PCC elections and why complexity may hinder turnout; Ambulance explodes minutes after dropping off patient

Every weekday morning we bring you the sector’s freshest news stories, starting today with a look at how the PCC elections are going and why it’s no surprise that voters aren’t that motivated to vote for them given how complex police governance has become.

There’s also a story on a “horror show” ambulance explosion that occurred just minutes after dropping off a 91-year-old patient in Staffordshire.

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PCC elections and why complexity may hinder turnout on 2 May

Now that the electoral campaigns for Police and Crime Commissioners are firmly underway, Catherine Levin looks at how it’s going and why it’s no surprise that voters aren’t that motivated to vote for them given how complex police governance has become. More via Emergency Services Times

NPCC and CPS policy to keep football safe and inclusive

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are committed to keeping football safe and inclusive to play and watch.

The NPCC and CPS will deal robustly with football-related violence, disorder and other offending, including racist, homophobic, otherwise discriminatory chanting or abuse and other types of hate crime. Where criminal conduct is demonstrated we will also take action against so called “tragedy chanting.” More via NPCC

Police given new powers to arrest protesters who use face coverings to intimidate others and evade prosecution

New laws will empower police to arrest protesters who use face coverings to intimidate others and evade prosecution. Pyrotechnics will also be prohibited at protests. These laws aim to curb dangerous disorder, following warnings that some protesters use face coverings to hide their identities and avoid criminal convictions. More via College of Policing

Welsh Ambulance Service awarded University Trust status

The Welsh Ambulance Service is the second UK ambulance service to secure University Trust status. The sought-after status has been granted by Welsh Government in recognition of the Trust’s commitment to develop its current and future workforce and to drive research and innovation. More via Emergency Services Times

Hospital put on rare Black Alert as patients urged to avoid A&E

An NHS hospital has been put on Black Alert after experiencing ‘exceptional demand’ on its wards.

The Morriston Hospital in Swansea declared a ‘Business Continuity Incident’ and said it is seeing high numbers of patients, including many with ‘DIY-related injuries’. People are being urged to seek medical aid elsewhere, if possible, and collect loved ones who have been discharged as soon as possible, so that beds can be freed-up for those in need. More via The Mirror

Ambulance explodes minutes after dropping off 91-year-old in Staffordshire

A couple from Staffordshire have described the “horror show” they witnessed as an ambulance exploded outside their house.

David and Marilyn Brinklow’s 91-year-old neighbour was being dropped off by the ambulance on Thursday 14 March when a pedestrian alerted the driver that the vehicle was smoking.

The couple, from Barton-under-Needwood, closed their curtains as the engine caught fire, then exploded. More via ITVX

Telecoms regulator plans for ‘reliable’ 999 call service in Jersey

Plans to update guidance for 999 calls in Jersey are being consulted on by the island’s competition regulator.

The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority said the update was needed following the recent creation of a new code of practice between telecom operators and emergency services. More via BBC News

Ambulance leaders call for a ‘fresh approach’ to ease pressure on hospitals

A recent report from ambulance chiefs and trust leaders is prompting discussion at national, regional and system level about the potential for the ambulance service to take a greater role in leading and co-designing urgent and emergency care provision (UEC). More via Emergency Services Times