UKRO reveals new format for rescue challenges

The United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) has been busy this year with the introduction of several new and exciting concepts as well as maintaining our existing links in and across the fire and rescue sector.

Last year we took a break from hosting our renowned national rescue event and we used that time to reflect and develop for the future. As a result we are introducing a new delivery model across the different rescue disciplines.

Each discipline within the rescue event now stands alone and has its own national event and I’m delighted to share that we have three great events taking place throughout the autumn.

We kick off with the first extrication and trauma event on 11 and 12 September at Colchester University in Essex. Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton said he is proud that Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is hosting the challenge in this new format, marking a new chapter for UKRO.

“For our crews, and for teams travelling from across the UK, it’s a chance to test their skills in realistic scenarios, learn from how others approach the same challenges and take that learning back into their day-to-day roles.”

He also shared that Fire Cadets will be part of the event this year, adding: “This is giving young people the opportunity to get involved and experience the teamwork and skills behind rescue work is an important part of inspiring the next generation.”

The water rescue event will be hosted by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service using locations in its area. It takes place on 25 and 26 September. And we wrap up the autumn season with the rope rescue event which will be hosted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service from 1– 3 October.

Looking ahead, we have hosts lined up for the next three years and have seen great demand to step up and facilitate these prestigious events.

Commitment to development

This year UKRO has developed its Continual Professional Development (CPD) sessions for fire and rescue services across the country. We have also seen new qualifications introduced across the extrication sector, Road Traffic Collision course, each of which have been accredited by the Institution of Fire Engineers.

There have been significant developments for the UKRO Academy this year, with a very broad and extensive suite of rescue related information now available for operational crews. With extensive work on the structured digital learning platform, it continues to provide accessible education and professional development resources for rescue personnel.

Separate to this work, our Education and Development directorate has also been busy updating UKRO standards, principles and guidance for extrication, trauma care and incident command. This has resulted in the production of detailed guidance for both teams and assessors. This is complemented by the UKRO education programmes which support a more structured development pathways for assessors, educators and subject matter specialists.

Securing partnerships

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach and we continue to work closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council to support the development of rescue-based competence frameworks, helping to establish clearer and more consistent expectations for knowledge, skills, behaviours, training and operational competence. This is supported by work to strengthen the connection between UKRO activities, operational practice and current evidence. Our collaboration expands beyond the UK, with the UKRO Global directorate working on the Nepal International development Programme.

And we continue our commitment to keep our teams up to date by engaging with new partners to explore new vehicle technology, ensuring that rescue professionals from around the country can benefit from exposure, learning and education.

Visit Ian and the team from UKRO at The Emergency Services Show on stand CZ54. The show takes place on 16 and 17 September at the NEC in Birmingham. Register to attend here.