provided all member teams with high visibility jackets, providing a consistent identity nationwide. We are currently working to develop consistent national guidelines for training and are exploring national water safety awareness training to allow us to meet current expectations for competencies. The tasks we do are wide ranging such as in the snow, getting emergency services control staff to
Assistance during a gas and water outage in Caddington – December 2009.
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Successful major deployments across Kent demonstrate the value of Community Resilience in a crisis Not-for-profit organisation Community Resilience is celebrating the successful delivery of two major deployments across Kent over this summer. Designed to test the resilience capabilities of Kent’s local responders in a mock emergency, including district and county councils, local police, health and voluntary organisations, Community Resilience’s July training exercise – the establishment of a rest centre for evacuees forced from their homes by flooding – demonstrated the value of its services to the public sector. Less than a month later, Community Resilience deployed for real in response to the flooding of a care home.
“Community Resilience helps commercial owners of empty warehouse and office accommodation support their local communities in an emergency.” Mock flooding emergency Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council declared a mock flooding emergency in Ashford on 1 and 2 July. Ashford, increasingly important as a commercial and residential hub in Kent, experienced its last major floods in 2000. The town lies at the confluence of five major watercourses and current estimates identify up to 3500 properties in the town potentially at risk of flooding. In response to the flooding threat, Community Resilience maintains Charter House, a centrally located 180,000sqft office block in Ashford on behalf of the local authority, held on emergency standby for use in partnership with aid organisations such as the British Red Cross. Community Resilience swung into action as soon as the mock emergency was declared, beginning with testing the vacant building’s internal and external systems and progressing to deploy the resources needed to establish an emergency rest centre. This included transporting and setting up all the resources needed to establish a rest centre, including stretchers, airbeds, sleeping bags and toiletries for up to 1000 evacuees. Real deployment A second deployment – this time for real – took place on 4 August. Community Resilience was tasked with delivering equipment and resources to
Community Resilience deployed the resources needed to establish an emergency rest centre at Charter House in Ashford.
an Emergency Rest Centre location in Tunbridge Wells, to cope with the evacuation of a care home affected by flooding caused by a burst water main. With 50 frail, elderly and disabled residents at Sunhill Court to be evacuated – many of who had mobility issues, dementia or other issues – it was important that the Rest Centre could be established rapidly and with the right kit. Community Resilience delivered 50 camp beds, sleeping bags, blankets and other equipment to a rest centre location from its deployment hub in under an hour, contributing to a highly successful, multi-agency deployment.
Community Resilience maintains Charter House in Ashford on emergency standby for use in partnership with aid organisations.
Supporting local communities Community Resilience helps commercial owners of empty warehouse and office accommodation support their local communities in an emergency. It provides the landlords with an expert property management service and ensures that the premises are instantly available on an exclusive basis to local authorities in an emergency, at no standby charge and no rent for the first 30 days.
Community Resilience Chief Executive George Cook said, “Community Resilience exists to help responders and local authorities protect the public in emergencies. Our main service is to provide public authorities with 24-7, exclusive access to commercial warehouses and offices on a pay-asyou-use basis in an emergency. These spaces can be used for a range of different purposes, and is cheaper and more reliable then commercial providers. As you can imagine, this service is becoming increasingly popular in this age of austerity. But as our activity over the summer shows, we do much more than this – we can help authorities deploy the kit and resources they need, where they need it, when they need it. This can make the difference between success and failure. Running like clockwork “As part of our service, we test our site amenities and deployment capabilities on a regular basis to ensure that everything runs like clockwork, whether it’s a mock emergency or the real thing.” If you are interested in finding out more about the services Community Resilience provides to public authorities, Tel: 0845 465 2004 or e-mail: stephen.graham@communityresilience.cc. www.communityresilience.cc
Visit Community Resilience on Stand 274.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Author: Mike Granatt CB FCIPR, Director, Luther Pendragon (advisors to Community Resilience) and former Head of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, Cabinet Office.
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White water course in the North East will provide new rescue training opportunities
Construction of the Tees Barrage White Water Course is well underway and is due to open in early 2011. With the major development, and investment of £4.6m, the course will boast a new short course – 95m in length with a drop of 3.7m – making it one of the steepest channels in the world. This new short course is being developed not only with kayaking and rafting in mind, but as a specialist rescue training centre for emergency services to work in and around swift-moving water, with a strong emphasis in flooding in urban environments. Rescue 3 (UK), the country’s leading provider of internationally recognised rescue training, is now working in partnership with Tees Active Ltd, the operators of the Tees Barrage White Water Course, to put the new course on the international map and make it a centre of excellence for rescue training. On opening of the new facility Rescue 3 (UK) in the North East will start training personnel from agencies across the UK and strives to hold an international water safety conference within the first 12 months.
Some of the key features of the new short course are: guaranteed controllable water flows, with 24 hour operation possible; exclusive use for visiting groups and fire crews; real vehicle rescue; classroom facilities on site; water quality tested weekly to EU Bathing Standards; the latest equipment; PPE hire; plus accommodation and catering. With fantastic transport links the white water course is an ideal venue for agencies wishing to train for the first time with Rescue 3 (UK) or utilising their own Rescue 3 trained instructors. www.rescue3.co.uk www.tbiwwc.co.uk
Specialising in onsite power equipment for the rental and emergency services sectors, ArcGen Hilta and SMC products are renowned for their superior build quality, utilising the latest technology. Super silent with reliable uninterrupted operation and high fuel efficiency, the lighting tower and generator ranges will ensure communities and businesses get back-up and running fast, and disaster recovery projects remain on time and on budget. On display at The Emergency Services Show, ArcGen Hilta will be displaying the SMC SL90 lighting tower, variable message boards and D5 Drysite pump. SMC lighting towers set the standard for quality, reliability, durability and performance. The 1000W metal Halide lamps give a strong and even light stream and can be fully retracted for transport and storage. The lighting towers can be equipped with auto start/stop, which allows the user to minimise fuel consumption by 30 percent or more, yet maximise efficiency. The lighting towers function in all climatic conditions and with a comprehensive and protected monitoring system, they are ideal for use in emergency situations.
is an internal cut-off voltage of 9V to prevent the battery from going into a deep discharge, thus extending its life. Quick and easy to deploy, with no cable to secure and two strong magnets with an anti-scratch coating to protect the vehicle roof, the Comet is the ideal solution for covert operations in the emergency services sector and an effective warning light for utility vehicles.
Information points ArcGen Hilta variable message boards can be used as invaluable information points displaying directions, traffic updates, vital instructions and even welfare advice for those affected by a disaster. Solar powered and capable of remote management, these signs have high-resolution displays to maximise effect. Password protected, the variable message boards can store up to 99 operator-programmed messages and 200 pre-programmed messages. The Drysite D5 pump is favoured in the pump industry because of its reliability, ease of maintenance and its flow rate capacity to pump 5000gal/h with a solids handling capacity of 40mm, ensuring water levels are lowered, pumped and cleared as efficiently and as cost effectively as possible. Chief Executive Mark Hodgkins said, “Disaster recovery and contingency planning is essential in a world of 24-hour communication and global business. ArcGen Hilta has a long history and reputation of providing reliable and robust machinery for use in emergency situations. It is essential that the plant hired is reliable and efficient to prevent unnecessary headaches and additional chaos in stressful situations.”
www.rsg-ontop.com
www.arc-gen.co.uk
Visit RSG Engineering on Stand 42.
Visit ArcGen Hilta on Stand 526.
Visit Rescue 3 on Stand 147.
Covert LED light module The Comet is a wireless, rechargeable, magnetic LED light module with a battery capacity of six hours when in constant use – claimed by its manufacturer, RSG Engineering Ltd, to be the longest battery life on the market today. Although at first sight the device may appear bulky due to the size of each light head, in reality its volume is defined by the shape and size of the rechargeable battery, which delivers up to six hours continuous life; making this unit the ideal choice for professional users. Each face of the unit has an ultra bright Compact Xtreme LED lamp consisting of four latest generation LEDs behind lenses utilising laser-cut optic technology for maximum light output and clarity. The unique, offset construction ensures 360º light output with no blind spots. Market leading battery technology ensures maximum battery life both in use and on standby. Charging takes only two hours from flat, once fully charged the battery stops drawing current and if unused it will last up to five weeks (40 days). There
Onsite power equipment – get the message?
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Reaching out to water rescue casualties
The Reach and Rescue Pole (RRP) has been designed by Reach and Rescue Limited in conjunction with a leading UK fire and flood rescue division, to improve the operator’s safety and capability at water, ice, mud and flood related incidents. The key function of the RRP is to accurately deploy a flotation/rescue device to an incident casualty in the shortest time possible thus saving
valuable, lifesaving minutes on your rescues. This directional method of administering aid is faster and more accurate than the existing ‘reach, throw, wade and row’ procedure currently used in the UK. It also enables the operator to stand safely behind the 3m hazard zone. The pole is stored in a quick release bag on a fire appliance. If in water, ice or mud the flotation buoy is attached to the first section then the rescuers decide which accessory is applicable for the type of incident and attach it to the pole using the snap-on easy-release head section. The operator points the pole toward the victim and releases the first clamp on the first section, extends the section and closes the clamps repeating until desired distance is achieved. The pole is retracted by repeating the operation outlined above in reverse. www.reachandrescue.com
Visit Reach and Rescue Limited on Stand 308.
Clothing system developments on show Keela/Ilasco will be showing its new range of PPE clothing at ESS2010. The last year has seen numerous new developments in fabric and clothing design, including the new HART (Hazardous Area Response Team) clothing system. The new HART range, developed in conjunction HART in Merseyside, brings together a unique system of corporate protective clothing, which uses a layering system. The system allows the clothing range to be interchanged depending on the environments in which they are being worn. All the clothing is manufactured in house to ensure best value for money. Also on display will be System Dual Protection (SDP) wet weather clothing, the only waterproof system to work in wet and cold conditions.
Waterproof, breathable materials do not actually breath in wet and cold conditions due to inner condensation. Test standards which claim materials are breathable are carried out in hot, dry conditions to avoid condensation forming inside the clothing. This is unrealistic as in real conditions condensation forms, causing the garment to no longer breathe. SDP manages the inner condensation keeping the wearer dry. And more... Other items on display will include USAR clothing, load carriers, water rescue clothing and operational clothing.
Trade assistance for police and public security companies
A|D|S is the trade organisation advancing UK aerospace, defence and security industries with Farnborough International Limited as a wholly owned subsidiary. It is formed from the merger of the Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers (APPSS), The Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA) and the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC). The security pillar of A|D|S comprises UK companies who typically supply products and services to the police and public security agencies worldwide. It provides a wide range of information, contacts, market leads, services and activities to assist member companies in: promoting and marketing their products and services in the UK and worldwide; bringing business opportunities to their attention, and creating a forum for sharing market information; and coordinating, liaising with and representing the industry to government agencies. www.adsgroup.org.uk
Visit A|D|S on Stand 124.
Portable floodlighting
www.ilasco.co.uk
See Keela/Ilasco on Stand 85.
Rugged mobile computers new to the UK Primetech has been awarded sole distributorship of the advanced range of PowerBrick™ rugged vehicle computer system in the UK.
Primetech is recognised for providing the latest technology and this innovative, small footprint mobile computer system is no exception. Using 3G or satellite broadband as the back-haul media, the robust PowerBrick™ is an extremely versatile range, which integrates easily and effectively with Primetech’s other technologies. Henry Walker, Director of Primetech, commented, “This is a natural extension to our
portfolio of products. It was designed specifically for the emergency services – an area where we are gaining a notable reputation for providing our customers with cost effective, high performance working solutions. The PowerBrick™ vehicle computer system completes this offering.” The Canadian High Commission made the introduction between Primetech and Acura, the company that designed and created PowerBrick™. Justin Price, International Marketing Manager at Acura, explained, “We have grown our business by reputation, so choosing our technology partner to represent us in the UK was immensely important. We were delighted when we met with Primetech. There is so much synergy between the two companies – the way we operate and the quality of our products. We look forward to a successful launch into the UK market.” The PowerBrick™ range will be launched at The Emergency Services Show 2010 at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
Using the same patented unique rigid air technology as IGOAL the newly launched ILITE offers easy to use portable floodlighting. No wiring or generators, just carry the light in its bag to where you need it – or use the hand held lighting house as a torch to guide your way. It is suitable for use by emergency services, the construction industry and sports sector. The LED unit, designed for greater durability and reliability, gives more light coverage than a 500W halogen floodlight while working from a rechargeable 12V system – giving over three hours use from the fully charged battery. The product is covered by a 12-month manufacturers guarantee.
www.primetech.co.uk
www.airstructuresinternational.com
Visit Primetech on Stand 231.
Visit Air Structures International on Stand 572.
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Medical equipment and training Exceeding expectations The Medical Warehouse’s forte is to tailor its service for the end user’s individual operational and budgetary requirements, ensuring that the final product is not only fit for purpose but exceeds expectation.
The Medical Warehouse is renowned as a supplier of all medical kits, consumables, equipment, devices and training resources to all emergency services both within the UK and overseas, including ambulance services, police services, fire and rescue services, armed forces, security forces, hospitals, NGOs, international Humanitarian agencies and emergency response units. On-call 24/7 it has long been recognised as the leading authority providing Specialist Tactical Medical Solutions; from its popular tactical thigh pouches to its famous TEAMS bags.
Visit the website Further details of the range of products and services on offer are available on the company’s website together with a downloadable version of standard and tactical brochures. www.medicalwarehouse.co.uk
Visit The Medical Warehouse on Stand 304.
Foam technology launches for first timer Fire Safe Fire Safe International Ltd will be present at ESS2010, the first major exhibition the company has attended. In addition to its expertise in respiratory protection, facemask fit testing and training, two new products are being launched.
Solberg Re-Healing Foam is the latest in foam technology – completely fluorine free yet effective on all types of Class A and B fires. It is available as 3%, 6% and AR type 3 x 6%. Firemiks is the latest in foam induction technology. Highly accurate at a wide range of flow
rates, powerful and adaptable, accurate foam mixing is now achievable in all applications – versions suitable for sprinkler installations, vehicle mounting and even hand portable types are available. Using only water flow to drive the foam pump, this is a power free environmentally friendly mixing system. www.firesafeinternational.com
Visit Fire Safe International Ltd on Stand 256.
Land based SAR expertise The Association of Lowland Search and Rescue (ALSAR) is the governing association for land based volunteer search and rescue in the lowland areas of the UK. Its members work closely with Mountain Rescue–EW to ensure effective volunteer search and rescue cover. ALSAR is a member of the UK SAR Operators Group, sitting alongside organisations such as Mountain Rescue-EW, Mountain Rescue-CS, Cave Rescue, RNLI, ACPO, ACFO and the MoD. The primary role of ALSAR’s member units is to support the police with vulnerable missing person searches. While this normally occurs in rural and wilderness areas, urban searching is also undertaken. ALSAR sets standards for its member units, in areas such as training, tactics and professional governance, ensuring that a
consistently high standard is provided in all areas where ALSAR operates. At The Emergency Services Show 2010, ALSAR aims to increase awareness of the search and rescue services its member units provide. The perceived low hazard status of the lowland UK areas has resulted in ALSAR being the least well known of the voluntary organisations represented on the UK SAR Operators Group. However, ALSAR member units remain consistently busy, demonstrating that there is a very real need for the services they provide. Both members of the executive committee and operational members of ALSAR units will be on hand at ESS2010, ready to discuss all aspects of voluntary search and rescue. In addition, ALSAR has chosen ESS 2010 to officially launch its new logo, which will align its service with the other land based volunteer search and rescue providers in the UK.
The latest development in advanced fire fighting electronics and telemetry Scott Health and Safety is synonymous with fire and rescue organisations worldwide as a supplier of respiratory protective equipment and is also a leading manufacturer of innovative personal protective equipment and safety devices for fire, rescue and other industrial sectors across the globe. The company’s products protect thousands of people every day from hazards including smoke, toxic fumes, combustible gases, falling objects and flame contaminants. At this year’s Emergency Services Show, visitors to the Scott stand (141) will see the latest development in advanced fire fighting electronics and telemetry. Designed in consultation with fire and rescue services across Europe, the ALERT ATS offers fire brigades the opportunity to create a system that meets their exact requirements. The modular approach enables the ALERT ATS to operate in its most simple configuration, as an evacuation two-way radio-signalling device, while at its most advanced level it can be operated as a fully computerised entry control management system with digital tally board. The new robust Telemetry Entry Control Board delivers critical levels of accountability as pressure, time remaining and time elapsed data is transmitted in real time. The built-in technology and fast boot-up means that the ALERT ATS is simple to use, gives clear status information and provides the ultimate evacuation control system. www.scotthealthsafety.com
Visit Scott Health and Safety on Stand 141.
Flood rescue kit In the wake of recent floods within the UK, Safequip has been pushed by fire and rescue services to provide a cost-effective suit for flood rescue applications. The Safequip ‘flood suit’ has in recent months seen a huge surge in sales with a number of fire and rescue services placing their orders. The innovative design provides high performance in flooding scenarios removing the need for costly drysuits. The ‘flood suit’ is highly flexible and is currently being used in applications such as working on boats, animal rescue and high volume pumps. Complete PPE In the wake of recent floods within Perth and Dundee, Safequip has just fulfilled an order for over 500 flood kits for Tayside Fire and Rescue. The flood kit comprises the ‘flood suit’ safety wellington, woolly bear and neoprene gloves. This puts Tayside Fire and Rescue in the unique position of providing a complete flood response PPE kit for all its operational firefighters.
www.alsar.org.uk
www.safequip.co.uk
Visit ALSAR on Stand U5.
Visit Safequip on Stand 57.
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A new standard for versatile rugged computing from Taiwan
GMFRS and TSI Flowmeters study water usage in the operational arena As part of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s (GMFRS’s) Sustainability Strategy a decision was taken to explore water usage in the operational arena with a view to reducing the environmental impact of the service’s activity when fighting fires (carbon footprint) and also improving firefighter safety. GMFRS has fitted TSI Flowmeters to its pumping appliance fleet since 1993 and to initiate this project support from the North West Improvement & Efficiency Programme (NWIEP) (North West Fire and Rescue Sustainability Network) was sought to upgrade existing flowmeter technology on seven fire appliances, to enable a trial to be undertaken. The North West Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (NWIEP) is a partnership dedicated to helping local authorities and their partners achieve efficiency and improvement objectives, as set out in the North West Improvement and Efficiency Partnership Strategy.
Improved information The information obtained will inform on a number of areas to include not only water usage at incidents, but future equipment design and fire fighting techniques. Improvements to firefighter safety will also be realised due to the use of new fire fighting techniques and improved information to the fireground. Fire and rescue services are large users of unmetered water. Each m3 of water used costs approximately £2.40 and the cost of fire fighting and training water is ultimately passed on to the end consumer. With increasing demands on water reserves during dry periods, this work will ensure GMFRS can evidence efficient use of water and preserve this valuable resource. Greater Manchester FRS has recently increased its investment to enable ‘live’ database access, software development and appliance modifications to promote accurate data thereby maximising project accuracy and outcomes. TSI Flowmeters Managing Director, Tim Carew, says he is looking forward to working with GMFRS to assist the service in achieving its goals to maximise water usage efficiency and improve operational outcomes. The seven appliances with telemetry fitted will begin recording live water usage data from incidents in January 2011 and initial findings from this trial are anticipated to be reported in the second quarter of 2011. www.tsi.ie
Visit TSI Flowmeters on Stand 56.
Durabook® (Twinhead International Corp) founded in 1984 and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, is one of the key suppliers in the rugged mobile computing industry.
The company offers a wide range of product lines that meet diverse demands of customers from different industries, including government, military, utilities, field service, transportation, healthcare and insurance. Durabook will announce its new rugged notebook U12C during ESS2010. Durabook rugged mobile computers are the ideal solutions for use on the road or in the office. Drop/shock and spill protection ensures users who work in harsh environments can maintain productivity without the risk of data or
performance losses. In addition, optional 3G global mobile internet (WWAN) lets them work seamlessly pretty much anywhere. The U12C is the lightest and most versatile convertible notebook to pass MIL-STD 810G for Drop, Vibration, and Shock. It is designed with innovative features and flexibilities for wideranging applications and work environments. It sets a new standard for versatile rugged computing.
The U12C deploys special features such as OneClick Stealth Mode that immediately disables all emitting light and sounds. This feature is designed for the unique applications of covert operations like stakeouts. In addition, the Aluminum-Magnesium alloy case can resist vibration or shock on the road or in the field. www.twinhead.com
Visit Durabook on Stand 262.
Versatile incident pod launched at ESS2010 West Midlands-based MiX Vehicle Conversion Specialists is developing two new variants of its lightweight Alu-pod pick-up truck body system for emergency services sector applications. With fixed and demountable designs currently being finalised, the new products will be launched and demonstrated at the forthcoming Emergency Services Show at Stoneleigh Park. “Alu-pod is already a tried, tested and proven design in the utilities sectors and we are now extending its capabilities to suit professionals in the blue light sector,” comments Tom Dougall, Account Manager for MiX Vehicle Conversion Specialists. “Our new designs are being developed as the result of consultations with emergency services operators, who have expressed a clearly defined need for a lightweight, flexible and versatile storage solution for use in on and off-road emergency situations. With its ability to fit a range of vehicles, plus our capability to accommodate
individual specifications, we believe the new Blue Light Alu-pods have a great market potential.” Constructed from fully-recyclable aluminium, MiX Vehicle Conversion Specialists’ Alu-pods provide a lightweight but durable design solution, which can help increase payload by at least 100kg compared to traditional GRP storage systems. The flat floor is capable of accommodating a standard euro pallet and the modular storage system provides compartments, drawers and racking and allows the Alu-pod to be configured for a wide variety of equipment and applications. www.mixtelematics.com
Visit MiX Vehicle Conversion Specialists on Stands 5 & 469.
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Come and visit us on stands 5 and 469 at The Emergency Services Show
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RADSAFE – training, advice, response and recovery RADSAFE is pleased to be involved in The Emergency Services Show this year. The organisation, operational since 1 August 1999 and owned by the main nuclear industry organisations, initiates the urgent response to a transport incident where radiological material is suspected of being involved by ensuring the closest responder is dispatched quickly. RADSAFE’s initial aim is to make the area safe radiologically by providing advice or undertaking the necessary actions. Initial guidance is provided within about 10 minutes with the response team being deployed within about an hour – a best endeavours approach is used. The notification system and response capability are available 24/7. Free training is provided to the emergency services and relevant training is provided to the RADSAFE responders. Team members have appropriate liability insurance in place and arrangements are also in place to ensure that media statements are made by the consignor/owner. In summary, RADSAFE provides a guaranteed response, early provision of advice, a framework for media support and ownership of the clean-up activities.
Ambulances designed for the UK market
Response Special Vehicles and Products Ltd (Response-SV) is an ambulance and specialist vehicle manufacturer, formed out of the need for A&E ambulances that are better suited to UK requirements. The company’s ambulance vehicles are tremendous achievements of British engineering. The revolutionary MediMax ambulance is the first of its kind in the world, offering all the ergonomic space, payload and operational capabilities of larger
www.radsafe.org.uk
Visit RADSAFE on Stand E19.
Show of strength from West Midlands Fire Service once again West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) strives to be at the forefront of providing a high quality service, always rising to meet the challenges of the everchanging demands that face a modern fire service. Achieving this through education is key to creating the safer adults and communities of tomorrow. WMFS engages with children from nursery age through to young adults by means of its extensive schools programmes. Stand F8 will showcase the newly developed Key Stage 1, ‘Great Fire of London’ package and the service will also show an innovative way of promoting fire safety messages in the home. In Hall 3, on Stand 610, WMFS will lead a multiagency practical exercise showing the collaborative workings between the fire, police and HART as they undertake a rescue from a hazardous situation, identify an unknown substance, gather evidence and secure the scene for further investigation. International Search and Rescue, supported by the West Midlands Fire Service team, are also in Hall 3, on Stand 461. From their command and control unit they will demonstrate all aspects of their work from the initial call, alerting the team to a disaster, through their deployment, to working at the incident alongside colleagues from other brigades and countries to the completion of the rescue phase. www.wmfs.net
Visit West Midlands Fire Service on Stands F8, 461 & 610.
5+ tonne ‘box body’ ambulances – while still weighing less than 3.5 tonnes – fully loaded. Response-SV’s design and engineering capabilities allow it to build vehicles that can dramatically reduce carbon emissions, allow for the ever-increasing demands for onboard equipment, and still deliver tremendous fuel efficiency. With an emphasis on affordability (at about half the cost of traditional ‘box body’ ambulances) Response-SV’s ambulances eliminate the need for licensing requirements, and deliver lower maintenance and overall running costs. As standard, Response-SV vehicles incorporate industry leading infection control technologies, bespoke interior layout configurations, and a wide range of customer options. www.response-sv.com
Visit Response-SV on Stand OS17.
Setting the standard for fire fighting fabrics PBI is one of the world’s leading inherently flame resistant and thermally stable fibres for outer shell fabric, combining flame resistance and thermal protection with the highest levels of comfort, durability, and protection available today. The company’s specialised fabrics are widely recognised as the premium products in outer shell and hood protection for fire fighting gear. PBI Matrix and PBI Gold fabrics continue to set the highest standards for personal protection. Over the last year, in the UK fire and rescue service, PBI has been chosen by North East, North West and the South East/Eastern regional procurement groups, as well as all three Welsh fire
and rescue services, and a number of other services including, Humberside, Gloucestershire and the Isle of Man. PBI is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina and maintains a manufacturing facility located in Rock Hill, South Carolina and global sales offices in Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. www.pbiproducts.com
Visit PBI on Stand 43.
Textile coating services Coating Applications Group, part of the Allied Textile Group of companies and incorporating JB Broadley and IQ Textiles, introduces its textile coating services and extensive ‘stock’ operation, based in Rawtenstall, in Lancashire. The company’s services are designed for a range of markets, these include: Venté – laminated performance breathable clothing membranes; Exeat – direct PU-coated clothing fabrics; Exeat Electron – harnessing a ‘grid’ system, it has been designed to diminish spark and reduce the potential incidences of FR; Caflex high
performance PVC, designed for industrial/medical/leisure uses, phthalates free certificated polyester/silver impregnated Nylon; Ability PU-coated 1000/ 500 Denier texturised Nylons – load carrying/armour covers etc; and Permalite PVC for protective clothing – resistant to chemical splash/clean room/FR etc. The company is customer driven, strengthening its reputation as one of Europe’s leading textile groups. www.coatingapplications.co.uk
Visit Coating Applications Group on Stand 74.
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The latest in technical rescue gear and telescopic masts Vimpex is a specialist supplier of rescue, police and military equipment. Its stand at this year’s Emergency Services Show will reflect the company’s three areas of focus: PPE, technical rescue and masts for lighting, communications and CCTV. Battery powered hydraulic tools Ogura battery powered hydraulic tools include the revolutionary BC-300 Combi, featuring replaceable blade chips, Li-Ion battery technology and the lightest mass in its class. The Ogura range also includes the HRS modular rescue system and ORC bar cutters able to cut up to 20mm rebar. Lightweight battery powered tools are growing in popularity as the trend for small, fast response rescue vehicles necessitates compact, immediately deployable and highly portable rescue tools and solutions. Ogura tools are in use by a significant number of UK police forces to aid with protestor release, forced entry and public order operations. Military applications include the use of Ogura tools for self-rescue, house-to-house searches and captive release. UK USAR teams are big users of the HRS modular system and ORC bar cutters, which are ideal for collapsed building, remote and confined space rescue. Using batteries for power means that Ogura tools are ideal for overseas rescue when the transport of fuel is heavily restricted.
development of the Aquamast. This allows for a water canon or monitor to be mounted to a mast up to 13m in height allowing firefighters to fight fires at greater distances and at greater heights with more safety then ever before. An example of the advantages offered by the Aquamast is in fighting fires on building sites where hoardings or construction equipment might make access to the fire difficult. Aquamast can be installed on smaller 3.5 tonne vehicles meaning that smaller fire trucks can be used for aerial fire fighting for the first time. www.rescue-tools.co.uk
Visit Vimpex on Stand 96.
Lighting, surveillance and communications Fireco Lighting Masts are already in use in numerous fire and rescue services in the UK. From roof-mounted ‘robot style’ units to through-roof or freestanding masts, the Fireco range is extremely innovative. Vimpex is able to supply many lighting options including LED, Xenon HID and low-cost Halogen. The unique Lumicone is a quickly deployed lighting globe, which gives an all round, even glow with minimal shadows. A recent and exciting innovation by Fireco is the
Interspiro has over 70 years’ of experience as a groundbreaking innovator of respiratory protection equipment (RPE). The company develops, manufactures and markets respiratory and auxiliary equipment, ranging from negative pressure filter masks through to SpiroGuide CBRN capable computermonitored SCBA with user-friendly performance data capture and storage. AT ES2010 Interspiro will be exhibiting its respiratory protection equipment range for fire and rescue service and diving applications. The company will also undertake live demonstrations of its innovative SpiroComm SCBA communications and SpiroLink SCBA telemetry systems during the exhibition. www.interspiro.com
Visit Interspiro on stand 26.
Waysafe lights the way Waysafe is a new flexible linear light from LGI. Designed specifically for marking pathways or routes either internally or externally, this valuable addition to the search and rescue armoury offers the user the flexibility of marking a possible hazard or illuminating a pathway. The system solves the problem of way guidance in low-visibility conditions because the cable provides full radial illumination along its entire length. An additional advantage is that the products are particularly suited to smoky environments. Tests with fire and rescue services have shown that the material is clearly visible in a smoke-filled room and would assist in the evacuation of personnel. The system is available in three standard illumination cable lengths – 50m, 100m or 300m – and numerous colours. Illumination times of up to 30 hours are achievable from a single charge of its internal batteries. www.lineargi.co.uk
Visit LGI on Stand 219.
Uniform accessories
The company works closely with customers to establish exactly what they need and its design team works to ensure every detail is covered specifically and perfectly. This is backed with after-sales service, equipment servicing, maintenance/repair training plus fast turn-around on repairs, including fast-access loan suits in the event of an emergency overwhelming a team’s available equipment.
Intramark is a leading manufacturer and supplier of all types of uniform accessories for armed forces, police, fire and rescue and ambulance services, as well as supplying government agencies, security and corporate clients. The company’s staff have extensive experience and knowledge to meet the needs of its customers and can provide in house design for all uniform wear. Intramark manufactures epaulettes, sliders, metal badges and insignia. It also supplies and embroiders a wide range of garments including fleeces, polo shirts, t-shirts etc. The company operates a quality management system to ISO 9001:2008 and holds a Royal Warrant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for the supply of military regalia and embroidery.
www.ndiver.com
www.intramarkuk.com
Visit Northern Diver on Stand 234.
Visit Intramark on Stand 24.
Drysuit specialist leads the field in design Northern Diver is one of the most experienced designers and manufacturers of drysuits and associated equipment in the UK. Forty years of experience has enabled the company to lead the field in design and innovations, having being responsible for many of the manufacturing techniques, fabrics and technologies taken for granted today. The UK Ministry of Defence uses Northern Diver products exclusively for the Navy and Special Forces diving equipment; The Royal Navy Search and Rescue use Northern Diver for their helicopter teams; a vast number of the UK’s fire and rescue services and water rescue teams use Northern Diver drysuits and related equipment.
RPE innovation from Interspiro
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See the light on Stand 45
Storage solutions
The key to the success of Geargrid storage equipment is its practicality for the job. The first sales of the product in the UK were for PPE storage systems (both wall-mounted and mobile units). However, once the strength and versatility of Geargrid had been realised by people using this equipment, many stations have now added cylinder and hose storage systems. Two new systems This year Geargrid is introducing two new ancillary storage systems, again with practicality in mind. The Slinger Workbench provides storage under a worktop that can be used for inspection, cleaning and maintenance of SCBA and other equipment. Any one of three different types of shelves (flat kit bag, cylinder or hose shelves) can be utilised in the unit. The Miami Storage System provides mobile or fixed storage for cylinders, large equipment and kit bags.
Peli will launch the rugged 9410 LED handlamp and the 9440 Remote Area Lighting System on Stand 45 at ESS2010. The 9410 is a compact but tough new rechargeable light suitable for a wide range of applications. It is lightweight, at 1.4kg, with an array of four powerful LEDs giving a 710lm output that cuts through smoke and fog. Designed to stand on end and featuring a 120° tilt head to angle the beam exactly where required, the 9410 has three modes: high beam, economy and flashing mode. The 9410 include a three-stage battery level indicator – green for full, amber for medium and red for low. A sure grip handle provides a comfortable and non-slip grip and an extra large space to accommodate gloved hands. This handlamp is the latest addition to the comprehensive range of professional torches from Peli. Designed specifically for police and rescue services, the Peli range includes tactical LED torches offering excellent battery efficiency along with powerful, bright beams, intrinsically safe versions for hazardous areas and hands-free models. Remote area lighting The 9440 Remote Area Lighting System (RALS) is an innovative rechargeable light. Shown here in the extended position, the height is over 2m but the unit packs down telescopically
Tempus was established in the UK in 1982 and has always been at the forefront of computing technology. Since then the company has grown substantially and become a leading supplier of
Visit Geargrid on Stand 34.
Extreme computing solutions from Getac
www.getac.com
Visit Getac on Stand 159.
www.peliproducts.co.uk
Visit Peli Products (UK) Ltd on Stand 45.
Mobile data solutions
www.geargrid.co.uk
Getac, the rugged mobile computing solutions provider, designs and manufactures rugged computing products for various markets, including: military and defense, law enforcement, public safety, utility, field service, oil and gas, telecommunications, transportation, manufacturing and mobile workforce. Solutions include: fully rugged notebooks; fully rugged tablet PC; fully rugged handheld devices; business rugged notebooks; and embedded software. Getac offers even more besides: professional, experienced engineers in hardware, software, mechanics and thermal are available to build rugged mobile platforms that suit customers’ requirements; partnership with industry leading software companies to satisfy customers’ requests; and professional service and support – all of the critical elements to help professionals conquer the challenges of working under extreme environments.
to be less a metre long in the closed position. This portable unit weighs only 7.3kg and is supplied with a carry strap. The LEDs output a powerful 2400lm (on high power) and 1200 in economy mode. Peli RALS have been chosen by police forces and fire and rescue services because these products offer powerful, rechargeable, LED lighting for remote locations. With silent operation and no trailing cables to create a trip hazard, they offer a safe, economic and convenient alternative to generator-powered lighting. The 9430 unit is ideal for illuminating a situation where there is no mains power available. It offers up to 15 hours of light and recharges in approximately six hours. These portable, self-contained units offer instant and silent LED light.
mobile data solutions to many customers including emergency services, roadside assistance, utility, logistics and distribution companies. Tempus company policy is to develop long-term relationships with its customers by providing reliable products and responsive after-sales service. The company has a dedicated team of qualified engineers and technicians together with specialist equipment used within its Research & Development department, while its Maintenance and Support fleet of vans supports Tempus customers nationwide. Add to these a team of dedicated installation engineers and the company really is a ‘one-stop’ shop! Visitors to the Tempus stand at ESS2010 will be able to discuss their requirements and see solutions already installed and operational. www.tempus.co.uk/developments
Visit Tempus on Stand 344.
College of Paramedics The College of Paramedics is the professional body for the paramedic profession. It provides members with a range of member benefits, including a free telephone advice line and representation at many national forums. It also runs CPD accredited events. There are three levels of membership: Full for HPC-registered paramedics; Student for those on
paramedic courses; and Associate for technicians, emergency care personnel and other interested parties. The College of Paramedics also offers Corporate Membership to companies that may wish to support its work. Find out on Stand A5 how signing up for membership can support you in your practice. www.britishparamedic.org
Visit the College of Paramedics on Stand A5
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Able and willing – but is Rotary ready to respond to emergencies? Best known for the founding of Shelterbox and international relief work, Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), currently has 55,000 Rotarians in over 1800 Rotary Clubs in 29 geographical districts that don’t align with county boundaries. These men and women volunteer their time, talents, professional skills and energy to improving the lives of people in their local communities and other communities worldwide. The Cumbria floods were an example of Rotarian involvement in home-based disasters. During the flooding, Rotarians throughout Cumbria and beyond contributed considerable time and energy to assist the victims of the floods at reception centres and other locations. During the recovery phase, Rotary Clubs, in partnership with other voluntary organisations, have been at the forefront in many different ways. With donations from Rotary Clubs across the world, Rotarians in Keswick, Cockermouth and Workington have been able to provide furniture and other household goods, welfare trips and independent, trustworthy advice, in addition to small across-the-board grants, to every affected household irrespective of their financial circumstances. Engaging in resilience However, all this good work was achieved without the Rotary organisation being formally signed up to
Cumbria County Council’s Resilience Plans for the Voluntary Sector. It became clear that the majority of the 29 Districts that comprise RIBI had no single protocol as to how Rotarians should be engaged in resilience. One morning, in the thick of the Cumbria floods, a phone call from Rotary’s incoming national president, advised his intention to have some form of protocol within RIBI for future disasters and emergencies. A while later, the RIBI Community and Vocational Committee was tasked to ‘Develop contingency plans to assist Rotary Districts and Clubs to respond to home-based emergencies and disasters’. This has been something of a challenge; each of the Rotary Districts has different levels of involvement – from none at all to full blown responsibility for manning reception centres, greeting, accommodating and befriending relatives of victims and many other tasks.
The problem is that while Rotary is able and willing, there is a need for a common modus operandi among the ‘civil authorities’ as to how they wish the voluntary sector to be involved in resilience. For reasons best known to them, some local authorities seem reluctant to involve the voluntary sector; others, particularly in the major cities where the threat of terrorism is involved, have indicated that the response is too specialised or dangerous for voluntary sector involvement. However, there is considerable evidence in the north east of England, Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and elsewhere that once engaged in responding to emergencies, Rotarians have a great deal to offer. CCA enhancement We are hopeful that the long awaited enhancement to the Civil Contingencies Act (CCA), perhaps strengthened by Mr Cameron’s ‘Big Society’, will provide some direction for the civil authorities to engage more with the voluntary sector. Meanwhile, Rotary districts are being encouraged to select District Resilience Coordinators, so that we will be ready to assist alongside the rest of the voluntary sector; then a Rotary protocol that everyone will recognise can be published. www.ribi.org
Author: A L Parrini MBE, Resilience Coordinator, Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland.
Reach for the Sky Sky Watch Civil Air Patrol (SWCAP), based in the UK, is the largest voluntary air observation service in Europe, with a fleet of over 200 aircraft including light aircraft, autogyros and helicopters. Run in partnership with UK Air Search CIC (Community Interest Company), it is a Registered Charity (No 1113079). The SWCAP service is entirely voluntary, with pilots, observers and ground crew donating their time and aircraft free of charge. Since its formation in 2000, the list of reported incidents has steadily risen, with reports from SWCAP aircraft acknowledged by the emergency services as helping to secure the ‘golden hour’, the first 60 minutes after an incident when assistance to the injured is most effective. The service has been instrumental in saving a number of lives while working in partnership with other agencies, including the British Red Cross.
How SWCAP operates The focal point for SWCAP’s operations within an agreed area is the Civil Air Patrol Unit, which is headed by a Chief Pilot. The unit’s base is generally the airfield from which the Chief Pilot flies his/her aircraft. Other pilots may operate from satellite airfields and fly to an agreed airfield or landing strip for training, exercises or operational missions. Pilots practice air observation and search techniques under the supervision of the Unit Chief Pilot, so that if they are called upon to perform a particular task they can carry it out effectively. A trained Observer is the ‘eyes and ears in the sky’, operating the on-board camera and, in most cases, handling communications with people on the ground. Ground crew perform a variety of tasks including operating the unit’s ground control equipment, liaison with other agencies etc.
The service Sky Watch Civil Air Patrol provides a number of services including: air search for missing persons; damage assessment following an environmental emergency; air to ground imagery following serious flooding; air support and training for inshore lifeboats, mountain and lowland rescue teams; aerial observation of critical/vulnerable infrastructure; monitoring remote areas including countryside, road, rail and waterways; traffic and crowd monitoring; and information on emergency vehicle access.
Units and response In England SWCAP has units based in Cornwall, Cumbria, Dorset, Norfolk, Northumberland, Suffolk, Wiltshire and two in Yorkshire. In Scotland, units cover the Lowlands, Highlands and West of Scotland. To ensure flexibility of operation operational areas are not confined to county boundaries, but instead utilise police service geographical areas. If air support is required to respond to an emergency, the emergency service, usually the police
or HM Coastguard, will contact the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC). The ARCC will evaluate the request and send a rescue helicopter, or forward the request to the Sky Watch Civil Air Patrol. Governance The responsibility for overall policy and direction is vested in the Trustees and National Officers, all of whom are elected on an annual basis. SWCAP is represented on a number of official bodies, including: Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) created under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004; and Voluntary Sector Civil Protection Forum, a national body comprising recognised voluntary agencies, Category 1 and 2 Responders and the Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Unit. Links The charity also has active links with: Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, RAF Kinloss; Distress and Diversion Cell, London Air Traffic Control Centre; Civil Aviation Authority; United States Civil Air Patrol; Canadian Air Search and Rescue Association; and Channel Islands Air Search. www.skywatchcivilairpatrol.org.uk
Author: Graham Whitehead, General Secretary, Sky Watch Civil Air Patrol.
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Canoe Lifeguards could provide national flood assistance ‘Another group of rescue rangers or Dad’s Army types,’ I see you thinking. I urge you to withhold judgement! Over the past few years Herts Canoe Lifeguards have worked hard to obtain a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hertfordshire County Council to enable the unit to assist at flood events within Hertfordshire. Canoe Lifeguards have been involved in providing vital support to those affected by flooding since 1958. The provision was the brainchild of Rear Admiral DJ Hoare CB RN. He witnessed the severe flooding to the east coast in 1953 and realised the potential of canoes and kayaks within this dynamic and unstable environment. Almost 60 years on and Herts Canoe Lifeguards are starting to operate in similar ways to that of the original Canoe Lifeguards of the 1950s.
“Once on scene the main role of the Canoe Lifeguards would be recognisance and information gathering under the instruction of the fire and rescue service officer in charge.” So what exactly is it that we do? Picture the scene; 300 houses are flooded from a nearby river that has overtopped. The water quickly spread throughout the town but is now relatively static and will take hours to drain away. The fire and rescue service makes the call to us, asking for our help. Depending on the expected duration of the event and number of lifeguards required, teams are called via a cascade phone system and mobilise at our base where our kit is stored.
Once on scene the main role of the Canoe Lifeguards would be recognisance and information gathering under the instruction of the fire and rescue service officer in charge. The Canoe Lifeguard team leader would stand alongside the fire and rescue officer in charge and deploy our team; they would then communicate with the team via our VHF radios.
The team of four kayakers or canoeists would work alongside the emergency services and other volunteer agencies. By the team paddling, they are able to quickly work their way through the floodwater checking properties and vehicles for people. Once a victim of the flooding has been found their needs can be assessed and be passed back to the team leader standing next to the incident commander and relevant rescue service informed so the casualty can be prioritised.
Focus on training In order that the unit keeps its members safe there is a heavy focus on training at our weekly sessions. These sessions are backed up by weekends away undertaking training, all focusing on different elements of Canoe Lifeguarding, including first aid, paddling skills, risk assessment and search patterns. Within Canoe Lifeguards there is a large award structure, the minimum standard we require for a
volunteer to attend a flood event is the Moving Water Lifeguard award. Many members of the unit have gone on to higher-level qualifications, such as the Rescue 3 SRT and Advanced SRT awards. We are hoping that by being based less than a mile from the new Lee Valley White Water Centre we will be able to utilise the white water that is being created within Hertfordshire. Along with the new course at Cardiff, we are spoilt for choice for manmade places to train. We do not forget our natural training venues and getting away from the hustle and bustle of white water centres to head for natural rivers in Wales can provide an equally rewarding training session. A national service Utilising the skills of kayaks and canoes with low velocity floodwater is something we are looking to promote nationally. We all know how turbulent and dangerous floodwater can be. Many kayakers thrive for the opportunity to paddle the white water rivers of the UK in so called ‘spate’ conditions. With some efficient and effective management and training this passion for the water could be harnessed and utilised within communities when the floods occur. We would like to thank our sponsors Palm Equipment and Crewsaver who have supported us in progressing to become a successful Canoe Lifeguard Unit. www.hclifeguards.co.uk
Author: Joe Haines, Herts Canoe Lifeguards.
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Director GCHQ outlines the UK’s response to the cyber challenge
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On 12 October, Iain Lobban, Director GCHQ, set out GCHQ’s broad perspective on cyber security. Speaking to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, he outlined how cyber is not just a national security or defence issue but is something that goes to the heart of our economic well-being in cyberspace in order to present the public with greater awareness of the challenge. He also talked through the Government’s response and planned developments in order to secure UK advantage in security, military and commercial spheres.
GCHQ is probably best known for its foreign intelligence mission, providing Signals Intelligence or ‘Sigint’. Its current contributions support a wide range of national security activity including: support to the military in Afghanistan and more broadly; counter-terrorism, supporting Security Service investigations and working with the Secret Intelligence Service to understand the upstream threat; counter-proliferation; tackling serious and organised crime; and a range of other global security issues. But it is perhaps not so widely known that GCHQ also has a clear security mission. The precise description is ‘to provide advice and assistance about... cryptography and other matters relating to the protection of information and other material’. Within Government we describe that more simply as the ‘Information Assurance’ mission.
Both of these missions have a proud history – you’re all aware of course of the origins of GCHQ in Bletchley Park’s successes in code breaking and code making and the remarkable technology and people that delivered them. Through the intervening years our achievements have remained at that high level of technological expertise. Our people, of whom I am immensely proud, remain one of this country’s great unsung assets. Communications technology Our mastery of high-end communications technology is hugely relevant to the problems of cyber security. You may have noticed that although we still keep very quiet about our operational successes there has been a bit more by way of onthe-record comment from GCHQ recently. I think that’s important. One significant change that’s taken place in international communications is that
in the modern world the same technology that our adversaries use is used by citizens going about their daily business. So reassuring people that they are being appropriately defended against threats without encroachments on their privacy is very important. I also want to bang the drum publicly about the importance of technology and cyber skills so that we can sustain a flow of top-quality recruits into GCHQ and its industry partners. My perspective on cyber comes from bringing together both sides of GCHQ’s mission: • The intelligence mission illuminates some of the capabilities – and sometimes the intentions of adversaries to use cyber techniques. It allows us to detect some of their activities. • And the information assurance mission gives us knowledge of where our own government and critical national infrastructure systems, and those of our Allies, may be vulnerable to cyber exploitation.
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It’s worth noting at this point that a strength of the UK system is that one organisation – GCHQ – brings together both disciplines. That arrangement is shared by only a few other countries – most notably the US. It gives us a richer view of vulnerabilities and threats than those who consider them purely from the point of view of defence. The threat So what do we know about the threat? Without wishing to comment in detail on what we know about any specific stories, I will give you some general comment and context. It is true that we have seen worms cause significant disruption to Government systems – both those targeted deliberately against us, and those picked up from the internet accidentally. There are over 20,000 malicious emails on Government networks each month, 1000 of which are deliberately targeting them. It is true that we have seen the use of cyber techniques by one nation on another to bring diplomatic or economic pressure to bear. It is true that we have seen theft of intellectual property on a massive scale, some of it not just sensitive to the commercial enterprises in question but of national security concern too. And of course it is true that the risks in all these areas are growing along with the enormous growth of the internet. At the moment it’s expanding by about 60 percent a year. There are around 1⁄4 of a trillion emails sent every day – even if 80 percent of these are spam. Cyberspace is contested every day, every hour, every minute, every second. I can vouch for that from the displays in our own operations centre of minute-by-minute cyber attempts to penetrate systems around the world. Ministers are looking, in the context of the Strategic Defence and Security Review and the Spending Review, at what capabilities the UK needs to develop further. Clearly they will also be deciding how they trade off against other spending priorities. I’ll outline in a moment some of the things we might do, without prejudging any National Security Council decisions or SDSR announcement. But first, one important message. Just because I, as a national security official, am talking about cyber, I don’t want to give you the impression that it is solely a national security or defence issue. It goes to the heart of our economic well-being and national interest. Let me illustrate that ‘not just security’ theme. I have five different perspectives on cyber that I’d like to share with you. Going online First, the Government wants to get services online. Most departments and Ministers aspire to put more and more Government activity on to the internet. It’s a cheaper, faster, more efficient, way of running Government business. And it’s a cheaper, faster, more efficient, and often more accessible way of delivering services directly to the public. The public increasingly expects services to be available online. But it has to be done without putting citizens’ personal data at risk of being stolen, and without opening up payment systems to fraud. This is a big challenge. GCHQ’s Information Assurance technical experts continue working –
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with the Government Chief Information Officer and with the Office of Cyber Security in the Cabinet Office – to help Government departments address this challenge. Our professional rule of thumb is that good Information Assurance practice will solve 80 percent of Government’s cyber security vulnerabilities. By this we mean observing basic network security disciplines like keeping patches up to date. That, combined with the necessary attention to personnel security and the ‘insider’ threat, will offer substantial protection for each individual network.
“Thousands of stolen UK credit card details are available for sale online for about US$2 per set.” But the scale of the challenge is changing; and the remaining 20 percent of the threat is complex and not easily addressed by just building the security walls higher and higher. The 20 percent, which is made up of that complex threat needs to be defended against in cyberspace itself. Within the next few years online tax and benefit payment systems could be processing over one hundred billion pounds’ worth of payments each year. There will be a public expectation that the citizen’s transactions with Government will be protected. But criminal exploitation of those transactions need not be at the Government end. A Government network can be as well protected in Information Assurance terms as you like but the stolen legitimate credentials of a citizen would still present a security problem. So those setting policies for public services, and those designing their delivery, need to be conscious of – and well advised about – the wider cyber security aspects that might subvert their aims. And we need to deepen Government’s dialogue and partnership with the industry partners who deliver the systems and services that need securing. In many cases they have an equal or greater stake in ensuring proper protection and realising efficiencies. There is a strong foundation on which to build in the structures that have been created under the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and a number of Whitehall/industry bodies. Growth of e-crime Clear leadership at Ministerial level of cyber security and Information Assurance has been a great benefit in accelerating progress here. My second theme: the growth of e-crime is disturbing. Accurate estimates for the overall costs to the economy are quite difficult to pin down but a figure well into the billions seems credible. At a more comprehensible level, hundreds of hacking forums exist. On them thousands of stolen UK credit card details are available for sale online for about US$2 per set. Just one botnet is believed to have stolen credit card and online banking details from up to 12.7million victims worldwide. This puts individual citizens at risk. And we have seen such botnets-for-hire used by organised criminal groups for concerted attempts to perpetrate
Cyber attack survey reveals varying levels of preparedness On 6 October Symantec Corp released the findings of its 2010 Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Survey, which highlights that 53 percent of critical infrastructure providers report that their networks have experienced what they perceived as politically motivated cyber attacks. Participants in the global survey claimed to have experienced such an attack on an average of 10 times in the past five years, incurring an average cost of US$850,000 to their businesses. Survey participants from the energy industry reported that they were best prepared for such an attack, while participants from the communications industry reported that they were the least prepared. Critical infrastructure providers represent industries that are of such importance either to a nation’s economy or society that if their cyber networks were successfully attacked and damaged, the result would threaten national security. Only one-third of critical infrastructure providers feel extremely prepared against all types of attacks and 31 percent felt less than somewhat prepared. Respondents cited security training, awareness and comprehension of threats by executive management, endpoint security measures, security response, and security audits as the safeguards that needed the most improvement. Finally, small companies reported being the most unprepared. “Critical infrastructure protection is not just a government issue. In countries where the majority of a nation’s critical infrastructure is owned by private corporations – in addition to large enterprises – there is also the significant presence of small and medium-sized businesses,” said Justin Somaini, Chief Information Security Officer at Symantec Corp. “Security alone is not enough for critical infrastructure providers of all sizes to withstand today’s cyber attacks.” The survey was conducted in August 2010 and is based on 1580 responses from 15 countries and six industries categorised as critical infrastructure providers. www.symantec.com
multiple small frauds – not just against commercial targets but also against online tax systems across Europe. e-Crime therefore begins to look like a low-risk, but potentially high-profit opportunity for the creative criminal. We need to change that. The law enforcement and intelligence communities are working to improve our collective approach to tackling it, developing the same kind of holistic approach that we use against the drugs trade. This would bring to bear a range of capabilities: strategic intelligence which tells us the overall scale and shape of the problem so we can focus interventions in the most effective place; law enforcement work to identify and tackle groups and individuals; pursuing offenders through the
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courts; and measures to make it easier to identify and report criminal activity. As with other aspects of cyber security, we should seek to raise the cost to the adversary; force criminals to work harder to achieve their aims and the problem should reduce. The owners of vulnerable services can help here by adhering to good Information Assurance practices. Critical National Infrastructure Much attention has been paid in the media to the potential for cyber attacks to seriously disrupt Critical National Infrastructure. I would not wish to talk about the steps we take with the Security Service to reduce specific vulnerabilities. But the threat is a real and credible one. We already provide expert advice and incident response to the operators of critical services. We must continue to strengthen these capabilities and be swifter in our response, aiming to match the speed at which cyber events happen. We need to consider the value of receiving in return a direct feed of information from the operators with that same sort of timeliness so that we are aware of the attacks that they are seeing on their systems as they happen. Of course that would need to be in proportion to the threat faced. But such feeds could give us the opportunity to respond, if necessary, with some active defensive techniques, as well as to spread knowledge of the threat quickly to others who may be vulnerable. For me this points to a different sort of partnership between the national security agencies and the key industry players. Our systems will need to be more interconnected. And we may need to establish different financial models to underpin a national capability, which will be both public and private. International partnerships Cyber will involve us renewing our commitments to international partnerships. We have common interests with other nations in sharing information on threats and vulnerabilities. Again, this needs to happen at internet speed. Many of the enterprises or systems we are trying to protect extend across national boundaries. Even where a UK enterprise does not have some form of commercial partnership overseas, the communications systems on which it depends will almost certainly include servers and fibre optic cables in other countries. As our national abilities to defend our networks grow, the need for consensus among partners and allies on the right way to address specific threats will be ever more essential. We mustn’t let differences between jurisdictions create a weak spot for attackers to exploit. Fortunately we have strong international alliances already that will help us to achieve this, in particular some of our intelligence and security relationships. Through these relationships the UK is well placed to be a key player in international discussions and to play our part in an active and collective approach to defence. At the political and diplomatic level, we will need to reaffirm the proper norms of behaviour for responsible states in cyber space. Both how they should be expected to behave and what they should be able to expect from partners. When it comes to those who do not abide by the norms, one of the major difficulties we face is in attributing cyber activity to a particular nation state or other actor.
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It’s not always impossible, but it is very, very hard. And that changes some of the military and diplomatic equations on how we deter, how we respond and how we counter. I think it would be fair to say we have not yet fully explored those strategic questions. We will need to have rapid and robust ways of working with allies. And where there is a deliberate or an unintended spread of a worm that threatens critical systems, countermeasures will need to be coordinated internationally in order to be effective. Continued economic prosperity Last but by no means least, and in fact fundamentally, getting cyber right enables the UK’s continuing economic prosperity. There’s a clear defensive angle. In order to flourish, a knowledge economy needs to protect from exploitation the intellectual property at the heart of the creative and high-tech industry sectors. It needs to maintain the integrity of its financial and commercial services. But I believe the prosperity implications of cyber are wider than that. There is an opportunity, which we can seize if Government and the telecommunications sector, hardware and software vendors, and managed service providers can come together. It’s an opportunity to develop a holistic approach to cyber security that makes UK networks intrinsically resilient in the face of cyber threats. And that will lead to a competitive advantage for the UK. We can give enterprises the confidence that by basing themselves here they gain the advantages of access to a modern internet infrastructure while reducing their risks. And developing such expertise also opens up potential export markets. The global market for cyber
security products is growing faster than much of the rest of the global economy. We are seeing that potential market for UK products and services growing at over 10 percent per annum. If we get the partnership approach right we can develop a thriving industry here. Conclusion Cyber is a real, live issue, bringing both threat and opportunity. It’s not a narrow security issue for the spooks – but a wide economic issue that demands a holistic response. Perhaps 80 percent of what we need to do is stuff we already know how to do – getting the basics of Information Assurance right will of itself raise the bar for malicious activity. But ‘patch and pray’ will not be enough. At the national level, getting the rest of cyber – the more difficult 20 percent – right will involve new technology, new partnerships, and investment in the right people. Crucial elements within that will be: a different approach to Government-industry partnership; and work by academia to broaden our research base and establish the mechanisms that will develop a large body of genuine expertise in the UK. But if we can get it right, then we have a real chance to keep our economy and our citizens secure. And, more than that, we can develop a world-class approach, which potentially gives us a relative advantage – in security, military, and commercial spheres. www.gchq.gov.uk
This article is an abridged version of a speech made to the International Institute for Strategic Studies on 12 October. Author: Iain Lobban, Director GCHQ.
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‘Big Society’ approach to flood exercise From 4-11 March 2011, large numbers of emergency responders up and down the country will be testing the country’s preparedness for a major flood emergency. But Exercise Watermark is set to be an emergency exercise with a difference. Along with the professionals, the exercise will also include members of the public, joining together in the fight against floods. It is the community activities and exercises that make Watermark so different from other national emergency exercises that have taken place in the past. The focus has shifted from being solely about the professionals to include everyday people who have experienced the force of a flood as well as those who could easily face the same in the future. Watermark will test emergency responders against all types of flooding including surface water, rivers, coastal and reservoir failure. Led by Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government, the aim is to test the response arrangements at all levels. The plan is to have a range of live and tabletop exercises taking place simultaneously over four days, spanning England and Wales from the borders of Scotland to the coast of Cornwall. Fourteen Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) along with a number of government departments will take their place in the core national event, while others will provide the response regionally and locally.
The impacts of climate change make the risk of more severe flooding real. Each time a flood hits, the cost implications are huge so getting people prepared and getting the response right is crucial. Taking part brings many benefits for emergency planners and incident management players. It is quite an opportunity for organisations to test procedures with such an extensive scenario. This exercise might be focused on flooding but it also questions responding agencies’ overarching capabilities with the aim of improving UK resilience as a whole. The plan is to deliver an exercise that will benefit every LRF in England and Wales, bringing existing exercise programmes in line with this national event where possible. LRFs can help to achieve national goals, but they can also make sure the exercise is relevant for their own areas and the communities that live there. More than 3500 emergency responders and numerous community groups have already signed up. Organisations that will be taking part include 31
Flood rescue teams join forces for major EU training exercise Four members of the RNLI Flood Rescue Team have taken part in a major flood rescue training exercise in Merseyside and North Wales as part of the pilot phase of the European Union’s Watersave Project. They were training alongside teams from Holland, the Czech Republic and the UK, using the opportunity to share lifesaving flood rescue techniques while exercising in challenging conditions. Watersave is an EU initiative designed to standardise a response when flooding occurs within Member States and beyond. It RNLI Flood Rescue Team, with other participants, during EU Project Watersave. aims to improve flood rescue capabilities in the event of a major emergency. headed up the RNLI team. He said, “The exercise Officers from the Netherlands Fire and Rescue included various rescue scenarios, which took place Service, Veiligheidsregio Haaglanden, are taking both during the day and at night, and we practised the lead on the project with support from essential techniques, including manoeuvring a Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the lifeboat and swimming in fast flowing water. Due Czech Fire and Rescue Service, Moravia Silesia. to the significant rainfall, the movement of water The RNLI Flood Rescue Team, along with was particularly rapid, making the conditions Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, challenging and ideal for emergency flood rescue completed the line-up for the six-day day exercise, training. To be chosen to be part of this pilot which started in Liverpool and moved onto White project, which will run until the end of 2011, Water Active Llangollen, North Wales and the demonstrates the RNLI Flood Rescue Team’s Menai Straits. The team practised swift-water capability, enthusiasm and professionalism, rescue techniques and other specialist skills. and we look forward to seeing how EU Project Matt Crofts, RNLI Deputy Division Inspector Watersave develops.” www.rnli.org.uk West (also RNLI Flood Rescue Team Leader)
Local Resilience Forums, hospitals, the Ministry of Defence, Network Rail and the Flood Forecasting Centre. Companies including Vodafone, EDF Energy, Thames Water and the Bank of England have all signed up to test their business continuity arrangements as part of the exercise. Through the Environment Agency’s flood awareness work engaging with local communities, as well as Floodline Warnings Direct, the public is already being made part of the response. The recommendations in the Pitt Review asked for more public engagement and along with the drive for increased community resilience in general, the exercise is putting this in to practice. From communities through to COBR, Exercise Watermark will put emergency plans in the spotlight. By using the experience from previous exercises and lessons learnt from real flood events, it will test emergency responders, national organisations and local communities on a scale never seen before in the UK. www.exercisewatermark.co.uk
Emergency response weather service Helping the emergency community and authorities prepare for and respond to weather-related incidents is an important part of the work of the Met Office. ‘Hazard Manager’ is the allencompassing service that draws together specialist and expert advice from across the Met Office and provides a one-stop source for information. The latest details on the interpretation and impact of the weather during an emergency are supplied to ‘Hazard Manager’ by the Met Office’s teams of forecasters, specialist scientists and advisors. The service is coordinated through the Met Office’s team of Public Weather Service (PWS) Advisors who are based around the UK and who can be called upon to provide advice at a strategic command and control centre. Limited to the Emergency Response community through the development of its new Hazard Manager web portal, access requires using a single username and password. The services currently available on Hazard Manager are: Flood Forecasting Centre with Extreme Rainfall Alert updates (England and Wales only); Interactive Map Viewer with weather information; National Severe Weather Warning Service; Event Specific Information; and FireMet and CHEMET services (for approved subscribers). Hazard Manager is designed to supplement the role of the PWS Advisors in providing consistent weather-related information and interpretation for the UK emergency response community. www.metoffice.gov.uk
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Gwent Police Silver ICU central to Ryder Cup security The latest command communications and wireless video technologies, supplied by Excelerate Technology, were used by Gwent Police on their Silver and Bronze Incident Command Vehicles at The Ryder Cup. It is only played once every two years, and never before in Wales, but the first week of October 2010 saw the cream of the golf world come to Newport to compete in the 38th Ryder Cup. Contested between teams of 12 players from Europe and the United States, the Twenty Ten course at the Celtic Manor Resort played host to what many observers felt was one of the best series of matches yet. Europe’s win – by 14.5 points to USA 13.5 points – now means that they have won eight of the last 13 competitions with the 1989 competition tied (with Europe retaining the Cup). Ranked as one of the top 10 global sporting events with a television audience in excess of two billion people, this year’s competition extended into a fourth day due to some atrocious weather conditions during the first day’s play.
Roof-mounted satellite broadband solution enabled streaming of live video to Gold Command.
company, which has seen rapid growth supporting its emergency services, broadcast and event support customers in recent years. Heightened security levels Gwent Police’s responsibility included contingency planning (for example a major road traffic accident on the M4) and dealing with the possibility of a terrorist attack. The security threat level for the UK, published by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), was set at ‘Severe’, meaning that an attack in the UK was highly likely, upgraded from ‘Substantial’ in January 2010. Shortly before the event, on 24 September, MI5 upgraded the threat level to the UK from hard-line
Photo: Rob Munro/www.stewartcomms.com
Irish Republican dissidents from ‘Moderate’ to ‘Substantial’.
Excelerate’s key solutions enabled Gwent Police to develop new ways of ensuring event security. In addition to policing 45,000 plus spectators on the actual course each day, Gwent Police supported the organisers in their role of providing security for
Photo: Rob Munro/www.stewartcomms.com
Policing of the event was carried out by Gwent Police – with the costs being met by Ryder Cup Limited and the European Tour. A total of only 150 officers policed this high profile event, some of whom were using mountain bikes to get around the course quickly. They were equipped with bodyworn wireless cameras and radios, enabling them to feedback live imagery of any incident. Central to the management of the event were the two Gwent Police Incident Command Units, one operating as Silver Command and the other as Bronze, crucially providing a Common Operational Picture to Gold Command. Both vehicles were supplied in late 2009 by Excelerate Technology Ltd, the Cardiff-based satellite broadband communications and command systems integration
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Inside mobile Silver incident command unit on the course.
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the golfers and VIP guests, including Prince Charles and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Contingency plans also had to be made to manage the security requirements for the possibility of visiting former US Presidents, Bill Clinton, George Bush Snr and George W Bush. With the eyes of the world watching Newport, the additional pressure on security with such high profile visitors brought obvious operational requirements and acted as an excellent pre-cursor to the 2012 Olympics.
The Ryder Cup is one of the top 10 global sporting events followed by hundreds of millions of people across the world. “When we were developing the plans for the Ryder Cup it was clear that there was an opportunity to use technology to give the commanders as much information as we could before they took operational decisions. This was the first major event where we deployed our command vehicle, and it really paid off. The Bronze commander was able to brief his staff and keep updated on everything that was going on from the middle of a golf course,” explained Superintendent Nigel Russell of Gwent Police. “All our systems, plus those of the HOSDB, meant everyone had all the information they needed. Deploying officers on mountain bikes with live streaming of images from the body-worn
cameras meant we could see and hear what was going on wherever they were on the course. Without this it may have been we would have needed additional police officers to attend incidents or to be available on the course.” Silver and Bronze ICUs The two Incident Command Units (ICUs) in use at the event were originally designed to provide tactical command solutions that would ensure preparedness for all civil contingencies throughout Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire,
Newport and Torfaen in southeast Wales, but they are ideally suited for such large-scale events as the Ebbw Vale Eisteddfod in August and The Ryder Cup. “We worked with Excelerate Technology to develop a bespoke solution that has met all our tactical, strategic and technological requirements within available budgets,” commented Simon Leonard of Gwent Police’s Emergency Planning Department. “The new mobile ICU will enable us to better serve our local community and improve public confidence in our work.”
Gwent Police officers with USA Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin.
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Over 275,000 spectators and several high profile VIPs attended the Ryder Cup amid heightened security threat levels.
Developed by Excelerate Technology, in partnership with a team from Gwent Police’s Emergency Planning Department, the newest Incident Command Unit, which is almost certainly the most advanced mobile ICU ordered by the UK’s police service to date, has a roof-mounted transportable satellite solution that enables real-time voice, data and video information to be shared with Gold Command to provide a Common Operational
Picture of an incident or event. Essential information can be accessed in real time by senior officers for better-informed decision-making. The roofline of the ICU was converted to provide a practical and spacious working environment for operational personnel working inside the vehicle, where three workstations have been installed with ruggedised screens on which a wide range of specialised command support applications can be run. These include risk and asset management database information and e-mail, instant messaging and video-conferencing as well as a backup independent GSM network.
Gwent Police is one of many partner agencies striving to deliver a safe and successful event.
Officers with body-worn cameras and radios policed the course on mountain bikes. Photo: Rob Munro/www.stewartcomms.com
Live video images Two large flat screen monitors have also been installed inside the ICU to enable silver command staff to view television news pictures and live video images transmitted into the vehicle from the external, mast-mounted optical and dual thermal cameras or body worn cameras. An additional ‘helitele’ down-link enables aerial images to be received in real-time from helicopters flying over the incident ground and all images can be streamed via the satellite links to a secure server where they can be accessed by Gold Command. The ICU also features a wall-mounted whiteboard and an internal CCTV camera with full audio recording for evidential and review purposes.
Photo: Rob Munro/www.stewartcomms.com
Outside, a large touch screen display has been installed under an awning for outdoor multi-agency briefing sessions. Mobile body-worn cameras With body-worn cameras and radios (carried by police officers riding mountain bikes) along with video surveillance of key locations, Excelerate’s key solutions enabled Gwent Police to develop new ways of policing an event, preparing for any eventuality, and obtaining the most cost-effective deployments of their officers. Excelerate Technology has an unrivalled reputation for excellence within its core market working alongside the emergency services, providing data, video, voice and internet via satellite and wireless onboard incident command and control vehicles. The company provides innovative and proven communication solutions for the emergency services, with technology that is both resilient and operator friendly, in addition to a built-in ability to evolve with customers’ needs as they and their projects develop. “Excelerate Technology is the UK market leader in the supply and integration of command and communications systems delivering data, video, voice and internet into incident command vehicles via satellite broadband and wireless solutions. These different systems help emergency services improve the speed and effectiveness of their response to emergencies of all kinds,” confirmed CEO and founder David Savage. “We are delighted that Gwent Police chose Excelerate for their ICU requirements and that the vehicles have played such an important role at this prestigious event.” www.excelerate.info
Author: Rob Munro
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What’s the big deal? It’s only Dope… The recent ACPO report into the Commercial Cultivation of Cannabis1 showed the success the police are having in shutting the growing number of illegal cannabis cultivations. The figures indicate that on average almost 20 commercial cannabis grows are dismantled on a daily basis within the UK in 2009/10. This is often accompanied by media coverage, photographs and video footage of the raids on the local news. However, this is where the concern arises. Most of this news coverage shows police officers entering and working within these indoor cannabis grow environments with personal protective equipment (PPE) ranging from nitrile gloves to nothing. There is a widespread perception that indoor cannabis grows are not hazardous and this is reinforced by their frequent occurrence and dismantle without apparent harm. The question needs to be asked, ‘Is this appropriate or have we just been lucky up to now?’ The reality is that indoor cannabis grow operations present a large number of significant risks to emergency responders and police officers that may be involved in these activities. Immediate hazards There are some immediate hazards when initially entering and starting the processing and the dismantling of the grow. Booby traps are a possibility but not something that has frequently seen in the UK. They are usually set to protect the crop from rival organisations. A more common risk that everyone will face when conducting an initial entry is that most grows can be considered a confined space in terms of health and safety regulations. It is frequently observed that there can be significant oxygen deficiency within the grow rooms, especially once the power has been cut. The initial entry team should include members with appropriate confined space gas meters, wearing at least self-contained breathing apparatus. Their function is to determine whether the internal atmosphere is safe or unsafe and also to facilitate the ventilation of the location.
“The reality is that indoor cannabis grow operations present a large number of significant risks to emergency responders and police officers that may be involved in these activities.” Oxygen depletion certainly isn’t the only significant health risk that will be found. Cannabis grows can be subject to insect infestation or fungal disease. In order to treat these problems, growers will often use a wide variety of pesticides and fungicides on the cannabis plants. The problem is that most of these products have never been
approved for indoor use and we simply do not know what effects they may have when used in high concentrations in an indoor environment. Anyone who has seen an indoor hydroponic grow can clearly see another physical hazard. The plants are grown under a large number of high-powered lights and obviously the plants require watering. This hazard of electrocution should be obvious but we still see issues with electric hazards. It appears to be common practice in the dismantling operations to simply cut through any electrical cables in order to remove the equipment once the mains power has been cut. The reality is that some of the lighting ballasts used can hold a lethal charge for anything up to six hours. Additional hazards Perhaps the most insidious hazard is mould. The conditions required for optimal growth of the cannabis plants also happen to be the ideal conditions for mould amplification. The typical species seen at cannabis grows cause a variety of health problems including growths on various parts of the body such as the skin, nasal cavity and even
the spine. Moulds also produce mycotoxins, which are among some of the most toxic substances known. These toxins such as aflatoxin are carcinogens. This means that officers dismantling these cannabis grows run the risk of exposure to these substances and may not feel any immediate ill effect but possibly develop extremely severe health issues years from now. Reduce the risk With knowledge of the hazards associated with indoor cannabis grows and the consistent wearing of PPE which should include as a minimum, respiratory protection, disposable hooded suit and gloves, officers and responders will ensure that they reduce the risk and the long-term permanent health issues. Visit the indoor cannabis grow and illicit drug lab at the Perseus Training stand (529) at The Emergency Services Show to learn more about the hazards of these situations and how to respond to them. www.perseustraining.com 1 http://www.acpo.police.uk/asp/policies/Data/064a%20UK%20
National%20Problem%20Profile%20Cultivation%20of%20Cannabis.pdf
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Chemical suicide tests HART in Essex At 8:48am on 20 September 2010 East of England HART were passed the details of an apparent chemical suicide in a car at the Springwood Drive Industrial Park in Braintree, Essex. Initial information suggested a vehicle with two occupants, both possibly dead, with signs on the window warning people not to enter as hazardous gases were present. A local RRV had attended the scene and quickly indentified the need for HART and made an initial assessment, from a safe distance, that both patients were showing no signs of life. HART mobilised the forward reconnaissance vehicle and the USAR vehicle from the base and also one of the HART specific RRVs direct to scene. The second RRV returned, en-route, to the HART base to collect the communications vehicle. The HART supervisor, Gavin Turner, arrived on scene in the USAR vehicle with paramedic Gaynor Scaife at 9:22am. They quickly liaised with the on scene silver commanders from ambulance, fire and police. Cordons established Inner and outer cordons had been established and the surrounding industrial units evacuated. The fire crews were establishing an area for responder decontamination and preparing for an approach to the vehicle in Limited Life Gas Tight Suits (LLGTS) and breathing apparatus (BA). The HART RRV, Daniel Read, arrived on scene shortly after, followed by the forward reconnaissance vehicle crewed by Adam Pitcairn and me. We were tasked with setting up a forward kit dump close to the decontamination tent and the access to the Hot Zone. Standard clinical kit was deployed onto ground sheets to provide medical cover for the responders as well as LLGTS and BA for two wearers and the medical recce bag for deployment into the risk area. The command vehicle arrived, crewed by Michael Harrington, and was set up behind the kit dump allowing good access and egress alongside while being close enough to be of use for briefings and information. The initial deployment plan was to commit teams of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and HART in LLGTS and BA to recover and recognise life extinct. However, due to the unknown nature of the gases involved and the need to preserve evidence for the ongoing police investigation, it was decided an initial recce by a HART operative with two members of Essex County FRS in BA was appropriate. The rationale was that any contaminate
was enclosed within the vehicle and as long as this was not opened it would not require LLGTS.
“Information flowed freely and we were able to demonstrate the capabilities and professionalism that HART can bring to inner cordon working.”
crew assessed the vehicle and the environment Daniel was able to get up close to the car and get good visual observations of both patients, a male in the driver’s seat and a female in the passenger seat. Both appeared obviously dead with pallor, hypostasis and evidence of oral and nasal secretions. Evidence was gathered in real time via the bodyworn camera and fed back to the communications vehicle where it could be monitored by the Silver commanders of all three services. This was especially useful as due to the physical environment and wind direction it was not possible to view the vehicle directly from the staging area. Observations concluded that there was a container with a substance in it on the floor in between the female’s legs and two further containers on the rear seat. It was identified that the signs on the vehicle read ‘DO NOT OPEN DANGER – WARNING HIGH CONCENTRATION POISON GAS H2S’. This information was used by the FRS Hazmat officers and the HART team leader to source information relevant to PPE levels and health risks. At this point the focus of the operation became centred on the recovery of the casualties in a safe and controlled manner while not disturbing evidence or risking the health of the responders and general public. Technical advice was provided by Dr David Irwin from the Health Protection Agency and by the Environment Agency.
Real time evidence Daniel Read committed in BA with the FRS team carrying a still camera and with the body-worn camera mounted on his helmet. While the FRS
DIM team A Detection Identification and Monitoring (DIM) team from Kent Fire and Rescue Service arrived on scene and approached the vehicle in LLGTS and BA. They instantly had high readings for Hydrogen Sulphide inside the vehicle, however, once the vehicle was opened the gas dissipated and the readings fell to zero. Permissible levels of exposure are 10ppm (parts per million). High levels are 50200ppm, with the latter end being fatal. Death is as a result of respiratory failure occurring within seconds of inhalation. The chemical prevents cellular respiration and mostly affects the nervous system.
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The decision was made to commit two teams made up of one HART operative and three Essex County FRS crew to make safe the chemical containers, remove the casualties from the vehicle, complete ROLE and package in CBRN body bags. The first team, with me as the HART Paramedic, committed in to the Hot Zone in LLGTS and BA and carried four CBRN body bags, already set up with filters attached and a drum, to secure a small bucket of chemical from the passenger foot well. While the Essex County FRS crew made safe the chemical container I was able to document the process for evidential purposes on the body-worn camera inside the LLGTS. The team then extracted the female passenger and placed her in an open body bag so that I, with the aid of a Zoll AED, could observe asystole. While not able to print from the AED it was initially thought a record could be taken from the body-worn camera, however, the screen was not detectable on the camera. Once sufficient evidence had been observed the patient was sealed inside the body bag and that was again sealed inside another CBRN body bag. The team then extracted the male casualty from the driver’s side and placed him into an open body bag where again I began assessing for ROLE. I was unable to complete this task, however, as the Essex County FRS crew were approaching their lower air pressure to get through decon. We extracted to decon as a team and underwent wet decon in the MD4 as per protocols and were undressed by Essex County FRS crews. A second team were committed to the Hot Zone with Daniel Read as the HART Paramedic. He was able to finish the assessment of the casualty and seal the body into the CBRN bags as before. Daniel was also able to carry out some further information gathering for Essex Police’s CBRN team and the Essex County FRS crew ensured the vehicle was closed up before again exiting via decon. The car and the chemical drum were to be recovered by specialist contractors for the council. The body bags were collected from the scene and removed by private ambulance to the local morgue pending post mortem. Operation debrief This spelt the end of the operation and the cordon was moved to just the vicinity of the car itself while awaiting collection. Our equipment was stowed and a quick hot debrief conducted with input from all agencies. The incident ran smoothly and there was an excellent working relationship between the agencies. Information flowed freely and we were able to demonstrate the capabilities and professionalism that HART can bring to inner cordon working. It was pleasing to see HART take pivotal roles within the incident and the mutual respect between the commanders and all the operatives from the various agencies on the incident ground. This was without doubt a sad incident and our thoughts go out to the families of both casualties, but from a HART perspective we must now be aware of the implications of this type of incident and our response to it. www.eastamb.nhs.uk
Author: David Robinson, HART Paramedic, East of England Ambulance Service.
Chemical suicides: what to consider In recent years along with the advent of the internet has come the chat room and the user group network. These are giving rise to a greater ability to share information not only between towns but between like-minded people the world over. With this ability, subject matter and information that used to be difficult to get hold of can be gathered and shared like never before. This has led to a rise in the amount of chemical method based suicides worldwide. Predominately this method has originated in Japan with the trend, as with most new things, moving to the US and, in the last two years, to the UK. The method gained attention in the US when a well-known international publication wrote a report on the subject but unfortunately gave the instructions for manufacture of the gas used; this article was quickly withdrawn but unfortunately the information was still released. In the first half of 2008 Japanese police reported 500 suicides that could be attributed to a chemical method with one such incidence where a 14-yearold took her life with this method – the gas escaped the bathroom she used and affected up to 90 people in the block, causing no deaths but large-scale illness and disruption.
Early detection is important, providing responders with the information to choose the correct level of protection and the ability to downgrade it as soon as is suitable. Responsibility to protect the emergency services The methods that are encouraged online often appear on websites whose core subject only is the desire to commit suicide and these people generally have no desire to hurt others. With this in mind it is generally recognised by those considering suicide that they have a responsibility to protect the emergency services attending these incidents. This often involves warning signs stating the gas involved and to stay away and get a HAZMAT response to scene. This is reliant on the individual not wanting to injure responders, which is not always the case. As the amount of incidents increases responders need to be more aware of the possible implications of this type of call, for example ‘a 20year-old male unconscious and not responding in
his car with no signs of trauma or collision’ – how many of us would attempt to gain access to the cabin before first assessing the scene, paying particular attention to inspecting footwells for buckets and chemical containers? The desire to initiate early CPR possibly even mouth to mouth could be the overriding potentially fatal desire by responders. Hydrogen Sulphide is the method generally mentioned as the ‘detergent method’ although the fact remains that a different chemical might have been used as there have been documented cases within the UK of individuals using Hydrogen Cyanide and Helium in addition to Hydrogen Sulphide. Responder safety is paramount; it should never be assumed that because a sign says its Hydrogen Sulphide involved that’s what inside. If these methods are not followed exactly or the contents of the component chemicals are different there is the chance Hydrogen Cyanide and other noxious gases are generated in addition to Hydrogen Sulphide. Proportionate response Early detection is important, providing responders with the information to choose the correct level of protection and the ability to downgrade it as soon as is suitable. Once detected the threat to responders can be measured and a proportionate response and level of treatment provided to the patient if applicable. The emergency responder STEPS 1-2-3 should also be considered as recent cases such as the one in Braintree, Essex, have included multiple patients. Included in the web posts are requests for suicide partners who often are prepared to travel some distance. The Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) around the country are equipped and trained to work alongside their fire and rescue and police colleagues in the handling of these calls, bringing the ability to carry out advanced clinical interventions in these environments. Things to consider: your safety is paramount; if you have any doubt, stay out and report; inform your control and request specialist responders; do not attempt rescue unless trained and equipped to do so; consider the safety of others – they could be in danger of exposure; be upwind of the incident; and if conscious encourage to exit the environment but maintain a safe distance upwind of the patient. The above list is not exhaustive but includes things to consider when tasked to a call where you have suspicions. www.londonambulance.nhs.uk
Emergency Services Times November 2010
Author: Colin Pinnington, Emergency Medical Technician, London Ambulance Service HART.
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New Resuscitation Guidelines 2010 On 18 October the European Resuscitation Council and the Resuscitation Council (UK) jointly published the new Resuscitation Guidelines 2010. There are no major changes to the 2005 guidelines, although there are some subtle, yet very important amendments that reflect the latest scientific studies. Below is a summary of the changes to the Basic Life Support Guidelines: When obtaining help, ask for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if one is available. AEDs are becoming more widespread in public places and in the emergency services. An AED should be viewed as a standard piece of first aid equipment and remains the single biggest factor in survival rates of sudden cardiac arrest. In the UK approximately 30,000 people sustain cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year. The chances of survival decline at a rate of about 10 percent for every one-minute delay in providing a defibrillation shock.
This makes it clear that if you are not trained in CPR, chest compressions only is better than no CPR at all, though victims of drowning and children will have little or no oxygen in the blood at the point of cardiac arrest, so rescue breaths are essential. Even with a cardiac arrest of cardiac origin (heart attack) the residual oxygen in the blood will last five minutes at the longest.
Compress the chest to a depth of 5-6cm and at a rate of 100-120 per minute. Previous guidelines indicated a depth of 4-5cm at a rate of 100 per minute. The changes reflect evidence that chest compressions, both inside and outside hospital are often undertaken at insufficient depth and at the wrong rate, both of which are associated with reduced survival rates. In theory, telling people to ‘push harder’ will improve on the actual depth achieved. Interestingly, studies show that untrained laypeople generally deliver chest compressions too slow, whereas medical professionals tend to deliver compressions too fast. If chest compressions are delivered outside the guideline rates of 100 to 120 per minute coronary perfusion drops significantly. When was the last time you checked your perception of 100 per minute? If you go at the upper limit of 120, that’s two beats per second. Practise it!
Teach CPR to laypeople with an emphasis on chest compression, but include ventilation as the standard, particularly for those with a duty of care. This is a welcome clarification that teaching rescue breaths is necessary. ‘Those with a duty of care’ includes emergency services personnel and workplace first aiders. There is a subtle but significant change in the guidance on when to give CHEST COMPRESSIONS ONLY: ‘if you are unwilling or unable…’ has changed to ‘if you are not trained to, or are unwilling to give rescue breaths give compressions only…’
Teach about agonal gasps. Around 40 percent of cardiac arrest victims gasp initially in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest. These are called ‘agonal gasps’ and are often mistaken for breathing, so CPR is not started. The new guidelines say, ‘it should be emphasised during training that agonal gasps occur commonly in the first few minutes after sudden cardiac arrest; they are an indication for starting CPR immediately and should not be confused with normal breathing’. The full Resuscitation Guidelines 2010, including Advanced Life Support, Paediatric Guidelines and references to the studies mentioned above can be found at www.resus.org.uk. www.qualsafe.com
Author: Nigel Barraclough, Paramedic and Author of the First Aid Made Easy range of first aid books.
Give each breath over one second rather than two seconds. It is well documented that interruptions in chest compression are common and are associated with a reduced chance of survival. Giving each rescue breath over just one second should help to reduce interruptions in chest compressions. Do not stop to check the victim or discontinue CPR unless the victim starts to show signs of regaining consciousness, such as coughing, opening his eyes, speaking or moving purposefully AND starts to breathe normally. This again reflects the need to prevent unnecessary interruptions in chest compressions, but also highlights the need to teach first aid students about ‘agonal gasps’ (see across). The 2005 guidelines indicated stopping if ‘normal breathing’ resumed – which often resulted in rescuers interrupting chest compressions to confirm. The new guidance advocates stopping only if you see signs of the victim regaining consciousness. Note the terminology ‘moving purposefully’ – which excludes anoxic convulsions or spasms that can happen normally during a cardiac arrest.
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Market leading Toughbook upgraded
The fourth upgrade of Panasonic’s Toughbook CF-19, the convertible rugged notebook that has transformed field operation efficiency in the harshest environments, comes with increased computing power, tougher rugged standards and further improved connectivity in the same sized package, weighing just over 2kg with a 10.4in high-visibility screen. The latest version delivers a 32 percent increase in CPU performance, as one of the first devices incorporating the new Intel® ultra low voltage Core i5®-540UM processor. The devices are designed to take advantage of Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and Intel® Multi-Threading to maximise the performance of the CPU, while delivering lower heat dispersion than regular PCs. The new Intel processor also features integrated
high-definition (HD) graphics capabilities. As well as increased computing power, the CF-19 also comes equipped with DDR3 RAM delivering twice the data rate transfer of its predecessor. The upgraded Toughbook CF-19 also features: Gobi™ 2000 mobile broadband technology from Qualcom; the option of an embedded WWAN and five separate screen-mounted radio antenna; a floating mounted LCD design to protect from screen shock and cracks; and up to nine hours of battery life. To ensure existing customers can continue to use the peripheral equipment, the CF-19 is compatible with previous generation CF-19 and CF-18 car mounts and other accessories, including screen protectors and docking stations. www.panasonic.net
Maps on the move after software deal BlackBerry smartphone users will soon be able to view and edit map and location data on the move as ESRI UK becomes the official, exclusive distributor for TDC’s Freeance™ mobile software in the UK. The application will allow police forces and other emergency services already using BlackBerry smartphones to open up live dynamic maps, data collection and location services to their staff. For the police, this will provide the first secure means of delivering map-based intelligence and briefing information to frontline officers on the streets. Richard Waite, Managing Director of ESRI UK, said, “With the UK having an ever increasing mobile workforce, we are committed to providing software which is in-line with technological advancements and the demands of our customers. This will further fulfill our mission to make GIS
technology an indispensible part of everyday life.” This presents another opportunity for public safety organisations to realise efficiency savings, delivering more for less from their IT investment. “By uniting the strengths of both companies, this partnership adds new value to GIS in government, utilities, public safety and other enterprises within the UK,” said Matthew Reddington, CEO of TDC Group Inc. “Using Freeance mobile software, customers now can leverage all the benefits mobile GIS has to offer such as increased efficiencies, dramatic cost savings and better customer service. We are excited to work with a firm as capable as ESRI UK to implement and support our innovative Freeance mobile software for customers in the UK.” www.esriuk.com/arcgis10/
Rapid audio search of recorded conversations CyberTech, the world’s second largest compliance recording provider, has announced the immediate availability of CyberTech FAST, a new audio search tool. In partnership with Nexidia, a provider of audio search and speech analytics solutions, CyberTech FAST enables users to rapidly locate and replay specific content contained in voice recordings, with a high degree of accuracy, in over 30 languages. CyberTech FAST uses Nexidia’s patented, awardwinning phonetic indexing and search technology to deliver rapid and accurate search results within recorded calls. It automates the whole process and eliminates the need for manual, time-consuming and labour intensive investigations that often result in inaccurate findings. Paul Manyweathers, CyberTech’s Director of Global Business Development, says, “CyberTech FAST brings the power of Nexidia’s technology into a simple application that will enable organisations to resolve disputes and investigations more effectively and enhance the risk management process. It will also deliver significant cost savings and efficiency gains by cutting the time it has traditionally taken to manually search and listen to audio files, a process that on average could take around four hours to effectively review a single hour of audio.” Further cost savings can be achieved as CyberTech FAST is the only audio search and speech analytics solution that does not require an investment in additional hardware or manpower to process large volumes of audio. It also enables customers to manage their spending effectively with the industry’s lowest start-up and operating costs. www.cybertech-int.co.uk
TETRAPOL radio launched for explosion-prone areas During the recent French Fire Brigade Congress, Cassidian Systems presented TPH700 Ex, a new TETRAPOL handheld radio prototype for explosion-prone areas. The prototype comes with an ATEX certification for gas, enabling safe and reliable communication in places where flammable substances are produced, processed, transported and stored. Such places include oil and gas platforms, petrochemical and steel plants, refineries, rigs and harbours. The TPH700 Ex meets the requirements of fire brigades when working in hazardous circumstances and has a robust mechanical construction, fulfilling the harshest conditions. The TPH700 Ex will be released in 2011 with a wide range of ATEX certified accessories including a robust remote speaker microphone and several other audio devices, plus various wireless accessories. www.cassidian.com
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In brief . . . Falck has signed a letter of intent defining the framework for the company’s acquisition of LifeStar Response Corporation. LifeStar operates 440 emergency and nonemergency ambulances to New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Washington DC. If completed, an acquisition of LifeStar would secure a solid platform for Falck in the US market, as well as a management team and infrastructure to support further growth in the country. One of Falck’s strategic objectives is to further develop the quality of emergency medical services in the US and thereby provide a higher quality of service to the US citizens. www.falck.com
bott has developed two bespoke ambulances for Sembcorp’s Wilton International power station, one of the UK’s largest and most important manufacturing sites. The two vehicles will be used to provide first response care to the Wilton site, but will also be able to act as a resource in the local community in case of an ambulance shortage. Andy Passmore, from Sembcorp, said, “We started by reviewing how the existing ambulances are currently used and worked with bott to assess what could be changed, drawing upon their expertise from previous projects. This helped to ensure the bespoke design was a cost-effective solution compared to existing vehicles.”
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ADP Communication assists Gwent in policing Ryder Cup Gwent Police deployed APD Communications’ CORTEXremote Software Integrated Communications Control System (SICCS) to effectively manage the policing of the Ryder Cup, the third largest sporting event in the world. The product offers vital support to assist in coordinating officers in the surrounding area, who were responsible for traffic control and ensuring the safety of 135,000 attending fans. The Ryder Cup was a fitting test for the launch of the new CORTEXremote mobile workstation – and the first time a portable mobile communications control system has been used to coordinate officers at such an event. It provides operators with the same functionality found in a fully equipped emergency control room, but with the flexibility to connect the ultra slim, highly portable touch screen all-in-one PC from anywhere with a broadband internet connection (satellite and microwave links are also supported). The mobility and functionality offered by CORTEXremote was vital for
Gwent Police who, rather than having to deploy senior officers at the force’s command and control centre over six miles away, were for the first time able to place officers in the heart of the Celtic Manor golf course. Hav-
Mobile assistance
www.strathclyde.police.uk
Michael Harris has been appointed as Interim Chair of South East Coast Ambulance Service and will fill the role until September 2011, seeing the organisation through to Foundation Trust status. Michael joins from NHS West Sussex, where he has been Chair for three years. He takes over from Martin Kitchen. www.secamb.nhs.uk
Mobile accessories retailer Mobile Fun has launched a specialist provision to advise emergency services across the country on the range of accessories available for their mobile devices and a free report on the different products available. West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) turned to Mobile Fun to research what multi-purpose cradles and car kits are available on the market to ensure that their mobile devices were securely transported in cabs across their fleet. The company then identified the relevant mobile accessories and created an advisory report on the best
www.apdcomms.com
Dorset Police to use IBM software to assess new recruit development
cradles for use within WMFS cabs. Ruel Taylor, Director at Mobile Fun, comments, “By offering the service much-needed mobile device accessories specifically suited to their needs, we’re helping to ensure the smooth running of one of the country’s most important public services. Our advisory service is open to everyone and, as proven by the consultation done with West Midlands Fire Service, we can provide the best possible results with a minimum of hassle, leaving our customers to concentrate on doing their jobs.”
Dorset Police are implementing IBM analytics software to aid assessment and ongoing development of new police force recruits. The force is currently looking at the effectiveness of their Initial Police Training Programme, which is designed to develop knowledge, skills, understanding, attitude and behaviour required by an officer in today’s society. Data analytics is expected to help the service to improve officer retention by assisting the force in making early intervention in circumstances where additional training may be required. To achieve this, the analytics software is being used to look for historical association between various known factors and levels of officer performance. In this way, past experiences may be able to more accurately inform current and future practice to save money, best direct resources and maximise the quality of service to the public. Over the last five years Dorset Police has invested in the region of £1.2m on training officers who have left the force during or shortly after their initial training period. By using IBM Predictive Analytics Software the police force is striving to significantly reduce this figure.
www.mobilefun.co.uk/corporate
www.ibm.com
www.bottltd.co.uk
Strathclyde Police has appointed Campbell Corrigan as Assistant Chief Constable. He was previously Temporary Acting Assistant Chief Constable for Territorial Policing. Councillor Stephen Curran, Convener of Strathclyde Police, said, “After a rigorous interview process, I am delighted to have been able to appoint Campbell. He is a highly skilled and experienced officer and I look forward to working with him.”
ing these senior officers deployed in the Police Silver Command room at the event meant that key decisions could be made from a more informed point of view.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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FOR ALL YOUR TRAINING NEEDS!
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s Commercial Training Department offers training to outside agencies such as Industrial Emergency Response Teams (ERT’s), Maritime Agencies, Ambulance, Police & Fire & Rescue Services. Tel 0151 296 5043 Email training@merseyfire.gov.uk
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EMAS makes VIKING incorporates Hygraphna Medical Director appointment
VIKING CEO Henrik Uhd Christensen.
Dr James Gray has been appointed as Medical Director for East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS). Dr Gray will take over from John Stephenson, who has stepped down to take up a national role working on emergency preparedness for the Department of Health, but will continue to work with EMAS one day a week. Dr Gray is a GP who will still continue to maintain some work in his practice in Sheffield. Keeping this position, working face to face with patients, is important to his new role. He said, “I’m delighting to be joining EMAS at a time when it is moving towards Foundation Trust status and is a an exciting time in its strategic development. As a GP, I really appreciate the need for excellent emergency care for patients.” www.emas.nhs.uk
OS mapping for Leicestershire
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will be using Ordnance Survey MasterMAP Imagery Layer in their two command support vehicles to help with major incidents in the county. The vehicles will have the OS data available on their systems so the team has access to up-to-date and reliable imagery. Ninety five percent of the imagery on OS MasterMap is five years old or less and in Leicestershire the vast majority of the imagery was captured in 2009 or 2010. To date 64,000km of imagery has been obtained in this year’s flying season. www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
Leading global marine and fire safety equipment manufacturer VIKING LifeSaving Equipment A/S has agreed to acquire Hygrapha GmbH & Co. The move sees the two former competitors joining forces to strengthen capabilities, with a strong strategic presence in Germany. VIKING CEO Henrik Uhd Christensen said, “Working together expands our network and competencies, and is another step in our strategy to be the one-stop shop for maritime safety needs. Saving and protecting human lives all over the world – our mission in life – quite literally requires us to constantly increase our
global presence to be closer to our customers and to provide the broadest range of quality safety products and services. The better we are at this, the more benefit we can bring.” Hygrapha’s President, Rüdiger Steinbach, is equally excited by the agreement. “Both Hygrapha and VIKING are widely recognised as leaders in safety equipment,” he said. “But VIKING’s safety network and global resources are second to none, offering us new opportunities to expand our activities in Hamburg and beyond. I look forward to developing the business together and achieving new levels of growth.” www.viking-life.com
Public defibrillators build ‘Heartbeat Communities’ A defibrillator has been installed at Kings College Cambridge thanks to East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) and Leicestershirebased charity Community HeartBeat Trust (CHT). This is the first of three Cardiac Science G3 defibrillators to be installed at the college. Staff have also been trained to provide treatment in case of an accident on the college grounds. “Defibrillators within the community are vital tools for providing life saving treatment to patients quickly at a time when speed matters,” said Lorna Hayes, EEAS’s Community Partnership Manager for Cambridgeshire. “Those few vital minutes when somebody in cardiac arrest can make all the difference to a patient and having access to a defibrillator in your time of need can save your life.” Kings is one of several colleges in Cambridge which contains defibrilla-
In brief . . . Assistant Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police, Katherine Govier, is the new Chair of the Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum (BLLRF). ACC Govier replaces John Fletcher, who stepped down as Chairman following his promotion to Temporary Deputy Chief Constable at Bedfordshire Police. ACC Govier said, “John has done a marvellous job with the forum and I am looking forward to continuing and building on the good work already started by the ‘What would you do if…?’ campaign, to ensure everyone living and working within the county feels as safe as they possibly can.” www.whatwouldyoudoif.co.uk
West Midlands Ambulance Service will be installing ambulance child restraints (ACRs) in its 400 road ambulances to ensure the safety of critically ill children when on board. ParAid Medical, the company supplying the ambulance, offers three colourcoded ACRs suitable for patients from 5-45kg. The harnesses allow the patient to be secured at a variety of bed angles and in the recovery position easily and quickly. Darryl Smith, Business Development Manager at ParAid Medical, said, “Standard stretcher harnesses are tested and fitted to restrain a patient weight of 75kg, however this may not be suitable for smaller patients where a close proximity restraint device would be preferable.” East Midlands Ambulance Service has confirmed they will also be fitting the ACRs. www.paraid.com
tors. The initiative has also been introduced in Leicestershire and CHT will soon be installing some in the Vale of Belvoir area, making these ‘Heartbeat Communities’.
Fife Fire and Rescue Service, Fife Police, Trading Standards, Scottish Power, Environmental services and Fife Community Safety Partnership have come together to create Safe Fifer, an event designed to teach primary six school children about the dangers of fire, and how to prevent injuries. The event is run over two weeks twice a year, where children are involved in hands-on activities that require them to problem solve and take actions to prevent injuries and safe lives. Crew Manager from Fife FRS, John Dempsey, said the service can see the process is working. He said, “In primary six all pupils are given fire safety input. Safe Fifer continues this a year later and an extremely high percentage of primary seven pupils remember the input given to them and put it into practice at their homes.”
www.communityheartbeat.org.uk
www.fifefire.gov.uk
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South Yorkshire 1:48 scale hand made or kit
32 cata page £6.0 logue 3rd 0 NEW edit ion
120mm hand painted F/F
London Merceded Atego 1:50 scale. £44
9” tall F/F in BA with large axe, Painted or in cold-cast bronze
1:48 Ambulances, hand made or kit
Paul Slade, 15 Grennell Close Sutton, Surrey SM1 3LU, England Tel 020 8644 8730 Fax: 020 8286 1152 E-mail: firebrigademodels.@aol.com www.firebrigademodels.net
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Patient simulator
SimMan Essential from Laerdal is a realistic, adult, full body, advanced, wireless patient simulator, which offers comprehensive clinical functionality to teach the core skills of airway, breathing, cardiac and circulation management. With ‘simplicity of use’ being a fundamental principle of its design, both novice and experienced instructors can now take full advantage of the benefits of simulation. With a range of technical and educational services to ensure simulation programmes are fully supported from the outset, and ready made patient cases to ease the instructor’s preparation time – SimMan Essential is the solution set to define a new era in simulation training. www.laerdal.com
Slip Resistance Guide
Compact generator
PRODUCT INFORMATION | 83
Resuscitation device
A 34.1 litre fuel tank means even fewer fills. The Ranger Diesel offers On Demand True All Wheel Drive, automatically engaging all four wheels when needed and then reverting back to 2WD on easier ground. Polaris VersaTrac turf mode allows operation on more sensitive terrain. Polaris Lock & Ride® bumpers, brushguards, winches and a full line-up of cabs and cab components are available. The Ranger Diesel brings home comforts to utility vehicles with class-leading ergonomics and comfortable seating for three. www.polaris-britain.com
The new Belt Power concept from WhisperPower is ideal for small vehicles with no space to install a 230V generator. The system consists of a high output generator connected to the diesel or petrol engine of cars, 4x4s or vans by means of special supports. The generator is powered by a special heavy-duty belt through the pulley of the engine, while the generated electricity is converted into a stable, sinus-wave 230V/50Hz, even with a fluctuating rpm. There are three capacities available: 3.5kW, 5kW and 7.5kW. www.whisperpower.eu
Battery protection device
ThoraQuik® is a new product designed by Vygon, which is now starting to be made available both to the military and to civilian medical personnel. Bomb blast, shrapnel and bullet wounds can all allow air into the space between the chest wall and the lungs (a pneumothorax). If the hole acts like a flap valve then the pressure build-up will crush the blood vessels carrying blood back to the heart, causing cardiac arrest. Release of the pressure is a critical lifesaving procedure. Until now doctors, paramedics and combat medical technicians have only been able to use the plastic tube cannulas that are designed to set up intravenous drips. The ThoraQuik® device has been designed to act as a hemisphere that adheres firmly to the skin, reducing the likelihood that it can be dislodged during handling the casualty. www.basics.org.uk www.vygon.com/en/index.php
Diesel 4x4 ranger
SATRA has published a Slip Resistance Guide, which will be useful for everyone in the supply chain concerned with safety, protective and occupational footwear supplied into the European market. The SATRA Slip Resistance Guide contains user-friendly information on footwear and floorings considerations, risk assessment, factors influencing slip risk, legislative requirements for occupational footwear, slip-resistant footwear design and considerations for the buyer. A PDF copy of the guide can be downloaded from SATRA’s PPE survival guide website (www.satrappeguide.com/safety_footwear.php).
DMS technologies, a specialist in batteries and battery systems, has released a low voltage disconnect (LVD) – a low power device that can be used to protect batteries from damage and help extend battery life. The RED FLASH™ LVD prevents over-discharge and subsequent damage of batteries, regardless of battery technology, and is designed to operate on a 12V nominal voltage. A multipole connector provides access to the functions remotely allowing the user to set up off-board switches and LEDs. It can control currents up to 10A on board and can control an external relay to allow for load currents up to 200A. For safety, the unit is fully isolated and protected against spikes, surges and reverse polarity connection.
www.satrappeguide.com
www.dmstech.com
Benefits service
The Blue Light Card is a benefits service for the UK’s emergency services, NHS and armed forces. It was created to give members of these services something back for the important work they do in our communities. The Blue Light Card allows members to make savings both online and on the high street through its discount database on its website. It is free for members to join and use and provides excellent saving opportunities. The online database allows members to shop online and save at hundreds of retailers using codes or links found on the Blue Light Card website. The High Street Card is free to request from the Blue Light Card website (£1.99 p&p) and allows members to take their card into stores to receive discounts. The Blue Light Card is a lifetime membership and is always adding to its discount directory meaning that users get more and more opportunities to save. www.bluelightcard.co.uk
Polaris has broken new ground with the launch of the Polaris Ranger Diesel 4x4 Side x Side. Power comes from the 904cc diesel engine delivering 24hp and up to 35mph top speed, but still offers clear benefits in fuel economy.
Emergency Services Times November 2010
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Lancashire FRS pushes ahead with Day Crewing Plus duty system Penwortham and St Annes Fire Stations were the first in Lancashire, and judging by the interest attracted from other fire and rescue services, the first in the country, to function on the basis of the Day Crewing Plus duty system. Under the system, the stations have an emergency response staffing of one watch manager, two crew managers and 11 firefighters, a 50 percent reduction in the number of operational staff at the station but with no reduction in the emergency cover provided. Under the new system, crews work an average 42 hours per week on duty as they have always done and another 42 ‘standby’ hours during the night, where they respond from purpose-built accommodation within the station grounds or their home address if they can meet the current response times. Offering firefighters flexibility in working hours and patterns, the system enables staff to choose working hours to fit in with their own needs or family requirements, provided the required number of hours are worked and the fire engine is crewed at all times.
Accommodation block, St Annes Fire Station.
areas where there have been less night-time incidents than elsewhere, which made Day Crewing Plus an ideal approach to emergency cover.
Peter Holland, Chief Fire Officer, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
Salary enhanced The salary of staff who work the Day Crewing Plus system is significantly enhanced to reflect the increased commitment, yet still offering a saving to the council tax payer of around £400,000 per fire engine, which equates to a 38 percent reduction in the pay bill prior to introducing the system at each station. A tight time schedule of three months for completion of the project was met successfully at Penwortham, setting a favourable precedent for the next station that converted to Day Crewing Plus, at St Annes, where the system ‘went live’ on 1 July. Following Penwortham and St Annes, Day Crewing Plus is to be introduced at Rawtenstall, Bispham, Darwen and Fleetwood fire stations. In common with the two stations already working the system, they have been consistently identified in emergency risk profiles undertaken throughout the county over a number of years as having station
Reduced staffing costs Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland, says, “The benefits of Day Crewing Plus are significant and sustainable: offering reduced staffing costs year-on-year; having a beneficial impact on keeping council tax bills as low as possible, with absolutely no reduction in the service provided to the public; and response times since the introduction of the system remaining excellent. “At the core of the crewing system, of course, are the firefighters themselves and their support, such that we had more applications for places than we had vacancies.”
St Annes Fire Station Crew Manager, Pete Derbyshire, says, “Day Crewing Plus is a positive arrangement as it gives me more time to myself and I enjoy working with different people everyday. To work on this system you have to make a commitment to being away from home for three to five days, but I would definitely recommend Day Crewing Plus to anybody.” Peter Holland concludes, “The reports from Penwortham and St Annes of Day Crewing Plus are very encouraging indeed, and we will continue to monitor the implementation of the scheme there, with a view to introducing it at Rawtenstall, Fleetwood, Bispham, and Darwen.” “Other fire and rescue services have taken a keen interest in Day Crewing Plus as a workable contribution to maintaining the same level of service at lower cost.” www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk
Inside the kitchen of the accommodation block, St Annes Fire Station.
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