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Every morning, Emergency Services Times combs a significant list of sources to bring you the sector’s freshest news stories. Compiled into a single article, this daily news digest is an easy, single point of reference for emergency services news, saving you the time and effort of searching yourself. Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back daily to stay abreast of the latest goings on in the emergency services sector.
Eye-safe laser technology to diagnose traumatic brain injury
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have designed and developed a novel diagnostic device to detect traumatic brain injury (TBI) by shining a safe laser into the eye.
Described in Science Advances, the technique is dramatically different from other diagnostic methods and is expected to be developed into a hand-held device for use in the critical ‘golden hour’ after traumatic brain injury, when life critical decisions on treatment must be made. More via University of Birmingham
Tackling County Lines drug dealing remains a strategic policing priority
Tackling County Lines drug dealing remains a strategic priority for policing across England and Wales.
The latest County Lines Intensification Week, coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)-led National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), saw over 1,600 arrests, over 100kg of cannabis seized, alongside 40kg of Class A drugs worth over £1.2 million, 33 firearms, 377 bladed weapons, and over £1.2m in cash, as forces made large gains against these gangs and the products that finance their exploitative criminality. More via NPCC
UK proposes new drone laws: mandatory pilot test, Remote ID rule
In preparation for increased adoption of drone technology, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has suggested several major changes to current drone laws and regulations. Among the reforms proposed are the implementation of the Remote ID rule and making registration and remote pilot competency tests compulsory for sub-250-gram aircraft as well.
The UK CAA said that the proposals are based on the feedback received from multiple government departments, police, and the drone community itself. More via Drone DJ
Operation Vertical Limit: Essex fire, police and ambulance perform large-scale rope rescue exercise
Firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) along with colleagues from Essex Police and East of England Ambulance Service performed a large-scale rope rescue exercise at Colchester’s Jumbo Water Tower earlier this month.
The exercise involved the seamless coordination of crews from Urban Search and Rescue, Technical Rescue and partnering agencies to rescue four casualties, played by actors and mannequins on different levels of the 40.5m tower. More via ECFRS
NFCC backing Electrical Safety First’s Safety Bill
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) says it is backing proposals by charity Electrical Safety First for e-bike and e-scooter batteries to be regulated like fireworks and heavy machinery.
At the moment, lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters can go on sale with only the manufacturer’s declaration that they meet safety standards. More via Sky News
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service improving – inspectors
Inspectors have praised Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) for improving its fire prevention work.
In its latest report, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said it was no longer concerned about the way the brigade carried out home inspections.
HWFRS said it was pleased to have been graded “good” or “adequate” in all 11 inspection areas, after it was told to improve in the previous inspection in 2021. More via BBC News