Latest news from across the emergency services

Happy New Year!

Emergency Services Times is back and raring to bring you all the insights, interviews and latest news in the blue light sector this year.

And what better way to kick things off than with our first Daily Digest of 2024.

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.

Emergency services staff recognised in New Year Honours

Individuals and teams from across the emergency services sector were recognised in the New Year Honours List for 2024.

Recognising the broad reach of the emergency services, staff working for mountain rescue, lowland rescue, RNLI, coastguard, and in water safety roles were included. More via Emergency Services Times

Fire Fighters Charity boosts support with new offerings

The Fire Fighters Charity helped more people than ever before in 2023

Having introduced a series of new programmes, developed existing offerings and reached people through a wide range of online resources, the charity helped more than 10,000 beneficiaries were in centres, online and in communities. More via The Fire Fighters Charity

UK police forces rapidly expanding use of controversial lie detector tests

Police forces in Britain have rapidly expanded the use of controversial “lie detector” tests and may be exceeding their powers by using the technology to interview and gather evidence against unconvicted suspects.

The number of polygraph tests carried out by police in England and Wales last year rose by more than half compared with 2018. More via inews.co.uk

NHS England issues update on planning for 2024/25

NHS England has issued a brief update on expectations and priorities for 2024/25.

Sent to all Integrated care boards (ICBs) and trusts, the letter advises ICBs and trusts not to wait to start planning for next year, despite the fact that discussions with government regarding full priorities and planning guidance for 2024/25 are still ongoing. More via Emergency Services Times

Kent Fire and Rescue Service approves family policy changes

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has approved changes to its family policies, giving 12 months full pay for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave for its firefighters and staff.

The service said the changes have been in the pipeline for a while and are something it is passionate about. More via Kent Fire and Rescue Service LinkedIn

East of England Ambulance Service introduces 15 hire cars

East of England Ambulance Service is introducing more than a dozen cars without blue lights or sirens in an effort to support patients during peak times.

Fifteen hire cars are being brought in at the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, 10 of which were delivered to the Norfolk and Waveney area. More via East Anglian Daily Times

HIWFRS launches Prince’s Trust programme for young people

Young people in Portsmouth will soon have access to an exciting new opportunity thanks to a new Prince’s Trust programme being launched in Waterlooville in January 2024.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue (HIWFRS) is launching the new 12-week course for unemployed young people who aren’t in education and are unsure about their future goals. More via The News, Portsmouth

More than £3m approved for West Sussex fire station upgrades

Funding of £3.15m has been approved for improvement work to be carried out at four fire stations in West Sussex.

The work, covering the stations at Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Selsey and Haywards Heath, forms part of the county council’s Estates Improvement Plan. More via BBC News

Charity creates ‘world’s first otter ambulance’

And finally… to end the first Daily Digest of 2024, the UK Wild Otter Trust believes it has created the world’s first ambulance for otters.

The charity, based in Umberleigh, North Devon, raised money for the all-terrain custom-built vehicle, which has been fitted with life-saving equipment. Founder Dave Webb said the ambulance would cut response times in half. More via BBC News