Passing out parade for Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s (KFRS) newest firefighters An official passing out parade to welcome ten new wholetime firefighters to Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) took place on December 12 at Rochester Fire Station. Attended by family and friends of the trainees, the occasion was held to welcome the firefighters and showcase their newly honed skills. Chosen from over 5,000 applicants, the trainees have just completed 15 weeks of intense training designed to equip them with the necessary skills and techniques required to become a firefighter. In order to reach this stage, the trainees underwent a number of comprehensive selection assessments, including situational awareness, problem solving and physical testing. The individuals, who are all part of the last cohort from the 2017 recruitment drive, were then interviewed before being selected to join KFRS’ trainee course 182. The training that followed included intensive courses around the daily challenges and risks faced by today’s fire service when responding to a wide range of emergency incidents. This included, but was not limited to, learning how to use fire engine equipment in a wide range of emergency scenarios, working safely at height and in confined spaces, learning firefighting techniques, training in hazardous materials and dealing with road traffic collisions. After being tested against a range of realistic scenarios to help them prepare them for the life of a firefighter, the recruits successfully passed their final assessments and were able to showcase their skills at today’s passing out parade in the form of a road traffic collision demonstration, drill and firefighting display. The trainees will be placed at their respective fire stations in January and will soon be actively responding to 999 incidents around the county. Nikki Escudier, KFRS Lead Training Coach, said: “It’s been a fantastic few months training the group. They have all worked so hard, and my fellow training coaches and I feel honoured to have been part of this journey. The trainees have bonded brilliantly as a team but are looking forward to starting work at their own stations in January. It’s been an absolute pleasure training them – well done, trainee course 182!”

London Fire Brigade warn against candles after school child suffers burns Teachers and parents are being warned by the London Fire Brigade not to use real candles following an accident during a school’s carol service which resulted in a child suffering serious burns. A young boy from St Thomas Becket Catholic Primary School was seriously injured yesterday after his costume caught alight when it came into contact with a candle. He remains in hospital. London Fire Brigade’s Fire Investigation team and fire safety officers attended Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Croydon  following a call from the Metropolitan Police Service. The London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Dan Daly, said: “This horrific accident is a stark reminder of the risk real candles can pose. They are  a completely unnecessary hazard when it comes to children and school plays. “Sadly this isn’t the first time we have seen clothing and costumes set alight by candles and  people need to recognise the risk and prevent these incidents from happening again. “People should not  be using real candles – especially around children, costumes and decorations – when there are far safer alternatives available. “LED, battery-operated or electric candles take away the dangers associated with a naked flame. They can be left unattended and it doesn’t matter if they are dropped or knocked over.” At this time of year, there are even more hazards around as people wear festive clothing and decorate their homes. If you do have candles in your home, you must ensure they are never left unattended and that they are in a suitable fire resistant candleholder and placed on a heat resistant surface. Candles and other naked flames should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets and should be away from materials which can catch fire such as curtains, furniture or clothes and at this time of year, decorations.

Agility Technologies partners with Vogt-CTE to create Agility Technologies Europe Agility Technologies Corporation (ATC) manufacturer of FirstLook36, recently announced that the company has partnered with Vogt-CTE to establish operations in Europe. It is their goal to better serve our growing number of European based users and dealer partners.  By establishing a local presence, ATC Europe will help to minimise delivery times, decrease shipping costs and provide sales and service in local time zones. “Our expansion into Europe marks a milestone moment in the growth of ATC and for FirstLook360’s adoption by European based emergency services,” said ATC Chief Marketing Officer, Matt Fiddes. “ATC Europe will allow us to forge new relationships and continue to build our brand in the European rescue community.” The two founders of Vogt-CTE, Jürg Vogt and Marc Hersberger have over 30 years of experience in the Urban Search and Rescue, Military, Border Guard, Police and Fire Rescue markets. In addition to the provided sales and after-sales service, Vogt-CTE will offer local training support for our growing European dealer network and end user customers. “We are very proud to include FirstLook360 as another innovative product in our portfolio,” said Jürg Vogt, Sales Director. Marc Hersberger, COO adds: “We are convinced that the unique selling propositions of the FL360, the future-oriented thinking of our Canadian partner ATC, and the market knowledge of our European country representatives can create a sustainable basis for the continuing success of our first responders. We look forward to developing synergies and creating real value for our highly respected customers.” ATC Europe will be headquartered in Steffisburg, Switzerland, with an additional facility in Germany.  Both locations will provide logistics to customers in the European Union and non-EU countries. The expansion will be led by Marc Hersberger (Vogt-CTE) and Matt Fiddes (ATC).

Social Media Strategies Summit for First Responders coming to San Francisco On February 4-6, 2020, the Social Media Strategies Summit for First Responders will host more than 50 speakers and 40 sessions covering topics on social media strategy, community development, crisis communications, content marketing, influencer marketing, paid media, brand engagement, and more. The agenda has confirmed practitioners from departments and agencies from across the country, including the San Francisco Fire Department, Hawaii Department of Public Safety, Arkansas State Police, Connecticut State Police, City of Orlando Fire Department, and many others. “The Social Media Strategies Summit, founded in 2009, brings over 10 years of experience to social media education,” says event producer Breanna Jacobs of GSMI. “We’re excited to host a new social summit serving the First Responder and Public Safety fields and provide a unique opportunity for professionals to network with and learn from other departments and agencies from across the country.” Public Information and Affairs Officers, Communications Directors, marketers, and practitioners will be joining the summit to take advantage of both first responder and public safety focused sessions and three additional tracks of sessions featuring corporate brand-focused case studies. The comprehensive program allows attendees to leverage insights from brands across industries and how they’re seeing measurable business results from their social media initiatives. “Conferences like SMSsummit are extremely important. They help ensure that together, as communications professionals serving the public, we are developing and sharing best practices and innovations to make us the best we (and our organizations) can be at informing and helping the public,” says keynote speaker Lauri-Ellen, Owner of Cat 5 Crisis Communications, Inc. Registration can be completed online here.

ESO acquires Digital Innovation, Clinical Data Management and Lancet Technology ESO have announced its acquisition of Digital Innovation, Clinical Data Management and Lancet Technology, as well as a key collaboration with DICORP to continue driving trauma registry innovation. By combining the assets, expertise and customer base of the three companies, ESO will have the largest portfolio of state trauma registries (26) in the United States and will deliver a world’s first – the ability to see time-sensitive emergencies and patient data from the first 911 call for help all the way through a patient leaving the hospital. “ESO is the leader in the collection and analysis of prehospital-to-hospital data,” said John Kutcher, CEO of DICORP. “We’re excited for Digital Innovation to be part of an organization that understands the value of analytics and insights to improve patient safety and patient outcomes across the healthcare spectrum. We look forward to continuing our groundbreaking efforts as ESO and DICORP work together to move the industry forward.” Digital Innovation, Clinical Data Management and Lancet Technology have been serving customers with their award-winning software for more than 30 years with a series of products – including V5 Trauma Registry, TraumaBase and TraumaOne – to capture essential data as it relates to trauma registries. “We are excited about this acquisition and partnership,” said Chris Dillie, President and CEO of ESO. “Our mission is to improve community health and safety through the power of data. We realize what a game changer it will be to leverage our comprehensive data set to look critically at time-sensitive emergencies from 911 through the hospital system. The collaborative communication between hospital and EMS is essential for improved patient care, and we will now be able to automate the flow of data from EMS into hospital registries.” The combination of Digital Innovation, Clinical Data Management and Lancet’s technology and trauma data with ESO’s industry leading ESO EHR and award-winning ESO HDE will provide both EMS and hospitals with a comprehensive patient picture that will allow providers and hospital staff to make the most informed decisions when it comes to patient care. Additionally, EMS and hospitals will have access to outcomes data that will improve the quality of care. Details of the deal were not disclosed.

Dr Sthamer release their brand new vaPUREx LV 1% F-10 foam The new vaPUREx LV 1% F-10 from Dr Sthamer is a fluorine-free low viscosity (Newtonian) firefighting foam concentrate providing a fast-spreading and safely covering low expansion foam. With that vaPUREx® LV 1% F-10 is particularly suitable for forceful application onto petroleum products giving a fast and safe vapour suppression. vaPUREx® LV 1% F-10 is readily and 100% biodegradable. It is free of fluorine and silicon compounds, preservatives or other persistent or environmentally disadvantageous substances. Also now available is Dr Sthamer’s new vaPUREx LV ICAO B 3% F-10 is a 100% biodegradable fire extinguishing foam concentrate designed for direct foam application on aviation fuels. It is type tested and certified in accordance with Annex 14 ICAO Level B. As vaPUREx LV is a low-viscosity, Newtonian liquid it can be used with all standard mobile and fixed proportioners up to its lowest usable temperature of -10°C. A sophisticated blend of active materials very effectively prevents the foam from forming emulsions with the fuel despite the absence of fluorinated chemicals. This facilitates effective vapour suppression and thus a fast firefighting success and good burn back stability. All products of the new vaPUREx–line offers both a high environmental sustainability and high performance: Its special formulation reduces formation of emulsions with the fuel and allows for direct foam application to non-polar fuels. The fine bubble structure and compact foam blanket reduces the danger of re-ignition of areas of the fire that are already extinguished.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) urge caution ahead of Christmas 2020 The latest statistics from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) revealed that hundreds of Scottish homes were affected by fire over the festive period in 2018. Figures show the extent of seasonal dwelling fires responded to by firefighters, with a total of 509 incidents recorded between December 10 and January 14. The numbers further revealed that of the 91 people who sadly became a casualty of these fires, 37 were aged 60 or over – more than 40 per cent. The hard-hitting numbers were highlighted as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service launches its winter safety campaign today, including a hard-hitting national television advert highlighting the dangers of cooking while under the influence of alcohol. The festive period is traditionally one of the busiest times of year for SFRS and its partners – with the increase in accidental house fires during the period typically caused by a higher use of heating and electrical appliances – as well as higher alcohol consumption, decorations and the traditional use of candles also playing a role. Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart is the SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection. He said: “Ultimately, we want people to remember the festive period for all the right reasons. “When our firefighters have to attend a fire in someone’s house at Christmas time, and we enter a house which is burning but full of Christmas presents and decorations – it’s heartbreaking. “But unfortunately, the festive period sees potentially deadly combinations come together – increased use of electricity, drinking alcohol and cooking, decorations being put up near heat sources. “It’s all too easy to think that it will never happen to you – but it can. “That’s why we are appealing to communities across Scotland – don’t let Christmas end, or your New Year start, with tragedy.” This winter SFRS will work closely with local communities and partner agencies to keep Scotland safe from fire and other emergencies. However, ACO Haggart is urging communities to play their part by ensuring that the most elderly and vulnerable members of the community are properly supported this Christmas and in to 2020. He added: “I would directly appeal to people to check if their elderly relatives, neighbours or friends are in need of our support and to contact us. “Home fire safety visits are a key pillar of our prevention work that help safeguard the public – especially vulnerable residents. “These are free pre-arranged visits where SFRS staff identify signs to protect people and their homes. “SFRS staff can also identify hazards in the home, help plan escape routes and provide information about smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.” Cooking remains the number one cause of fires in the home in Scotland, with alcohol a top contributing factor. During the festive period, the SFRS traditionally sees a rise in incidents related to cooking while someone is under the influence of alcohol. ACO Haggart continued: “When it comes to celebrating and marking the occasion – please do not drink, then attempt to cook. “Cooking remains the number one cause of house fires in Scotland and often alcohol is a contributing factor, especially during this period. “Consider making something beforehand and have it prepared, or wait until you are no longer affected by alcohol.” Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “While we want people to be able to celebrate and relax over the festive period, it is extremely important that they also keep themselves and others safe. For that reason I’d urge people to follow the advice of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and act responsibly.”

Hampshire firefighters (HFRS) see new wellbeing gardens blossom Two Hampshire (HFRS) fire stations have opened new garden spaces for their firefighters to sit, reflect and reduce the impact of work on their wellbeing. Over the last few months Redbridge and Havant crews have revitalised parts of their station to create a relaxing and calm place for firefighters and other members of staff to enjoy. The Redbridge garden was opened by Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin in July and includes a pond, bird tables and new furniture. Redbridge Station Manager Rob Jenks said: “I am so proud of what our teams have achieved. Everyone who’s attended the opening event agreed that all the hard work has really paid off.” “I’m delighted that we have this fantastic resource, which is open to any member of staff to use at any time.” The success of the garden at the Southampton station was quickly followed by Redbridge’s colleagues in Havant. The garden space at the East Hampshire station is being transformed by firefighters and staff at local company Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd. As well as getting their hands dirty the smoke alarm manufacturers will also be funding a new HFRS ‘A Better Me’ course for students aged 11 or 12 years old to improve their health and confidence. Havant Crew Manager Simon Morford said: “The entire crew at Havant Fire Station are so grateful for Apollo’s sponsorship of our ‘A Better Me’ course. Working together will mean that we can support these young people and empower them. They’ll gain confidence, learn valuable life skills, and have amazing life experiences. In the process, encouraging positivity and self-respect.” The mental health of firefighters has been in the spotlight in recent years and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to supporting staff following traumatic incidents. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Apter said: “I am hugely proud of the strides our organisation has made in terms of raising awareness of mental health issues and supporting our colleagues. “The outstanding work that has gone into designing, building and maintaining these tranquil spaces shows the wellbeing of our staff really is at the heart of everything we do. “The gardens represent an essential area on station which allows our people to take time away from the challenges they face each day.”

Two Pierce Arrow XT Pumpers purchased by City of Charleston using NASPO contract Pierce Manufacturing Inc have announced that Finley Fire Equipment has secured an order for two Pierce Arrow XT pumpers for the Charleston, West Virginia Fire Department. The trucks will be procured through a partnership established with the West Virginia Purchasing Division using a National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) contract. Streamlining the city’s purchasing processes has been a top priority for Charleston, West Virginia City Manager, Jonathan Storage. “When I discovered that the opportunity existed for the City of Charleston to be a signatory to the NASPO contract, I worked directly with the leadership at the West Virginia Purchasing Division to make this happen,” said Storage. “With this agreement in place, every municipality in West Virginia can take advantage of competitive national pricing for fire trucks.” The two new Pierce Arrow XT pumpers will replace the Charleston Fire Department’s nearly 20-year-old pumper trucks as part of the city’s regular lifecycle maintenance process. The fire trucks will feature: Superior maneuverability with length just over 28 feet 10 inches, and 45-degree cramp angle TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension Pierce Husky 12 foam system Allison 4500 6-speed transmission “We applaud the work of City Manager, Jonathan Storage, and the representatives with the state of West Virginia,” said John Finley, president and CEO of Finley Fire Equipment. “We’re proud to work with the West Virginia Purchasing Division, and feel it is extraordinary that every municipality in West Virginia can now take advantage of competitive national pricing for fire trucks, as well as experience a streamlined purchasing process for apparatus that have been vetted for superior quality.” The NASPO contract allows the City of Charleston to benefit from competitive fire truck pricing bid at the national level and contract directly with Pierce without having to seek additional competitive bids at the local level. This opportunity was made available through the West Virginia Purchasing Division’s continued efforts to work with counties and municipalities to provide cost-savings where possible.

Ballyclare to supply Welsh Firefighters with new personal protection equipment The three Fire and Rescue Services in Wales have announced Ballyclare as the new supplier of structural firefighting personal protection equipment (PPE) to their firefighters. The Xenon model PPE, which is manufactured by Ballyclare, has been chosen following an extensive All Wales procurement exercise, undertaken by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and follows a year of consultation with firefighters. The new PPE will be rolled out to firefighters in the Summer of 2020. In a joint statement, the three Chief Fire Officers for the Fire and Rescue Services in Wales, said: “It is of the utmost importance that we provide our firefighters with the very highest standards of protection and we are delighted to say that this new PPE meets these criteria. The Ballyclare Xenon PPE has been tested rigorously by our firefighters, alongside PPE from competing manufacturers and this PPE scored the highest marks with our firefighters and within the wider stringent requirements of the All Wales procurement process. Pivotal to this project has been the successful collaboration of all three fire and rescue services in Wales and the willing involvement of our firefighters in this important process. We commend them on their contribution which has been undertaken with great professionalism and pride. The procurement of this state-of-the-artPPE is yet another step towards Fire and Rescue Services in Wales realising their vision of becoming world leaders in emergency response and community safety.”