How JESIP boosts multi-agency lifesaving on the frontline

As multi-agency incidents grow in complexity and urgency, the role of the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) has never been more critical. In this interview, Matthew England, Strategic Lead for JESIP, discusses how the framework is evolving to meet emerging risks, the impact of Joint Organisational Learning and why effective collaboration remains the cornerstone of saving lives.

Why are multi-agency incidents becoming harder to manage, and how is JESIP adapting?

Multi-agency incidents have always existed, even if they weren’t always recognised as such, and they don’t have to be major incidents. It could be as simple as two agencies working together to resolve a member of the public’s issue. JESIP isn’t just for major incidents – it’s for any situation where agencies need to collaborate, applying shared principles and methodologies.

Incidents today unfold faster than before. Terrorist attacks, for example, often peak in minutes rather than hours. That speed means control rooms and responders need to communicate rapidly and effectively to maintain a shared picture and respond in sync. JESIP is evolving to make this process smoother, ensuring teams can act together efficiently and safely.

When it comes to fast-evolving risks like battery fires or large-scale flooding, where do JESIP’s principles fit in?

JESIP principles should be at the centre of any response. Managing risks like flammable EV batteries or flooded neighbourhoods requires a joint understanding of the situation. It’s not just about the hazard itself, but the people affected – their health needs, whether they need evacuation and how agencies can work together to reduce harm.

Effective response relies on sharing risk, sharing information, and coordinating communications. One agency trying to manage an incident alone is less effective and potentially unsafe. Applying JESIP principles ensures better outcomes for the public and safer conditions for responders.

What impact is Joint Organisational Learning (JOL) having across the emergency services?

Joint Organisational Learning is crucial for turning experience into action. Action notes prevent mistakes from being repeated and allow agencies to share lessons from both successes and challenges. Publishing methodology helps prevent repeat errors, improving service to the public while also protecting responders.

Currently, four live action notes are in circulation, relevant not just to emergency services but to wider Local Resilience Forum partners, local authorities, and other organisations. Seeing these outcomes in practice demonstrates how collaborative learning saves lives and reduces harm.

For paramedics, trauma teams, and tactical responders, what’s the most practical way to bring JESIP into everyday decision-making?

Understanding interoperable skills and working together is essential. In practice, this could mean paramedics and fire and rescue teams collaborating on patient extrication or complex rescues. With supervision and coordination, patients have better outcomes. JESIP principles apply across the board, to pre-hospital care, hospital teams, and anyone interacting with responders, ensuring decisions are informed, safe, and collaborative.

JESIP’s guiding principle is ‘Working Together, Saving Lives’. How is this demonstrated in practice?

Working together is central to everything JESIP does. You don’t have to be a commander to apply the principles; everyone in an organisation should understand them and know what colleagues from other services can contribute.

Tools like the ‘JESIP in a minute’ videos provide a clear understanding of how agencies can support each other in an incident, making collaboration practical and actionable.

What message would you like to share with the wider emergency services community ahead of The Emergency Services Show 2026?

The Emergency Services Show is a great opportunity to come together, learn and strengthen networks. Attendees should explore the stands, attend seminars and see new innovations in action. It’s also a chance to dedicate some CPD time, connect with other services and learn from each other’s experiences.

Join us on 16-17 September at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co-located with The Emergency Tech Show, register your interest here.