Full details of the expert-led, free seminar programmes running at this year’s Emergency Services Show, have been published on www.emergencyuk.com . The programmes feature an impressive line-up of senior speakers from the international fire and rescue community including representatives from the Federation of European Fire Associations (FEU), The Resilience Advisors Network, International Fire Chiefs and UK ISAR. There is a strong focus on collaboration and the efficiencies that can be achieved through data sharing and technology, whilst addressing head-on the health, safety and psychological needs of individual fire, rescue and call centre staff when responding to incidents.
Four separate seminar programmes – Lessons Learnt (sponsored by UCLan PROTECT), Collaboration (incorporating an International Collaboration Forum sponsored by the Resilience Advisors Network), Health & Wellbeing, and Communications (sponsored by Excelerate Technology) – will be available to visitors at the free-to-attend event which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK from 19-20 September 2018. The Manchester Arena attack, and a unique nuclear emergency training exercise held in Denmark are among the new case study sessions to be confirmed this month. Fire fighter safety regarding smoke contamination, and supporting female colleagues working through the menopause are interesting new additions to the highly topical health and wellbeing programme.
International Collaboration Forum
Meanwhile an exciting programme of seminars focused on collaboration between the emergency services has been developed in partnership with the Resilience Advisors Network and the Emergency Services Collaboration Working Group. International collaboration case studies will be presented each morning by representatives from Canada, USA, Belgium, the Netherlands and Slovakia. Protection from the new CBRN threats post-Salisbury, psychological support for call handlers and opportunities for UK experts to work within the European Civil Protection Mechanism are among the topics to be discussed. The seminars will be chaired by Dave Walton, Deputy Fire Officer of West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and NFCC lead for Hazardous Materials on day one and Paul Walker, UK NFCC International and FEU representative on day two.
Jon Hall QFSM, Managing Director of Resilience Advisors (Europe) Ltd who has helped to co-ordinate the programme said: “As we approach Brexit, the United Kingdom’s automatic inclusion in many international initiatives and programmes have been thrown into question. As part of this year’s Emergency Services Show, the Resilience Advisors Network have bought together key speakers from the UK, EU and USA to discuss the impact of this and, more importantly, to highlight opportunities that will still be available for UK emergency services and individuals to stay connected with international colleagues to make sure that the very best of world developments can be seen and introduced to national and local solutions.”
The Collaboration Zone
The event itself also offers a valuable and unique opportunity to learn and network with other blue light services, enabling vital collaborations and effective co-response.
Keen to share details of their strategic and operational developments and exchange best practice, several UK fire and rescue services – including Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Fire Service and UK ISAR which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year – have taken stands.
In The Collaboration Zone over 80 partner agencies, voluntary groups, charities and NGOs will be sharing details of the support they can offer the fire and rescue services. British Cave Rescue Council (who played a key role in the Thailand cave rescue operation) will be exhibiting in the UK SAR Zone alongside Mountain Rescue England & Wales, the Association of Lowland Search & Rescue, NSARDA Search Dogs and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Meanwhile organisations such as the Fire Industry Association, United Kingdom Rescue Organisation, the newly formed Central Programme Office (custodians of the FRS National Operational Guidance Programme), and the National Fire Chiefs Council will all be represented.
Entry to the exhibition and seminars, as well as parking, remains free. The NEC is linked to Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport and is directly accessible from the UK motorway network.
To register for free entry, go to www.emergencyuk.com
