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February 2013 www.emergencyservicestimes.com Volume 14 | 1

www.emergencyservicest imes.com Emergency Services Times February 2013

ESTCONTENTS | 1

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

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

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

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

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

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ESTCOMMENT | 5

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

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

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

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

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

training and exercising toensure that interoperability isembedded within the Police,

Fire and Rescue andAmbulance Services for years

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

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

JESIP Strategic Leads 13 February 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JESIP launchJESIP was launched at the first Interoperability Summit in

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

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

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

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

ISSN 1472-1090Date: February 2013

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6 | ESTNEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

£50m investment in emergencymedicine across Scotland

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

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

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

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

Cutting edge technology fromPrimetech aids rapid response


ESTNEWS | 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

College of Policing open andready for business

Policing Minister Damian Green.

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

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

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

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

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

Livery supplier wins environmental award


20 | ESTEVENTS DIARY2013

“I’m confident thatvisitors to this year’s

show will see the positivedifference in our new

home, and will continueto be delighted with the

content and the calibre ofour exhibitors,

demonstrations andadditional show

features.”

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

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

Visitor growth prompts move andpotential award

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

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

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

The Emergency Services Show 2013relocates to the NECWednesday 25 September – Thursday 26 September 2013Exciting changes have been announced for this year’s Emergency Services Show. After seven years at Stoneleigh Parkin Warwickshire, the growing exhibition will be moving to The NEC, Birmingham for 2013. Broden Media, whichpublishes Emergency Services Times and organises The Emergency Services Show, has also decided to bring the eventforward from its traditional November dates to 25-26 September, so that the outdoor exhibition can benefit from longerdaylight hours and to allow for safer travel to and from the show.

The new venue: NEC• Physically linked to Birmingham International

Railway Station and BirminghamInternational Airport

• Direct access to UK motorway network

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

• Excellent indoor and outdoor demonstrationspace

• Opportunity to expand into further halls


ESTEVENTS DIARY2013 | 21

Visitor registration is openRegistration for free entry is available

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

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

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

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

Emergency Response Zone returnsReturning for 2013, the popular Emergency

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

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

Exhibition stands still availableThe success of previous events, coupled with

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

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

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


ESTSEVERE WEATHER | 45

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

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

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

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

Improving personal resilienceStarting with the help available to individuals,

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

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

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

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

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

How would the UK deal with a disasteron the scale of Hurricane Sandy?CFOA National Resilience lead Jon Hall also chairs his Local Resilience Forum, a partnership formed under the CivilContingencies Act 2004 to bring together those involved in responding to and recovering from emergencies. Here heconsiders the likely manner of response in this country to a disaster on the scale of Hurricane Sandy.

Words: Jon Hall, CFOA National Resilience lead.

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


46 | ESTSEVERE WEATHER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

critical infrastructure aredealt with.”

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

urgent issues of the critical infrastructure are dealt with.

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

Start restoring normalityFrom the earliest stages of the disaster, the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

what is possible and whatpresents an unacceptablyhigh risk.

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

RLSS training raises water safety awareness

Jon Hall, CFOA National Resilience lead


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Paramedic Pro – Ikanos Consultingwww.ikanosconsulting.com/products

The Paramedic Pro medical application from Ikanos Consulting, which runson the Golden-i wearable headset computer (pictured), allows healthcareworkers to access and record vital information quickly on their Golden-iheadsets – completely hands-free. Paramedic Pro provides video chat, audiorecording and access to information at the point of care. With its built-incamera, Golden-i enables direct video communication between field medicalstaff and A&E, so experts at a hospital can assess a situation and provide timelyadvice. Paramedics can talk to colleagues using the headset’s video chat capa-bilities, and provide information to doctors so they can prepare for thepatients’ arrival. The application provides a standardised way to communicatedata such as an estimated time of arrival (ETA) back to the hospital, and forstaff on the scene to view the patient’s medical records. It also enables medicalstaff to view maps and use GPS to track their location. Consulting has alsoannounced two other applications: Firefighter Pro and Police Pro.

TWISTER sole – Vibram®

www.vibram.comVibram® fireproof soles combine highly effective design and highly flame-resistant compounds. These soles enable firefighters to tackle fire, flames andwater while counting on greater safety conditions. The Vibram® TWISTERsole is based on the new Vibram® SUPERWORK compound, developed toincrease the antistatic properties and oil and flame resistance. The TWISTERis a box section sole, specially created for safety at work. It features: doubledensity rubber, for better performance and greater comfort; wide contactsurfaces with self-cleaning channels to keep the sole free of oil and residues;anti-slip grooves in the waist for maximum safety on steps; and two-colourconstruction on the tread and the laterals.

Motorcycle Suit – Bristol Uniformswww.bristoluniforms.co.uk

Bristol has designed firefighter PPE for use by members of fire crews usingmotorcycles. In what is believed to be a first, Bristol has designed protectiveclothing, which not only meets the road safety requirements for professionalmotorcyclists but also the highest European level for structural fire fighting.The new coat and trouser combination is a product of Bristol’s New ProductDevelopment Programme (BNPDP). The coat and trouser have beenergonomically designed to ensure ultimate fit, suitable for riding motorcyclesand fire fighting duties. They are designed to be zipped together and areavailable in 28 sizes, both male and female. The ensemble is machine washableafter the back, shoulder, elbow, hip and knee protectors have been removed.

B300 rugged laptop – Getac UKwww.getac.co.uk

One of the industry’s favourite rugged laptops – the Getac B300 – now runsfaster than ever before, with twice the graphics capabilities of the previousgeneration B300. Powered by the latest third Generation Intel® Core™ i5 ori7 processor, the B300 incorporates Intel® vPro™ technology and offersoperators a 67 percent increase in speed; an integrated Intel® HD Graphics4000 card delivers rapid access to high-performance graphics, greatlyimproving display imagery, intricate mapping and advanced video streaming.

Z-Rex – Leathermanwww.whitbyandco.co.uk

Distributed in the UK by Whitby & Co the Z-Rex is the first tool that combinesglass breaking, strap cutting and wrench tools in one, lightweight and easy-to-use tool. The stainless steel 440C V notch cutters are hard wearing, easilyreplaced and can even be flipped over for a fresh edge when it’s needed onthe spot. Tungsten Carbide makes the glass breaker tool a force to bereckoned with – needing less force than steel breakers, the Z-Rex is perfectwhen you need to break through glass with one quick strike. The oxygen tankwrench and hex wrench are built into the lightweight aluminium body, whichis moulded with an ergonomic grip and features a finger hole for comfort andease of use. The Z-Rex is designed and made in the US by the Leathermancompany and comes with a ‘no quibbles’ 25-year guarantee.

The latest must-have kit

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Service Collection – Dr Martenswww.drmartens.com/servicerange

British brand Dr Martens launched a new Service Collection of boots at TheEmergency Services Show 2012 designed to meet the demands of today’semergency services. The Autumn/Winter Service Collection draws inspirationand expertise from decades of the brand’s market-leading industrialtechnology. New additions include Shack, a lightweight, athletic, waterproofboot and the ultimate high spec Osprey, which is ideal for the ambulancemarket. This is a non-metallic safety boot, which is waterproof, punctureresistant and anti-static. It also features cutting edge technology: D30™ impactprotection inserts positioned over the anklebone.

Responder Smartphone App – PageOne Communicationswww.pageone.co.uk

PageOne Communications has launched its Responder Smartphone App forBlackBerry, Apple iOS and Android devices. Responder offers resilient closed-user group messaging for organisations looking to improve operationalefficiency and ensure important messages and alerts reach Smartphone usersquickly and securely. Capitalising on the strengths of the two-way Responderpager, the Responder app extends two-way paging’s core alerting features tothe Smartphone world to provide a separate secure messaging channel. Withdistinctive pop-up and audible alerting, a separate Inbox and two-way replyoptions, the Responder App ensures important real-time operational andemergency messages rise above the clutter of everyday e-mail and SMS.

Elite backpacks – Peli Products (UK) Ltdwww.peliproducts.co.uk

Combining the watertight, crushproof features of the Peli case with a practical,stylish backpack, Peli Urban Elite and Sports Elite Backpacks feature built-inPeli cases for maximum protection for sensitive laptops and tablets. The rangeis designed for function with flair and includes different styles to protectlaptops (models U100 (pictured) and S100) or tablets (models U140 andS140) – these are top loading for fast access. The backpacks are equippedwith several pockets and a rigid front plate to securely transport e-readers,tablets and notebooks. Peli Urban (models U105 for laptops and U145 fortablets) and Sport Backpacks use a rigid compartment to protect personalelectronics without the entire weight of an integrated case.

Extended Comfort Footwear – WL Gore & Associateswww.gore-workwear.com

GORE-TEX® daily duty footwear is specifically designed for police officerswhose work often takes them both outdoors and indoors. At the core ofTactical GORE-TEX® Footwear is a three-layer GORE-TEX® ExtendedComfort Laminate that comes without insulation. Its construction consists ofa highly abrasion resistant textile lining material, the microporous GORE-TEX® membrane and a protective knit. The laminate is extremely thin andcapable of effectively transporting any sweat produced by the foot in the formof water vapour to the outside. At the same time it creates a reliable barrieragainst water penetrating from the outside. The laminate is combined withcarefully selected upper materials. The shoes and boots are exceptionallylightweight, athletic, waterproof and extremely durable.

First Responder Respirator – Scott Safetywww.scottsafety.com

Scott Safety’s First Responder Respirator (FRR) is the next generation of res-piratory protection for the global civil responder community. Providingprotection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, theFRR uses revolutionary technology to deliver lower user burden, improvedsystems integration and ease of operation. It is compatible with conventionalround filters with a Din 40 thread, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR),Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and compressed air airlinebreathing systems. With the FRR, the user can switch between supplied airand filters, which is vital for environments where the threat is unknown orextreme (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)).

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At some point in our lives, we will all need thesupport of the emergency services, which makes theprospect of cuts an emotive subject. Across theWest Midlands, our blue light teams have warnedthat the full impact is yet to be felt, with the WestMidlands Police Authority alone facing cuts to thevalue of £125m over the next four years, and theWest Midlands Fire Service suggesting that therewill be a direct impact on response times to large-scale incidents. This picture is no doubt mirroredacross the country.

“There’s a primeopportunity to find

savings in procurementand construction

budgets.”Commitment to improved reaction times,

continuous training, new equipment and high staffnumbers are all a critical part of what makes itpossible for these dedicated response teams tomake a difference, often in the face of a life ordeath situation.

So how can the emergency services tackle budgetcuts, but still maintain, and even improve, theservices that are so heavily relied on by the public?

Protecting frontline servicesWhen it comes to finding ways to reduce

spending, without compromising on quality, theemergency services have a tough task on theirhands. But there are ways of tackling these budgetcuts without providing an inferior service. Somebudgets, such as those set aside for theprocurement of construction projects, as well as forreactive and planned maintenance programmes,could take the brunt of the impact.

In 2011-12, the West Midlands Fire Service spentover £3.6m on capital projects. It also spendsaround £11m a year on procurement of supplies,works and services. So when looking to tackle

tough government targets, cutting these costs couldlessen the impact in other areas such as jobs andtraining. But with new facilities and buildingsplaying a crucial role, not just in supportingfrontline operations but also acting as a hub forgrowing communities, it’s not as simple as justturning off the tap. The quality and safety ofbuildings and equipment must be maintained, evenin the face of such stringent targets. But how? Theanswer lies with the procurement process.

Building a defence against the cutsIn the public sector, in one year alone, the

National Audit Office estimated that a staggering2500 OJEU tendering exercises were unnecessaryand that 20 percent of contract notices could havebeen covered by an already existing framework.

It is clear then that the emergency services couldmake significant savings on the huge costsassociated with the OJEU process, by using anexisting framework that has done the legworkalready and has pre-approved contractors in place.Experienced frameworks can cut costs and savetime without sacrificing the quality of thebuildings, facilities and services on offer.

The Constructing West Midlands (CWM)Framework is a prime example of the benefits thatmore coordinated procurement can bring. Theframework is leading the way in providing efficientconstruction, repairs and maintenance services thatcan meet the diverse needs of the public sector,despite these times of austerity.

Through highly experienced contractors,including Thomas Vale, Willmott Dixon, Mansell,and Community Solutions (MorganSindall/Lovell), the CWM framework hasexperience of working with emergency services.With many recent examples, from the constructionand design of community fire stations tomaintenance for police authorities and the refit ofheating and water systems for fire stations, theCWM framework is perfectly placed to help thesector tackle demanding targets.

The CWM framework also allows public bodiesaccess to leading facilities management (FM)contractors including MITIE, Carillion, IntegratedWater Services, Middleton, and KendrickConstruction. These contractors are able to provideeverything from heating and plumbingmaintenance to refurbishment works and statutorytesting, such as Legionella control.

The CWM framework is managed and supportedby Acivico (Design Construction and FM) Limitedbringing the full range of construction andconsultancy services together.

A complete solutionFrameworks offer a complete solution to daily

management and construction needs and offerseverything from facilities management work andemergency repairs, to renovation and new buildprojects. It offers an end-to-end solution, and it’sone that should be maximised.

The frontline services don’t have to take the hit,and nor should they when there’s a primeopportunity to find savings in procurement andconstruction budgets. Using frameworks to tacklebudget cuts could save time, money and resources,which, both the public sector and the generalpublic would agree, should be better spent onmaintaining these truly life-saving services.www.constructingwestmidlands.co.uk/project-experience

Cutting costs without costing livesFrom the Government’s Autumn 2012 Statement it is clear that, at least until 2018, there will be no let up from theausterity measures and budget cuts that the UK public sector has come to know so well. And with almost impossiblyhigh government efficiency targets, the emergency services have not gone unscathed. The challenge now is to balancethese unprecedented cuts with continued quality of service. Construction and procurement budgets could represent asurprising solution.

Words: Sean McMulkin, Framework Manager at Constructing West Midlands.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead.

Marshes End Fire Station in Poole.

Earlham Fire Station, Norfolk.

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