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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.
Inquiry seeks evidence of how well UK manages its extreme weather risks
After the publication of a report into how well prepared the UK government is to respond to the extreme weather events set out in the National Risk Register, the committee that scrutinises public spending is inviting evidence on how well the public thinks the government is doing in this increasingly important area. More via Emergency Services Times
Firefighters warn of service cuts after SNP budget ‘sham’
The firefighters union has warned of possible cuts to services in Scotland after exposing a budget increase touted by SNP ministers as a “sham”.
The Fire Brigades Union accused the Scottish Government of trumpeting a “double counting” figure which failed to account for recent pay rises. More via The Herald
Paramedics and hospice join forces to share end of life care knowledge
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) is leading the way in joining up the skills of emergency and end of life care professionals in the community by embedding its paramedics in St Helena Hospice, in a scheme that is thought to be one of the first of its kind in England. More via Emergency Services Times
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service makes significant improvements following HMICFRS inspection
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has issued a causes of concern revisit letter to review the progress made by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service against its recommendations following an inspection between February 2023 and April 2023.
HMICFRS said Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has put in “considerable work” to address the inspectorate’s findig that the service cannot assure itself that operational members of staff meet the minimum fitness requirements to perform their role. As a result of the improvements made, the cause of concern is now considered to be discharged. More via HMICFRS
Police answer questions ahead of major emergency services operation
Police were out around York Minster on Saturday night as final preparations were underway for a major emergency services operation yesterday.
Operation Obtundity is a training exercise involving Yorkshire Ambulance, Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and City of York Council. More via The York Press
HMICFRS ‘pleased’ with Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s progress following causes of concern revisit
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has issued a causes of concern revisit letter to review the progress made by Avon Fire and Rescue Service against its recommendations issued in August 2023.
Overall, HMICFRS said it was “pleased” with the progress made by Avon Fire and Rescue Service in relation to both accelerated causes of concern highlighted by HMICFRS, however, more work still needs to be done to ensure an effective outcome. More via HMICFRS
Man who lost brother in fatal biker accident abroad creates emergency contact service
A man who lost his beloved brother in a fatal biking accident abroad has launched an emergency next of kin contact service.
Tony Byles launched Contact NoK – an emergency contact system that allows vital information to be accessed quickly via personalised QR codes on items including keyrings and wristbands – following his experience of losing a loved one abroad. More via Teesside Live
Defibrillators to be installed on buildings across Hull
A network of defibrillators is to be installed on the outside of buildings across Hull.
The city council is spending £10,000 to buy the equipment, which is used to restart hearts in patients suffering a cardiac arrest.
The aim is to have the publicly accessible defibrillators no further than 600m (2,000ft) apart. More via BBC News
New ‘green’ ambulances unusable by paramedics who are too tall or have big feet, NHS trusts reveal after staff voice concerns for drivers’ safety
New eco-friendly ambulances to meet greener NHS targets are being parked up across the country because paramedics are too tall or have feet too big to drive them.
The embarrassing gaffe has left half the NHS ambulance trusts in England which bought adapted Fiat Ducatos to replace their old Mercedes vehicles facing the expensive problem of how to off-load them. More via Mail Online