032. Wilts Swindon Lrf Joint Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 1 of 84

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Major Incident Joint Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 2 of 84 FOREWORD BY THE LOCAL RESILIENCE FORUM

Dealing with a Major Incident in an effective manner requires the co-operation of many emergency services, Health Protection Agency, Local Authorities and Voluntary Agencies. The shared knowledge and resources brought to bear in a joint approach will bring a Major Incident to a successful conclusion. For this to happen in practice requires an understanding by all services and agencies of their own and each other's roles and responsibilities when faced with a Major Incident. Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. Therefore, it would be foolish to believe that such an incident could not occur in Wiltshire. With this in mind it is clearly prudent that the county should have a comprehensive procedural document for the integrated response of those emergency agencies that might be involved in mitigating the effects of such an incident. This is now the second edition of this document. It is of paramount importance that where there is a living document, such as this one, that it is regularly reviewed so that it reflects current practice in light of experience and it introduces new procedures. You will find that this document has built on the previous version and includes the latest changes that affect us all including the new structure of the Health Service. Again I welcome the publication of these procedures that should do much to ensure that an incident in Wiltshire can be successfully handled with minimum risk to both those operating at the scene and the public at large. I commend this document to all who could be involved in a Major Incident, it is essential reading.

P Vaughan Assistant Chief Constable (Operations) Chairperson

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 3 of 84 The contents of this Guide have been drafted in accordance with the latest agreed procedures of The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), The Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association (CACFOA), The Ambulance Service Association (ASA), Local Authorities and NHS Guidance. Extensive consultation has also been undertaken with the Military, Voluntary Services and other organisations likely to be involved in a Major Incident. Enquiries about this document should be made to the emergency planning department of the relevant service shown below: Wiltshire Constabulary Sergeant Bob YOUNG, Major Incident Planning, Operations Support, Police Headquarters, London Road, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2DN Wiltshire Ambulance Service (NHS Trust) Mr Mike Love, Ambulance Headquarters, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire Wiltshire Fire Brigade Divisional Officer Gus CUTHBERT, Wiltshire Fire Brigade, Brigade Headquarters, The Manor House, Potterne, Devizes, Wiltshire Wiltshire County Council Emergency Planning Department Mr Mark KIMBERLIN, County Emergency Planning Officer, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. Miss Jane BROWNING, Emergency Planning Officer Swindon Borough Council Mr Sam Weller, Head of Emergency Management, Premier House, Station Road, Swindon, SN1 1TZ. Wiltshire Primary Care Trusts Mrs Debbie Haynes, Emergency Planning Officer Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT, Southgate House, Pans Lane, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 5EQ

The Wiltshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF) first published this Guide in 2000. First Edition: November 2000 Second Edition: April 2004 Third Edition March 2005 © Wiltshire LRF 2004. This document remains the copyright of the Wiltshire Local Resilience Forum and as such should not be reproduced without permission. It is not permissible to offer the entire document, or selections, in what ever format (hard copy, electronic or other media) for sale exchange or gift without written permission of the Chairperson, Wiltshire LRF. Use of the document for publications or reports should include an acknowledgement to the Wiltshire LRF as the source document.

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Figure 1 LRF Membership Wiltshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable (Operations)

43 (Wessex) Brigade Joint Regional Liaison Officer

Wiltshire Fire Brigade Assistant Chief Fire Officer

THE WILTSHIRE LOCAL RESILIENCE FORUM

Government Office of the South West Regional Resilience Team

Health Protection Agency Emergency Planning Officer

Environment Agency Emergency Planning Lead

Wiltshire County Council County Emergency Planning Officer (+ Secretariat)

Wiltshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust Director of Operations

Wiltshire & Swindon Primary Care Trusts Emergency Planning Lead

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Swindon Borough Council Head of Emergency Management

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 5 of 84 Figure 2 THE WILTSHIRE LOCAL RESILIENCE FORUM LIAISON PROCESS RESPONSE SUPPORT GROUP

LOCALAUTHORITY SUB GROUPS

Wiltshire CC (Chair) Bristol Water Wessex Water Thames Water Scottish Southern Electric Transco British Gas First Great Wessex Trains Network Rail EWS Railway BT Orange NTL Vodafone RWE Innogy Freight Liner

Wiltshire County Council (Chair) Kennet District Council North Wilts District Council Salisbury District Council Swindon Borough Council West Wilts District Council

LRF Police (Chair) Ambulance Service NHS Trust Environment Agency Fire Brigade Health Protection Agency Primary Care Trusts Regional Resilience Team Swindon Borough Council Wiltshire County Council 43 (Wessex) Brigade

TRAINING SUB GROUP Fire Brigade (Chair) Ambulance Service NHS Trust Police Primary Care Trusts EPL Swindon Borough Head of EM Wiltshire County Council EPO 43 (Wessex) Brigade

VASEC NHS

Wiltshire County Council (Chair) Ambulance Service NHS Trust British Red Cross Multi Faith representative St John Ambulance Salvation Army Swindon Borough Council WRVS

PCT Emergency Planning Officer (Chair) Ambulance Service NHS Trust Royal United Hospital NHS Trust Salisbury District Hospital NHS Trust Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust Wiltshire Shared Services Consortium

PUBLIC EVENTS SAFETY GROUPS Local Authority (Chair) Ambulance Service NHS Trust Fire Brigade Police Wiltshire CC or Swindon BC EPU Co-opted members as required (e.g. Utilities)

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SUB GROUP Police (Chair) Ambulance Service NHS Trust Fire Brigade Primary Care Trusts EPL Wiltshire County Council EPO Swindon Borough Council, Head of EM. Wiltshire County Council EPO

HAZMAT PROFILING GROUP Primary Care Trusts Emergency Planning Officer (Chair) Ambulance Service NHS Trust Environment Agency Fire Brigade Health Protection Agency Health and Safety Executive Kennet District Council North Wiltshire District Council Police Salisbury District Council Swindon Borough Council West Wiltshire District Council Wiltshire County Council

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 6 of 84 INTRODUCTION The Local Resilience Forum (LRF) recognises that every Major Incident is different and has its own unique features. The advice contained within this guide should only be regarded as a guide and not a replacement for the emergency procedure plans of each service. It is designed to offer a framework within which those who are responsible for the successful resolution of the incident are able to work together with maximum efficiency. Experience has taught that there are many seemingly harmless sets of circumstances that can, if not dealt with speedily, escalate to the level of a major incident. Prevention is better than cure. No one will be criticised for treating an incident as serious in the first instance even if events later prove it not to be. The definitions and procedures contained in this guide, dealing with Major Incidents, apply equally to arrangements which should be put in place to ensure the speedy resolution of seemingly minor incidents. This guide has been prepared for the information and guidance of the emergency agencies but should be used by any other responsible organisation that may have to respond to a Major Incident.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 7 of 84 TERMS OF REFERENCE Function To consider policy matters at the strategic level in relation to Major Incident Management. Aim To co ordinate effective and efficient integrated emergency management arrangements within the County of Wiltshire and Borough of Swindon. Co opted Members Representatives of Category Two Responders and other appropriate agencies will be invited to attend LRF meetings and to participate in the work of the LRF as and when necessary. Objectives •

To establish a strategy for co-operation and the sharing of information in order to facilitate the effective completion of risk assessments and plans.

•

To direct a programme of joint risk assessments and review, in order to identify the range of emergencies faced in the LRF area.

•

In light of those risk assessments, to set priorities and tasks for multi agency contingency planning, and to ensure that those priorities and tasks are achieved.

•

To endorse joint contingency plans.

•

To provide policy direction on the public dissemination of risk assessments and plans.

•

To promote joint training and exercising for all responding organisations in the Wiltshire area.

•

To establish principles for advising, warning and informing the public before, during and after an emergency on a multi agency basis across the LRF area.

•

To promote mutual support for the business continuity arrangements for individual responding agencies.

•

To co ordinate Wiltshire’s LRF strategic input into the Regional Resilience Forum.

•

To liaise with adjacent LRF’s and agree procedures for mutual aid. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

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•

To determine the priorities for , and receive reports from the sub groups established by the LRF.

•

To provide the nucleus for the Strategic Co-ordinating Group in the event of an emergency.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 9 of 84 MAJOR INCIDENTS Definition A Major Incident is any emergency (including known or suspected acts of terrorism) that requires the implementation of special arrangements by one or all of the emergency services, the NHS or the Local Authorities and will generally include some or all of the following features: (a)

The initial treatment, rescue and transportation of a large number of casualties;

(b)

The involvement either directly or indirectly of large numbers of people;

(c)

The handling of a large number of enquiries likely to be generated both from the public and the news media, usually made to police;

(d)

The need for a large scale combined resources of the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service.

(e)

The mobilisation and organisation of the emergency services and supporting agencies, for example, local authority, to cater for the threat of death, serious injury or homelessness to a large number of people.

(f)

For specific health purposes, a major incident may be defined as: “Any occurrence which presents a serious threat to the health of the community, disruption to the service, or causes (or is likely to cause) such members or types of casualties as to require special arrangements to be implemented by hospitals, ambulance services or primary care trusts”

EMERGENCY Definition The Civil Contingencies Act creates a new definition, that of Emergency; ‘An event or situation which threatens serious damage to human welfare in a place in the UK, the environment of a place in the UK, or war or terrorism which threatens serious damage to the security of the UK’ Stages Most Major Incidents can be considered to have four stages: • • • •

initial response; consolidation; recovery and restoration. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

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An investigation into the cause of the incident may be superimposed on to the whole structure. (See Fig. 3 overleaf).

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 11 of 84 Fig. 3 The stages of a Major Incident

RESPONSE

Consolidation

Initial Response

Recovery Investigation

Stand-by

Hearings: Trials, Inquests, Public Enquiries and Civil Litigation Restoration

TIME

Declaration A Major Incident may be declared by any agency within the LRF that considers any of the criteria outlined in the definition above have been satisfied. A Major Incident to one of the agencies may not be so regarded by another. However, each of the other agencies will attend with an appropriate pre-determined response, which could be in a standby capacity.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 13 of 84 MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE RESPONDING AGENCIES General Rescue will often be the prime function of the emergency services. Responsibility for the rescue of survivors lies with the Wiltshire Fire Brigade. The care and transportation of casualties to hospital is the responsibility of the Wiltshire Ambulance Service. The Wiltshire Constabulary will co-ordinate all operations, and the local authorities will act in support. In order to ensure health and safety of all personnel moving within the inner cordon (area of immediate operational activity) the Fire Brigade will operate an Incident Command System and take the responsibility for the safety of personnel within that area. Once the role of the Fire Brigade is no longer required at the incident this function is passed to other appropriate agencies. Common Objectives All Responding Agencies and supporting agencies responding to a declared Major Incident will be working to provide a co-ordinated response through the following common objectives. Each agency will have their own primary responsibilities within these common objectives. (See below) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

To save life, protect property and alleviate suffering associated with the incident, at the scene and elsewhere To prevent the incident escalating. To safeguard the environment. To facilitate a joint co-ordinated approach through liaison. To protect and preserve the scene. To provide a joint response to the media. To prevent or minimise adverse effects on the Health and Welfare of those involved in the incident. To gather, collate and disseminate information. To update friends and relatives on relevant issues. To investigate the cause. To contribute to the de-briefing process and subsequent investigation/inquires. To maintain the service normally provided. To provide continued support, welfare and liaison to all involved in the incident after the initial response. To restore normality after all necessary actions have been taken. To ensure that an epidemiological follow up is provided

These common objectives will be achieved through the invocation of the primary roles and responsibilities of each Responding Agency.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 14 of 84 The Police The primary areas of police responsibility at a Major Incident are: •

To save life in conjunction with the other emergency services.

•

The co-ordination of the responding emergency agencies and other supporting organisations both at the scene of the incident and elsewhere.

•

To secure, protect and preserve the scene and to control sightseers and traffic through the use of cordons, diversions and filters.

•

To investigate the incident and obtain and secure evidence in conjunction with other investigative bodies where applicable.

•

To ensure the access and egress for all the Emergency Responding Agencies and supporting organisations.

•

To collate and distribute casualty information.

•

To identify the dead on behalf of Her Majesty’s (HM) Coroner.

•

To prevent crime.

•

To ensure short term measures to restore normality after all necessary actions have been taken.

The Fire Brigade The Wiltshire Fire Brigade is responsible for the following: •

Life-saving through search and rescue.

•

Fire fighting and fire prevention.

•

Rendering humanitarian services.

•

Safety management within the inner cordon by implementation of an Incident Command System (see further definition within Section 7 Scene Management).

•

Provide and or obtain specialist advice and assistance in the management of hazardous materials.

•

Protection and consideration of all environmental issues.

• •

Salvage and damage control. Decontamination of People.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 15 of 84 The Ambulance Service The primary areas of responsibility for the Wiltshire Ambulance Service at a Major Incident may be summarised as: •

To save life together with the other emergency services.

•

To provide treatment, stabilisation and care of those injured at the scene.

•

To provide appropriate transport for medical staff, equipment and resources.

•

To establish effective triage points and systems and determine the priority evacuation needs of those injured.

•

To provide a focal point at the incident for all National Health Service and other medical resources.

•

To lead and provide communication facilities for National Health Service resources at the scene, with direct radio links to hospitals, control facilities and any other agency as required.

•

To alert the receiving hospitals.

•

To provide transport to the incident scene for the medical incident officer, mobile medical/surgical teams and their equipment.

•

To arrange the most appropriate means of transporting those injured to the receiving and specialist hospitals.

•

To maintain emergency cover throughout the Wiltshire Ambulance Service area and return to a state of normality at the earliest time.

•

To inform the Wiltshire Primary Care Trusts of all potential Major Incidents.

•

To maintain the Health and Safety of all personnel at the scene.

The Local Authority The Local Authority is responsible for the following:•

To support the emergency services and those agencies engaged in the response to an incident.

•

To be prepared to lead in certain Major Incidents, for example, incidents involving schools.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 16 of 84 •

To provide a co-ordinated response for all Local Authority resources.

•

To maintain services and ensure a return to normality as soon as possible.

•

To activate and co-ordinate the response of the voluntary agencies, utilities and other supporting agencies.

•

To provide transportation and suitable temporary accommodation for survivors, evacuees, friends and relatives etc

•

To assist with the provision of suitable premises for use as temporary mortuaries. (See the Temporary Mortuary Guide).

•

To provide, on request, a media centre.

•

To provide emergency catering.

•

To provide, on request, engineering, highways, environmental health, communications and specialist support.

The Wiltshire and Swindon Primary Care Trusts The primary areas of responsibility for the Primary Care Trusts at a Major Incident, may be summarised as: •

Assessing the impact on health and health services of every potential major incident.

•

Where necessary providing the strategic management of an incident which involves a range of health service providers.

•

Providing the Health Service input and obtain specialist health advise from the Wiltshire Health Protection Team to the strategic management of a Major Incident.

•

Ensuring that services of all providers of health care are supported to meet the needs of the local population.

•

Ensuring that the Local NHS Trusts and Ambulance Service have major incident plans and the necessary resources to put them into action.

•

Co-ordinating Primary Care response.

•

Providing a strategic view on long term threats.

•

Commission Wiltshire Health Protection Team to undertake epidemiological follow up.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 17 of 84 The Environment Agency The Environment Agency will respond to incidents it is notified of or upon the request of the emergency services, or local authority, for any incident where there is a threat of harm to the environment. The primary roles at a Major Incident may be summarised as: For a pollution or other incident: • • • • • •

Ensure the source of pollution is traced and stopped Ensure remedial action is being taken to prevent situation worsening Take samples from polluted watercourses and analyse where necessary Advise on decontamination methods and disposal of contaminated waste arising from decontamination Investigate the incident and obtain and secure evidence in conjunction with other investigative bodies where applicable Advise and authorise where appropriate on disposal of waste arising from the incident and clean up operations.

For a flooding incident • • • •

Issue flood warnings on main rivers to the public and relevant organisations Maintain Environment Agency flood defences Provide assistance to other agencies when appropriate/possible Provide up to date information on flooding situation during the incident from continuous monitoring.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 18 of 84 ACTIONS BY FIRST OFFICERS AT THE SCENE IT IS IMPORTANT TO STRESS THAT A MAJOR INCIDENT SHOULD BE FORMALLY DECLARED AS SOON AS THE CRITERIA (Defined in Section 3) ARE SATISFIED. The Police The immediate responsibility of the first police officer to arrive at the scene is to assume interim charge of police resources and to ensure that the other emergency services are informed if not already in attendance. The priority is to assess and inform and not to get personally involved in rescue work. An early request for the police helicopter will help assess the scale of the incident. The mnemonic ‘SAD’ has been devised to help. S - URVEY

Report from a safe area and be aware of your own safety and that of others attending the scene (carry out an initial risk assessment).

A - ASSESS

Assess what has happened and inform the Control Centre.

D - DECLARE

Declare a Major Incident at an early stage if deemed appropriate.

The first officer must pass, without delay, the following information by radio to their control room. The mnemonic ‘CHALETS’ has been devised to help: C - CASUALTIES

Approximate numbers of casualties - dead, injured and uninjured.

H - HAZARDS

Present and potential.

A - ACCESS

Best access routes for emergency vehicles and suitable provisional rendezvous points (RVP).

L - LOCATION

The exact location of the incident, using map references if possible.

E - EMERGENCY

Those emergency services present and those required.

T - TYPE

The type of incident with brief details of types and numbers of vehicles, trains, buildings, aircraft and so on.

S – SAFETY

The safety of others attending the scene including the officer him/herself.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 19 of 84 The officer must then start a written log and maintain radio contact with his/her control centre to co-ordinate the response of the police and other emergency services until relieved by an officer of more senior rank. Fire Brigade Since the initial call to an incident may not carry sufficient information to identify the call as a Major Incident the incident commander of the first attendance will assess the situation and report. This message will include the phrase ‘INITIATE MAJOR INCIDENT PROCEDURE’. The incident commander of the first attendance will take all measures necessary to: •

Assess the effectiveness of fire fighting or other measures carried out before his/her arrival.

•

Identify the risks associated with the location including those details held on the Brigade’s database.

•

Conduct a dynamic Risk Assessment to ensure the safety of all responding personnel within the scene of operation.

•

Form a plan of action to deal with the developing situation.

•

Decide on appropriate additional resources.

•

Take effective command and issue instructions to effect the plan of action.

•

As soon as practicable, establish an Incident Command System to ensure the safety of personnel and control of the incident.

•

Maintain operational command of the fire fighting and rescue operations within the inner cordon.

•

Evaluate the situation and any potential for development, preparing to brief a more senior officer on the incident.

•

Liaise with other agency commanders at the earliest opportunity and provide an incident and safety briefing.

The Ambulance Service The first ambulance or paramedic response vehicle may arrive on scene before the Ambulance Incident Officer (AIO). The following procedures should be adopted: • •

Report arrival on scene to the Emergency Control Centre. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 20 of 84 •

Confirm incident appears to be ‘a Major Incident’ and declare as such.

•

Provide Ambulance control with a detailed situation report ( METHANE is the Ambulance Mnemonic and is similar to ‘CHALETS’ See page 14).

•

Liaise with other emergency service incident officers.

•

Identify and establish the following in liaison with other emergency responding agencies. i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi)

Access / Egress Ambulance Parking Point Ambulance Control Point Triage Area Casualty Clearing Station Ambulance Loading Point

Do not attempt rescue or treatment of casualties •

Request ambulance/medical resources required pending the arrival of the Ambulance Incident Officer (AIO) who should be briefed on arrival.

•

The attendant of the first crew or first responder on the scene will act as the Ambulance Incident Officer until relieved by a nominated Senior Officer.

Ambulance Incident Officer (AIO) The AIO on arrival at the scene must:•

Report their arrival immediately to Joint Emergency Control Centre.

•

Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment including high visibility jacket marked ‘Incident Officer’.

•

Make an initial assessment and pass a situation report to the Emergency Control Centre using a METHANE report giving the following additional information. • • •

•

The nature of injuries to the casualties. Advice as to whether a mobile medical team is required. The number of additional resources required at the incident.

Establish the ambulance control point as close as operationally possible to the other emergency services control vehicles and test radio communication with the Joint Emergency Control Centre.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 21 of 84 •

Establish through the Police the location of the: • • • • •

Ambulance loading point(s). Ambulance marshalling / parking areas and agree access routes. Triage area and casualty clearing station. Equipment point. Body collection point through liaison with the Police Incident Officer.

•

Confirm evacuation route with the Police and Fire Brigade Incident Officers.

•

Control all ambulances and ambulance service personnel at the scene.

•

Keep a record of total number of casualties removed and the hospitals to which they have been taken, in liaison with the Ambulance Parking and Loading Officer.

•

Liaise closely with the Medical Incident Officer to ensure effective deployment of ambulance and medical resources.

•

Consider appointing Ambulance Safety Officer.

•

Consider appointing a Media Officer.

•

Attend any meetings of the Tactical Co-ordination Group (Silver).

•

Once the casualty evacuation procedures have been completed ensure the Joint Emergency Control centre is informed for onward transmission to the relevant receiving and support hospitals.

Medical Incident Officer (MIO) A Medical Incident Officer will be available via the Joint Emergency Control Centre. These will be taken from hospitals or BASICS doctors or MIMMS trained Ambulance Staff. •

The request for a Medical Incident Officer will be via the Emergency Control Centre.

•

Only in exceptional circumstances will Ambulance Transport be used for transfer of the Medial Incident Officer to the scene of a Major Incident. The identified Medical incident Officer will be expected to use their own transport.

•

On arrival at the scene locate the Ambulance Control Point and the Ambulance Incident Officer.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 22 of 84 •

Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment including high visibility jacket marked ‘Medical Incident Officer’

•

If a Mobile Medical Team has not already been requested liaise with the Ambulance Incident Officer to obtain these services.

•

Assume command of all Medical staff at the scene.

•

Ensure, via the Emergency Control Centre, that receiving hospitals are given an initial situation report using the METHANE reporting criteria including any additional medical requirements.

•

If not already established decide with the Ambulance Incident Officer the location for the triage area and the Casualty Clearing Station.

•

Brief any medical team attending the scene with particular attention to safety aspects.

•

Ensure, via the Emergency Control Centre, that receiving hospitals are given regular updates regarding progress of the incident using the METHANE reporting procedure.

•

If possible attend any meetings of the Tactical Co-ordinating Group (Silver). If unable to attend ensure that the Ambulance Incident Officer is updated with the current situation.

Primary Care Trust response. •

Primary Care Community response will be co-ordinated by the Primary Care Trusts. A group of appropriately trained BASICS General Practitioner first responders will be alerted by the Ambulance Service and directed to the scene as required.

•

The Primary Care Trust’s contract with the Health Protection Agency’s Chemical Department from Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital in London provides chemical and toxicological advice to the local Health Service. They provide a 24 hour service which, through joint working, is available to all agencies of the LRF.

Local Authority Incident Officer (LAIO) The role of the LAIO is: •

To liaise with the Emergency Services and advise them on the support immediately available from local authorities.

•

To co-ordinate Local Authority personnel and resources at the scene.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 23 of 84 •

To call forward Local Authority services as required.

•

To pass situation reports via the Local Authority Incident Room.

•

To maintain a log of all requests, communications and decisions.

•

To maintain a Health and Safety log for all members of the Local Authority and contractors called to the scene

•

To ensure all workers called to the scene receive a Health and Safety briefing before commencing work.

Environment Agency The role of the Environment Agency Site Controller or first staff to arrive at the scene is: •

To liaise with the emergency services and advise them / obtain advice on the environmental impact of the incident and the support available from the Environment Agency.

•

To ensure appropriate steps are being taken to prevent or minimise damage to the environment.

•

To co-ordinate Environment Agency Operational response at the scene.

•

To decide on appropriate additional resources.

•

To pass situation reports to the Area Base Controller (Environment Agency Tactical Control based at Area Office).

•

To maintain a log of all requests, communications and decisions.

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COMMAND AND CONTROL Initial control It is possible that early on in the incident members of one service will spontaneously carry out tasks normally the responsibility of another. On notification of an incident each agency must ensure sufficient staff arrive so that each service can establish unequivocal command and control of the functions for which it is normally responsible. Inter-agency resources Any service may request the temporary assistance of personnel and equipment of another. In these circumstances, while the supporting service will relinquish operational control of those resources to the other service for the duration of the task, it will nevertheless keep overall command of its personnel and equipment at all times. For example, the Wiltshire Fire Brigade at a rescue operation may request the assistance of police officers. These officers will come under the temporary operational control of the Senior Fire Officer. Where one agency uses personnel from another the Health and Safety of those personnel become the responsibility of the agency receiving those services. Personnel from one service who help another in this way should only be given tasks for which they are not only trained but also competent to carry out. (They must not be used to supplement the other service in a potentially dangerous situation.) For example, police officers may be directed to implement cordons or become stretcherbearers to release fire fighters for rescue work. However, they should not undertake hazardous rescue work themselves. Under no circumstances should personnel be allowed to carry out functions for another service to the detriment of the primary role and responsibilities of that individual. General Command and Control In pre-planned public order events the Police make extensive use of the Gold, Silver and Bronze structure. The nature of these events involves extensive pre-planning during which any differences will be dealt with as they affect other services. At the outset and before a formal structure is established, it is important that the senior officers of each service on scene liaise with each other. This will be the foundation upon which all later meetings will be based. Command should be exercised from the most suitable points to effectively direct the joint response of all the emergency services and ensure continual liaison. Fundamental to successful control and co-ordination of a major incident will be liaison of all emergency and rescue/support services. This will require a recognised and easily understood structure, based on three levels of command, which can be applied

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 25 of 84 to each Emergency/Agency Service. These are known as Strategic, Tactical and Operational or Gold, Silver and Bronze. It should be understood that the titles do not convey seniority of service or rank, but depict the function. As senior managers arrive, they will be assigned functions within this structure. The roles of each can be described as follows:Strategic (Gold) The Strategic Commander (Gold) is in overall charge of their respective service, responsible for formulating the strategy for the incident. Each Strategic Commander has overall command of the resources of their own organisation but will delegate tactical decisions to their respective silver commanders. At the outset of the incident Gold will determine the strategy and record a strategy statement. This will need to be monitored and subjected to ongoing review. All such decisions should be recorded in a Policy Document. It will be necessary for the individual Gold commanders to meet together as a Strategic Co-ordinating Group. The group, which will be chaired by the Police Gold Commander, will consider strategic issues relevant to the incident and not the tactical issues that will be dealt with by Silver. However Gold and Silver Commanders will need to be in frequent contact throughout the incident. It is important that at an early stage the Strategic Co-ordinating Group determines membership, operating protocol and fixed agenda items. In addition Gold will ensure that sufficient support and resources are available at the incident scene and maintain a strategic overview. It may provide liaison with central government and other bodies as appropriate. Joint Health Advisory Cell (JHAC) In the event of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) incident, the Chief Police Officer will call for the establishment of the Joint Health Advisory Cell, which will advise the strategic co-ordinating group on the impact on the population of the incident and its health consequences. The Joint Health Advisory Cell is co-ordinated by the on-call Primary Care Trust. The Primary Care Trust’s Director of Public Health will chair the Joint Health Advisory Cell. A Consultant in Communicable Disease Control from the Health Protection Agency will be a core member of the group providing specific technical and clinical advice. Other members of the Joint Health Advisory Cell will be drawn from: Local Authority Environmental Health Officers Environment Agency Ambulance Service Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Department of Environment Transport and Local Regions (DETLR)

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 26 of 84 -

Health Protection Agency Chemical Department (formerly CIRS)

And in the event of a terrorist incident Military Medical Adviser HPA Emergency Response Division Military Chemical and Biological Centre (Qinetiq). Tactical (Silver) Tactical Commanders (Silver) will attend the scene or nearby, take charge and be responsible for formulating the tactics to be adopted by their service to achieve the strategy set by Gold. The Tactical Commander should not become personally involved with activities close to the incident but remain detached. The Tactical Commander attends the tactical co-ordinating group meetings as the service representative. The Police Tactical Commander will normally chair meetings albeit that, for example, the Fire Tactical Commander is in charge in a fire situation. Where needs dictate due to the circumstances of the incident, and there is a requirement for the respective commanders to be elsewhere, a competent and empowered representative will perform the liaison role. In the event of a chemical incident, specialist advice may be required at the tactical level that will be provided by the Health Protection Agency Chemical Department. Depending on the scale of the incident, the on-call Primary Care Trust may establish an incident control for the local health service to co-ordinate the hospital and community input. Operational (Bronze) The Operational Commanders (Bronze) will control and deploy the resources of their respective service within a geographical sector or specific role and implement the tactics defined by the Tactical Commander. As the incident progresses and more resources attend the Rendezvous Point, the level of supervision will increase in proportion. As senior managers arrive they will be assigned functions within the Silver and Bronze structure. The initial Police Incident Officer will remain with his/her supervisor to maintain continuity of policy and to act as staff officer. The Fire Brigade will re-deploy their officer to other duties within the command team thereby maintaining continuity. It is important that the Incident Commander wears an identifiable tabard and passes it on to his/her successor. The emergency services will appoint a number of ‘Bronze’ officers who will perform various supervisory functions depending on the areas of operation designated by ‘Silver’. By using this universal structure the emergency services will be able to communicate with each other and understand each other’s functions and authority. (See Figure 4 below). This figure is a simple model of what might occur at a Major Incident. It is by no means definitive.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 27 of 84

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide. Page 28 of 84 Fig. 4 - Major Incident Schematic

Wind Direction Road Closures

Evacuation Assembly Point

J

Joint Incident Control Jo Post

Fire Fighting

Site

Police, Fire, Ambulance and L.A

Outer Cordon

Evacuation Decontamination Unit

Marshalling Point

Helipad

Local Authority Rest Centre

Parking Area

Inner Cordon

Mass Casualty Centre

Casevac

1st Aid & Triage Casualty Clearing/ Body Collection

Survivor Reception Centre Friends & Relatives Reception Centre

Ambulance Loading Point

Media Centre Exit only R.V.P.

Traffic Diversions/ Filter approaching RVP

Accompanied Friends and Relatives

Exit only

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 29 of 84 SCENE MANAGEMENT When considering control of the incident ground the Fire Incident Commander will in particular consider the safety of Fire personnel, members of other emergency services, the general public and other voluntary agencies in attendance. Cordons may be employed as an effective method of controlling resources and the safety of individuals. In order to ensure the health and safety of all personnel moving within an inner cordon (area of immediate operational activity) the Fire Brigade will operate an Incident Command System and take the responsibility for the safety of personnel within that area. General Collective management at the scene of a Major Incident is integral to the success of each Emergency Service fulfilling its primary roles and responsibilities. Officers initially deployed from each Service should establish scene management as a joint process as soon as is practicable. Every effort should be made to ensure that the Incident Officers (Silver Commanders) hold an initial briefing at the earliest opportunity. This will enable Incident Officers to determine the tactical response for the incident, to exchange operational information and anticipate requirements. EFFICIENT SCENE MANAGEMENT CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH LIAISON. THEREFORE, EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION FROM THE ONSET OF THE INCIDENT IS VITAL. ONGOING JOINT ASSESSMENTS AND BRIEFINGS MUST BE HELD PERIODICALLY TO ENSURE A RESPONSE TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS, ESCALATION OR CHANGES TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. Cordons Inner, outer and traffic cordons will be established by the Emergency Services in accordance with their own references, acting together in consultation. Inner cordon The inner cordon denotes the area of immediate operational activity. For the Fire Brigade it denotes the scenes of operation which includes the hazardous area and rescue zone. For the Police this area will be the potential scene of crime from which evidence and witnesses may emerge. In a majority of circumstances it will be the Fire Brigade’s responsibility at Major Incidents to ensure that only authorised persons are permitted within the inner cordon area. The Wiltshire Fire Brigade is responsible for Health and Safety management within the inner cordon and will deal with access control procedures to this area. This is only applicable where a Health and Safety issue applies. Thereafter the Police will take operational control of the access point.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 30 of 84 All personnel working within the inner cordon will have to pass through the Fire Brigade or Police entry control point. Whilst working in the area they will be suitably identified and anyone without this identification will be removed. It is essential on leaving the inner cordon the necessary documentation procedures are carried out. Where the danger of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear agent (CBRN) exists the Police will consult fully with the Wiltshire Fire Brigade and the Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, taking full cognisance of the expert advice that is available to them. (See the Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Hazardous Material Incidents Guide). Outer cordon The outer cordon seals off an extensive controlled area surrounding the inner cordon in which the responding agencies are able to work unhindered. The Police will control all access using access control procedures, similar to the Fire Brigade. Persons requesting access will be vetted to ensure unauthorised persons do not have access to the danger area and crime scene. It is imperative that persons called to the scene are able to identify themselves and who has requested their attendance. Contact should then be made with the appropriate Agency Control vehicle before the individual is allowed to proceed. Traffic cordon Deployed at or beyond the outer cordon preventing vehicle access to the area surrounding the scene. Cordons will be placed according to circumstances and may need to be moved during the course of the event. This is particularly the case where a toxic plume exists. The Local Authority will be able to assist in permanent cordon deployment. The Police Helicopter may be able to assist in cordon deployment however this will not be its primary function. The establishment of suitable access and egress routes must be considered at the earliest opportunity. Inner cordon control points The Fire Brigade is responsible for safety management of all personnel within the inner cordon where a Health and Safety issue applies. In order to ensure the safety of non Fire Brigade personnel, they will be issued with suitable identification, a safety briefing and a record made of all personnel prior to entering the area. The record will be retained and may be required in any subsequent Police enquiry. Persons who do not have a role or are wearing inappropriate clothing or identification, will be directed to leave the cordon, the Police will assist as necessary. Non emergency service personnel providing assistance to either the medical or Fire Brigade response, should be directed to the Fire command vehicle before being allowed access to the inner cordon.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 31 of 84 In terrorist or suspected terrorist incidents it is a criminal offence to contravene a prohibition or restriction imposed under the Terrorism Act 2000. This may well include the crossing of a Police cordon. (See section on terrorism).

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 32 of 84 Scene access control A scene access control centre must be established outside the outer cordon and as far as possible in an area adjacent to the Rendezvous Point. The centre, which will be under the command of a Police Cordons Officer, must be clearly identifiable to those wishing to gain entry past the outer cordon and if necessary an approach route must be established and sign posted. The Cordons Officer will be responsible for checking the authenticity of and issuing passes to non-emergency service personnel whose presence is required within the outer cordon and beyond. Such persons should be directed to the Cordons Officer in the first instance by the authority requesting their attendance. Once satisfied as to their credentials the Cordons Officer will issue the appropriate pass and escort them to the Joint Incident Control Post (JICP). The Cordons Officer must maintain a record of all persons who have been directed to them in order to gain access. The Cordons Officer must establish a link with the Joint Incident Control Post for this purpose as soon as possible. The record of persons seeking admittance must be retained as it may become subject of further police enquiries at a later date. The Cordons Officer should establish communication links with the Joint Incident Control Post by way of telephone, radio and/or FAX. It must be emphasised that the role of the Cordons Officer is to facilitate entry to the Joint Incident Control Post for non-emergency service personnel whose presence is required beyond the outer cordon. It does not replace the arrangements in place in relation to control of and entry to the inner cordon by either the Fire Brigade or Police. Inner cordons are used to control access to the immediate scene of operations. Access to the area controlled by the inner cordon, which by definition is a high hazard zone, should be restricted to the minimum numbers required for work to be undertaken safely and effectively. Personnel should only enter when they have received a full briefing and been allocated specific tasks. The Incident Command System (ICS), operated by the Fire Brigade, offers the structure to support the management and control of the inner cordon. Control/command vehicles - Joint Incident Control Post Purpose The Fire Brigade, Police and Ambulance Service control/command vehicles will form the focus from which the Major Incident will be managed. These vehicles, together with those of the local authority and other supporting agencies, will be located close to one another and be known collectively as the Joint Incident Control Post. The Tactical Commanders (‘Silvers’) may jointly exercise their authority from this point in a co-ordinated manner. To avoid confusion where a service mobilises more than one control/command vehicle to the scene, only one of these will perform the control function at the Joint Incident Control Post. It will be clearly distinguishable, by using its blue flashing light, Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 33 of 84 from other similar vehicles and be the only reference point from which the ‘Silvers’ operate. The importance of this joint control function should not be underestimated. The experience of other disasters has demonstrated the benefits derived by the establishment of close contact between the emergency services and other agencies involved in the management of the incident.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 35 of 84 The Police Incident Officer, together with the Incident Officers of the other agencies, will be responsible for confirming or amending the siting of the control / command vehicles and will establish liaison between them. The command / control vehicles of the emergency services should be positioned between the inner and outer cordons. Although vehicles should be positioned close enough to ensure efficient liaison and co-ordination, their proximity must not impair good radio communications. About 10 metres separation is ideal. A radio test at an early opportunity is recognised as best practice. Siting of vehicles The officer-in-charge of the first command / control vehicle on scene should make allowance for the siting of the other agency command vehicles. The site should: a)

Have enough space to accommodate all anticipated agency mobile control centres.

b)

Be away from the hazards of the scene but close enough to maintain control over it.

c)

Be chosen carefully as relocation may prove extremely difficult.

Points (b) and (c) are important. Convenience of access must be secondary to safety. Ideally the site should be served with good access, lighting, toilets and have telephone facilities close by. Realistically, this will be unusual in operational terms. A wide thoroughfare or surface car park may be used as the Joint Incident Control Post in the absence of more suitable accommodation. The advice of the Fire Brigade in matters of Health and Safety in connection with the placement of the Joint Incident Control Post will be sought by the other emergency agencies. This advice may well be extended if the incident involves chemicals or other hazardous materials. The choice of the site would then be influenced by wind direction and gradient and should be selected in consultation with the Fire Brigade’s hazardous materials officers. The attendance of essential staff from non-emergency agencies (for example, public utilities, voluntary groups, technical specialists and, in some cases, representatives of recognised business / community groups) requesting entry at the cordons must be facilitated at all times providing the appropriate identification checks are made. There are recent cases which underline the importance of scene security for all agencies involved in the response. It should be noted that unauthorised access to the site of a Major Incident could jeopardise both the rescue and investigation. Any difficulties with identification should be referred immediately to the appropriate control vehicle at the Joint Incident Control Post.

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Terrorism Consideration should be given at all times that the incident may be as a result of a terrorist act. All personnel at the scene should be briefed at the earliest opportunity if terrorism is considered as a possible factor to this incident. For known or suspected terrorist incidents all personnel should be aware of the possibility of secondary devices. The Police will be responsible for checking the rendezvous point (RVP), the Marshalling areas, the Joint Incident Control Post and cordon points, for suspicious objects. Any officer from any of the responding agencies who has any suspicions about any object, location, incident or person must bring this to the attention of a Police Officer immediately. Rendezvous Point A Rendezvous Point (RVP) under the control of a Police officer identified by a reflective tabard bearing the words ‘RENDEZVOUS POINT OFFICER’ will be established in suitable proximity to the scene on the outer cordon. All emergency, specialist and voluntary services attending the incident should be directed to this Rendezvous Point in the first instance. The site of a Rendezvous Point may, as circumstances dictate, need to be moved during the course of the incident. Any changes in the position of the Rendezvous Point must be reported to all agencies at the Joint Incident Control Post. Vehicle Parking & Marshalling area Vehicle Parking and Marshalling areas, which may be the same area, will be separately defined and under the control of the Police. An officer from each service wearing suitable reflective tabards will be available in the Marshalling area. These areas should be established between the Rendezvous Point and the scene. Vehicles requiring access to the scene should be initially held in the Marshalling area. Vehicles placed in the Parking area should be left with keys in the ignition and all ancillary functions switched off, for example lights, radios and lamps. The Marshalling area will be for vehicles that will subsequently be called forward by the respective Incident Officers. The Marshalling area officers should inform their respective controls of the arrival of any resources so that their controllers may deploy them. Marshalling areas may also be used to provide briefing/debriefing areas and recuperation for personnel involved in arduous work at the scene. As the event is scaled down the utilities and other contractors will need to maintain the Marshalling area for the duration of the recovery phase.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 37 of 84

Fire Brigade/Ambulance Marshalling equipment and loading point In consultation with the Fire Brigade Tactical Commander, the Police Incident Officer will agree the location and the traffic management of the Marshalling area. Each emergency service will appoint a Marshalling officer for the vehicles and resources attending the incident. Likewise, in consultation with the Ambulance Incident Officer, the co-ordinating Police Incident Officer will agree siting for the ambulance parking and loading points, the triage/casualty clearing station, the equipment point and the stretcher bearer assembly point(s). Arrival of senior officers /transfer of command Senior officers arriving at their respective control / command vehicles are to establish contact with their incident commanders. Notification of change of Tactical Command can be formally carried out at the Silver Co-ordinating Group meeting. Identification To aid identification, the blue, red or green identifying lights on each of the main control vehicles of the emergency services will be switched on. The re-circulating lights of all other vehicles must be switched off, except during incidents on open motorways or unless they are necessary elsewhere to avoid accidents and for safety purposes. Provision of liaison officers between emergency services Liaison officers from other non-emergency agencies may be appointed as required to attend either or both Gold and Silver. Great care must be taken to avoid duplication of liaison officers and the confusion it can cause.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 38 of 84 LOCAL AUTHORITY ASSISTANCE Response The main functions of a Local Authority during a Major Incident are to maintain existing services to the community in addition to providing requested support to the emergency services. Wiltshire County Council employ an emergency planning unit and Swindon Borough Council employ an emergency management officer who perform the functions of emergency planning and are responsible for preparing the Local Authority response to civil emergencies. Following the declaration of a Major Incident, the Local Authorities will initially act in support of the emergency services and usually have the longest involvement. The Local Authority’s response will be flexible and in proportion to those resources available to them at the time. They will be alerted by the emergency service initiating the Major Incident procedure. Key Local Authority staff will then implement the Local Authority emergency plan. In the long-term the Local Authority may well assume responsibility for the recovery period. Notification Local Authorities take time to mobilise and therefore early notification is required. They need to be updated constantly as the incident progresses so that their response is measured and appropriate. Good liaison between the emergency services and the Local Authority, particularly at the scene, are essential and will be enhanced by the presence of the Local Authority’s Control Vehicle (or other facility) at the Joint Incident Control Post. Involvement The Local Authority involvement during the recovery period and return to normality may be prolonged and extensive. It may include: •

Rehabilitation of the community.

•

Social support.

•

Welfare arrangements

•

Emergency finance.

•

Emergency housing.

•

Emergency feeding.

•

The provision of equipment and staff.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 39 of 84 •

The provision of suitable premises for some of the functions described elsewhere in this Guide including Temporary Mortuaries and Media centres.

Contact between the emergency services, voluntary agencies and the local authorities before, during and after incidents to establish liaison and the recognition of their individual roles, is not only recommended, but is also essential for a successful and professional return to normality. Technical assistance The Local Authority is able to supply considerable assistance to deal with particular problems, such as: •

The provision of technical advice and resources;

•

Environmental Health management;

•

Logistical support;

•

Long term management for restoration of normality.

Support Functions Local Authorities (see figure 5). Health Service (see figure 7).

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 40 of 84 Figure 5 Local Authority Support Functions (County, District and Borough Level) LRF / Strategic Group

LOCAL AUTHORITY Emergency Planning Unit Environmental Services Environmental Health Communications Social Services

Local Authority Incident Officers

Building Surveyors Engineers Highways Health & Safety Building Control Officers Health and Safety Officers Plant & Workforce

Military

Voluntary Agencies e.g. RAYNET

Voluntary Aid Societies (VAS)

Multi Faith Represenative

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Utilities

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 41 of 84 Health Service Support Functions The Primary Care Trust emergency planning function is based at Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust. This function is shared between all four Primary Care Trusts in relation to planning and general maintenance of the responsibilities. Response In the event of an incident, the Primary Care Trust Chief Executive who is on-call will provide the Health Service input at a Strategic (Gold) level on behalf of any of the Primary Care Trusts. The on-call Primary Care Trust will also co-ordinate the Health Service response for the county. Notification The local Primary Care Trusts on-call system can be activated by any off the agencies via an emergency contact number. Health Service Provision • • • • • •

• • • •

Triage and treatment of casualties at the scene Transport to acute hospitals Medical Treatment at Hospital Advice on impact to the health of the population Psychological support Community Service Provision: General Practice District Nursing Replacement medication Medical support at rest centres Minor injuries care Support acute hospitals to clear beds Technical assistance Clinical and technical advice from the Wiltshire Health Protection Team Chemical and toxicological advice via the Health Protection Agency Chemical Department.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 42 of 84 Fig 6 AVON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE & WILTSHIRE STRATEGIC HEALTH AUTHORITY PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY

WILTSHIRE HEALTH PROTECTION TEAM

KENNET & NORTH WILTSHIRE PCT

Ambulance Service Blue Light NHS Response

WEST WILTSHIRE PCT

SOUTH WILTSHIRE PCT

SWINDON PCT

RUH Acute Hospital

SDH Acute Hospital

GWH Acute Hospital

Key: Black – Organisations with statutory function Green – Expert advice and support

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

AWWP Mental Health & Social Trust

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 43 of 84

Fig 7 Health Service Support Functions

LRF STRATEGIC

On call PCT Co-ordinate Overall Health Service Response

PCTs Primary Care Services Community Services & Hospitals Minor Injuries, Medication Replacement, General Practice & Pharmacy

Wiltshire Health Protection Team Clinical & Technical Advice

Acute Hospital

Ambulance Service

Major Receiving Hospitals

Co-ordination at scene for the Health Service

Key: Black – Organisations with statutory function Green – Expert advice and support

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 44 of 84 CO-ORDINATING GROUPS General The formation of both a Strategic and Tactical Co-ordinating Group has been of great value at all recent Major Incidents. The initial supervising officers of each of the services will initially be fully occupied with their own sphere of activity and there will inevitably be some delay in a co-ordinating group being set up, but this should be kept to a minimum. In describing the functions of the co-ordinating groups, we wish to emphasise that: It is essential that the first supervising officers on scene from each of the emergency agencies liaise closely with each other at the earliest opportunity. Those officers may be invited to the first Tactical Co-ordinating Group meeting to describe their initial decisions or will brief their representative on the group before the meeting. It is important, when agencies send a representative to either a Strategic or Tactical Co-ordinating Group that the person has sufficient authority to guarantee that the facilities they offer on behalf of their organisation will be delivered. It is useful if only one person from each organisation attends and the chair ensures the meetings are not unduly long so that the continued strategy and tactics are passed to others in the chain of command. It is not intended that the co-ordinating groups should in any way assume the authority and responsibilities of individual services in the discharge of their respective and sometimes statutory duties. The Tactical Co-ordinating Group should not be mistaken for, or interfere with, the Joint Incident Control Post, which is merely the physical location of service control vehicles near the scene. These meeting should be held in isolation from the vehicles that make up the Joint Incident Control Post. Representatives Typically, co-ordinating groups will consist of: The Strategic (Gold) Group The Police (normally chair the meeting) • •

Overall Incident Commander. Administrative support.

The Fire Brigade •

A Chief Fire Officer or an appropriate representative.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 45 of 84 The Ambulance Service •

Chief Executive or Director of Operations.

The Local Authority •

The Chief Executive or an appropriate representative.

Primary Care Trust •

The on call Primary Care Trust Chief Executive or an appropriate representative with technical and administrative support.

Media Officer A Senior Media Officer (possibly the designated Police Media Spokesperson) will be nominated for the purpose of strategic direction relating to media protocol. For further information please see the LRF document ‘Media Guidance’. Joint Health Advisory Cell The Joint Health Advisory Cell will be called by the Chief Police officer on advice from the Primary Care Trust, particularly if the incident has a Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear aspect to it. Others Additional representation will depend on the scale of the incident. It may be necessary to have an inner core of permanent members and an outer group of advisors, specialists and others who could be called upon to attend as necessary. The Tactical (Silver) Group Police (normally chair the meeting) Police Incident Officer; Senior Investigating Officer, where applicable; Administrative support. Fire Fire Brigade Incident Commander or Liaison Officer, Scientific advisor, where applicable.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 46 of 84 Ambulance Ambulance Incident Officer or Liaison Officer Local Authority A senior representative of the local authority. Health Service Specialist Advice It should be noted that for the Health Service there is likely to be a Tactical Control Unit at a separate location to deal with the co-ordination of local Health Service issues. Media Officer A senior Media Officer from one of the respective responding agencies will coordinate the media response on behalf of the Tactical Commanders utilising the strategic media policy. This senior media officer will also co-ordinate the media officers of the other agencies involved and will be available to the Tactical Coordinating Group. For further information with regard to media issues reference should be made in the first instance to the LRF document ‘Media Guidance’. The Tactical Commander should avoid becoming the spokesperson for their organisation. The Tactical Commander should look at an early stage to appoint a media spokesperson particularly for the ‘blue light’ services. An officer wearing uniform is preferable. Others Additional representation will depend on the scale of the incident. From experience it may be necessary to have an inner core of permanent members and an outer group of advisors, specialists and others who could be called upon to attend as necessary. Large groups have proven to be unwieldy in dealing with issues at a strategic level. Location of meetings The LRF will meet as the ‘Strategic Co-ordinating Group’ whenever a Major Incident has been declared by any of the responding agencies. They will normally meet at the Joint Services Control Centre, Police Headquarters in accommodation already identified for the purpose. It is completely detached from the scene but has suitable communications and meeting facilities. (See Fig. 8 below). Alternatively if Police Headquarters are, for whatever reason, not available, a similar arrangement with suitable accommodation has been identified and is available at Westlea Police Station, The Chesters, Swindon. (See Fig. 9 below). Contact details for these locations are published in the Wiltshire County Council document ‘Emergency Contact Directory’. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

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Meetings for the ‘Tactical Co-ordinating Group’ (Silver) will normally be called in the first instance by the Police. Subsequent meetings will be dictated to as a result of decisions taken at the first meeting. The Police will seek to establish the machinery for co-ordination and organise the appropriate facilities. These include the provision and siting of suitable accommodation for meetings of the co-ordinating group, necessary communications and basic administration facilities. This may be achieved through liaison with the Local Authority Incident Officer (LAIO) at the scene. For convenience the Tactical Co-ordinating Group (Silver) should initially meet close to the scene; it may be moved to premises which are better served, although further from the scene, as operations progress.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 48 of 84 Figure 8

The Strategic Co Ordinating Group at Police Headquarters.

NB. There is no permitted access to the 1st Floor of this building by the Strategic Co Ordinating Group

Male WC

Fire Equipment Rooms only Male Locker Room

An Other

Police

Ambulance & Primary Care Trusts

Female Locker Room

Local Authorities Female WC

Rest Room

Multi Agency Strategic Local Resilience Forum

Night Kitchen

Foyer

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 49 of 84 Figure 9

The Strategic Co-ordinating Group at Westlea, Swindon. KEY: Fax Machine Police Gold Communications

Manager

Store

Switchboard / Message Switch

B.T. Telecom

Rest Rooms

2

1

AN Other Liaison and Communications

1

Emergency Planning Officer

1

Local Authority Liaison Officer

1

Ambulance Liaison Officer

1

Fire Liaison Officer

2

Primary Care Trust

2

EPO Communications

2

L.A.L.O. Communications

2

Ambulance Communications

2

Fire Communications

1 1

2

1 2

2 1

1 2 Major Incident Conference Room

Major Incident Store

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 50 of 84 Frequency of meetings The Police incident officer will call an initial meeting of the Tactical Co-ordinating Group at the earliest reasonable opportunity. Subsequent meetings of this group can be arranged at this first meeting or called by the Police Incident Officer at the request of another member of the Group. In general, the nature and difficulties of the operation will govern the frequency of either Strategic or Tactical meetings. Tasks for consideration by the co-ordinating groups Strategic The agenda for the Strategic Group Meetings will be decided by the group at the time and will depend upon the type and scale of the incident. There are generic issues that will be present in any Major Incident and the Group should decide on standing items at its first meeting. It is important that this Group focuses on Strategic issues only. Tactical The agenda should deal with the developing situation and cover areas that affect any of the other agencies. The meeting should also deal with the implementation of the Strategic decisions from Gold. Some standing items, such as safety, situation reports, the establishment of priorities and the media will always be necessary. Safety At incidents concerned with fire, the danger of fire, or involving rescue, the Fire Brigade will be responsible for all immediate matters of Health and Safety within the inner cordon. See Section 13 for further details. Situation reports Each service should briefly describe the situation as it affects its own operations and, if necessary, mention those matters for which it requires the assistance or cooperation of others. Decisions should be disseminated to local controls and to the Strategic Co-ordinating Group. Priorities Priorities are essential to create a cohesive joint strategy or tactics. This will indicate how the available resources can be deployed in the most effective and efficient manner.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 51 of 84 Each service will have objectives to meet within its own area of responsibility. It is important to establish which of these should have priority at the particular stage the incident has reached. In that way, inter-service difficulties may be avoided and each may concentrate upon those actions which contribute most to the success of the operation. Future developments Both Strategic and Tactical Groups should give consideration to the requirements of later phases of the operation, including the identification of actions that need to be taken in advance. For example, if heavy lifting equipment is likely to be needed, it may be necessary to identify and secure roads to the scene, widening access and strengthening surfaces and so on. Minutes Minutes, or a ‘note of decisions taken’, must be kept of all meetings of the coordinating groups and at the conclusion of the meeting the chairperson confirms the decisions taken and those responsible for implementing those actions. Minutes or a ‘note of decisions taken’ and personal notes, should provide an aide memoire of the continuing overall progress of the operation. They will provide a perspective against which decisions on priorities can be made. A Major Incident will necessarily result in an investigation as to its cause and quite possibly a formal inquest, inquiry or criminal trial. The actions of the senior officers of the emergency agencies will be of considerable interest. Therefore, notes will be invaluable and will, insofar as they are relevant, be disclosable, that is, made available in subsequent proceedings. Nothing in this section detracts from the fact that the first co-ordinating group meeting may take place between the supervisors of the initial response vehicles. This will usually set the tone for the remaining meetings. This initial and informal liaison is of paramount importance. Media liaison In any dealings with the media reference should in the first instance be made to the Wiltshire Local Resilience Forum document ‘Media Guidance’. The Police Incident Officer will make arrangements, through the appropriate Media Officer and with the assistance of the Local Authority, for a Media Centre or, where appropriate, a Media Briefing Point and for the attendance of the media spokespersons of the respective responding agencies. The Media Briefing Centre or Point should be established in close proximity to the main area of operations as a holding area for accredited media personnel to receive initial briefings. This will, however, be outside the outer cordon for the incident. The Media Centre Manager will be responsible for co-ordinating facilities available to the media and the opportunity for press conferences.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 52 of 84 Media Spokespersons from the Responding Emergency Agencies should be mobilised to attend the Media Briefing Centre at an early stage. Ideally, no statement concerning the incident should be made initially to the press without prior agreement of the Tactical Co-ordinating Group. The Media officer from each of the agencies will consult closely, and ensure a co-ordinated approach is made to the media. An initial “holding” statement should be released by the appropriate Emergency Service until the Media Co-ordination Group has been set up at the designated Media Briefing Centre. Casualty figures should only be released through the Police Press Liaison Officer on the authority of the Police Strategic Commander who has been in contact with the Casualty Bureau. Media Access Incident Officers must jointly decide throughout the incident, areas to which the media DO NOT have access, these may include: • • •

Inner Cordon. Casualty Clearing Station. Survivor Reception Centre.

Every effort should be made to allow eventual access to all areas; however, the following criteria must be taken into account: • • • • •

Operational efficiency of all services must not be impaired. Preservation of the scene must be maintained. The need for privacy of casualties and relatives must be respected. Access to certain areas may need to be controlled and supervised. The area must be safe for media personnel.

The Police will be responsible for the security of buildings and areas that may attract media attention for example, hospitals, survivor reception centres, evacuee rest centres, body collecting points, mortuaries and friends and relatives reception centres, in co-operation with the host organisation. Visits by VIPs It is not uncommon for VIPs to make visits to the scene of a disaster, to hospitals to visit the injured and to survivors. These visits place additional strain on the operation in terms of security, public order, increased media attention and interruption to normal rescue functions. The Strategic Co-ordinating Group will allocate the planning and liaison role for the visits. Whilst the Police will co-ordinate visits there is a need to liaise with the other organisations involved in the major incident. In particular it should be remembered that it would be the appropriate Acute Trust and not the Health Protection Team that will deal with such visits on behalf of the Health Service. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 53 of 84 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS General Currently within the County of Wiltshire and Borough of Swindon, each of the emergency services have entirely independent radio communications systems. That is not to say that they are totally incompatible but certain procedures need to be adopted to achieve mutual communication. It is useful to be aware of the various types of communications employed by each constituent member. At present only the Police have migrated to the Terrestrial Trunked Radio Standard (TETRA) digital system. It is not certain when or if the other ‘Blue Light’ services will migrate to this form of Communication. The Military have some TETRA capability. However it should be noted that in a Mutual Aid scenario, the Police can loan TETRA radios other agencies for the duration of the incident, at Silver and Bronze Command level. Warning With the exception of the Police TETRA system no communications system is secure from eavesdroppers. Radio scanners capable of receiving fire, ambulance and local authority radio transmissions are readily available. Similarly, fax scanners can be quickly brought to the scene to intercept information transmitted between the services and agencies. This should be borne in mind when wording any transmission, including cellular telephone conversations that may contain sensitive information. Inter Agency Command Channel The Police and the Fire Brigade command vehicles that attend the scene are each equipped with a number of hand-held multi-channel UHF radios. These will operate on the inter-agency command channel using Channels * and * (National Channel Plan). Please note that during 2006 the Police will no longer have this capability. These radios are intended for command use only by the respective service tactical commanders for liaison purposes and not for general inter-service use. The Police will issue radios to the other services, particularly the ambulance service, at the scene. (See Fig. 10 below). Wiltshire Fire Brigade The command and mobilising system for the Fire Brigade is situated at the Tri Service Emergency Control Room based at Police Headquarters and is able to despatch fire service vehicles by using its computer mobilising system, UHF radios, paging and telephone systems as appropriate. All Fire Brigade front-line appliances are equipped with VHF radios and have the ability to communicate with the Brigade Control from anywhere in the area. The Fire Brigade has hand held UHF personal radios available on all its front line appliances and with officers together with an additional supply on command vehicles for command purposes. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

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As well as main VHF radio, the Fire Brigade command vehicles also carry the following communication facilities: •

Field telephones for communication with the other emergency service control vehicles. This system is available for use at major incidents for liaison purposes and establishing communications with control vehicles.

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Cellular telephones that are available for alternative communication purposes.

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Cellular faxes.

All Major Incidents and incidents of note are monitored in the Brigade Control, which also deals with liaison and other issues specific to Major Incidents. The Centre is also data linked to all command vehicles. Wiltshire Ambulance Service The Ambulance Service vehicles also have a variety of communications. Emergency vehicles are fitted with VHF radios channelled into Central Ambulance Control situated at the Tri Service Emergency Control Centre at Police Headquarters, Devizes. The new generation communications feature some automatic functions. Ambulance Incident Officers have a choice of equipment:•

Fixed and hand-held VHF radios.

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Hand-held UHF radios for use at the scene.

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Cellular telephones.

The Major Incident vehicle also has VHF, UHF and cellular facilities. Access Overload Control (ACCOLC) The ACCOLC system is a government authorised scheme whereby the major portable telephone companies can reserve exclusive use of available channels for the emergency services and local authorities at the scene of a Major Incident. It allows for calls to be made without being interrupted by overloaded cellular networks. This facility is expensive to implement and can cause inconvenience to normal subscribers. Therefore it should only be initiated after careful consideration and on the authority of the Police Strategic Commander who has raised the matter with the co-ordinating group. Calls should be as brief as possible. All agencies should ensure that mobile telephones are correctly configured at all times to ensure a full working capability at the time of a Major Incident.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 55 of 84 Local authority communications Wiltshire Local Authorities have integral radio communications systems; however, these are not currently compatible with the emergency services systems. Where communications are a particular difficulty all avenues of communication should be explored. One such system is Satellite Communications and local authorities may be able to provide this through liaison with the Wiltshire County Council Emergency Planning Unit. British Telecom assistance British Telecom (BT) is able to offer the emergency services certain specialist communication equipment for use in a major incident. This includes: •

Cellular phones. (BT can arrange delivery of BT Cellnet cell phones from mm02).

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Additional PSDN lines can be provided in emergency situations. (The number of lines will depend on the spare line plant available in the location required at the time of installation).

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Payphone trailers can be provided at a survivor reception centres.

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Equipment such as fax machines and small switchboards.

This and other equipment may be mobilised by contacting the 24-hour BT duty manager. BT wishes to remind potential users of this facility that they reserve the right charge for any service requested. Radio Amateur’s’ Emergency Network (RAYNET) RAYNET is a nation-wide voluntary group of United Kingdom government licensed radio operators who are able to provide emergency radio communications to the emergency services, local authorities and central government departments. Their radio communications equipment is specifically designated for use in emergencies. Wiltshire RAYNET can provide specialist HF, VHF and UHF radio communications assistance across Wiltshire and beyond into neighbouring counties. National and international radio communications can also be provided if requested. The assistance of RAYNET may be sought from the Local Authority.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

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Fig. 10

Normal UHF

Police Incident Officer

Channel * & *

Police Control Unit Channel * & *

Normal UHF

Fire Control Unit

Normal UHF Fire Incident Officer L.A.I.O.

Local Authority Control Unit

Channel * & * Channel * & *

Normal UHF

Ambulance Control Unit

Ambulance Incident Officer

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 58 of 84 CASUALTY CLEARANCE General It should be borne in mind that the term casualty does not just apply to those who have been injured but all of those affected by the incident. It therefore includes those persons who have survived the incident without injury and those who may have to be evacuated from an area as a result. In situations where members of the public or the responding emergency services have or may have become contaminated with a hazardous substance the guidance procedures that are clearly indicated in the Wiltshire Local Resilience Forum document ‘Major Incident Hazardous Material Guide’ must be followed. Categories A primary responsibility of the emergency services at a Major Incident is the recovery and documentation of casualties. Casualties fall into one of four categories: •

Uninjured.

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Injured.

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Dead.

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Evacuees. The above may be witnesses/victims or even suspects and carry evidence or hazards on their clothing particularly in terrorist incidents.

Casualty triage and documentation To work an effective triage system on scene and to minimise delay in evacuation by lengthy documentation, it is essential that all casualties are prioritised and labelled in accordance with the nationally accepted casualty triage label. Ambulance/medical personnel will carry this out. The standard labelling of patients covers four categories: •

Immediate first priority.

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Urgent second priority.

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Delayed third priority.

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Deceased (Ambulance Service personnel will use the national body labelling system).

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 59 of 84 Uninjured These people will have been involved in the incident but will not necessarily want or require medical attention. The Fire Brigade must remove them from the hazard. The Ambulance Service will have little involvement with these casualties other than perhaps for first aid cover. They will all be treated as witnesses and the Police will need to collate their details for the benefit of the Casualty Bureau as well as the Senior Investigating Officer. This can be done at convenient premises nearby, called the Survivor Reception Centre. Here the voluntary aid agencies, under the direction of the Local Authority, can supply comfort and support, telephone calls can be made, investigators can begin to interview witnesses and the Police Tactical Commander can decide whether it is necessary to document every single survivor. The centre needs to provide shelter, first aid treatment, welfare support, communications and room for documentation. The Police will provide security and a documentation team for this purpose. Injured These people need to be rescued from the scene as quickly and safely as possible by the Fire Brigade, who must be mindful of the requirements of the ambulance and medical teams on site. Ambulances Service paramedics, technicians and medical incident teams will then be able to administer the appropriate pre-hospital treatment before the patients are taken to the receiving hospitals. At the scene of a Major Incident, Ambulance Service officers will be deployed in the following roles: •

Ambulance Incident Officer.

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Forward Incident Officer(s).

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Communications Officer ‘on site’.

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Casualty Clearing Station Officer.

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Ambulance Loading Officer.

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Ambulance Parking/Marshalling Officer.

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Ambulance Safety Officer.

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Ambulance Equipment Officer.

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Ambulance Staff Officer.

The Police will need to record the names and details of the injured for the Casualty Bureau. There will be a number of police officers at the casualty departments of the Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 60 of 84 receiving hospitals taking injured from the scene. The Police also have roles relating to security at those hospitals and documentation of the casualties. Deceased In instances where the number of deceased is too large to handle through the normal mortuary facilities provided by the Primary Care Trusts the guidance of HM Coroner must be sought. Two Temporary Mortuaries have been identified within the County and the procedures for the activation of these can be easily invoked. The Temporary Mortuary procedures are provided in the Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum document ‘Temporary Mortuary Guide’. The dead should not be moved unless that is the only way of reaching a live casualty, or if the dead body is likely to deteriorate due to environmental hazards such as fire. The dead must otherwise be left in place until the evidence gathering stage begins. All the emergency services have a legal obligation to HM Coroner to provide evidential continuity of the handling of a dead body from its location at the incident through its recovery, to the post mortem examination. If only one officer has handled the body then continuity is simple to establish. If several officers, perhaps from different services, have handled the body then they must provide statements and continuity evidence relating to that cadaver. The Police will provide specialist body recovery and identification teams who are trained in this aspect. Bodies and body parts will be marked using the nationally agreed Police labelling system. The Fire Brigade will, on request, assist police with body recovery. If it is necessary for bodies to be labelled by Fire Brigade personnel on behalf of police, then the national identification label, appropriate to the lead police force will be used. Once recovered, bodies will probably be removed in the first instance to a body collecting point or a temporary Body Holding area where they will be collated before transfer to the mortuary. At the (temporary) mortuary, teams of police officers work with the pathologist and other specialists to establish the identity and cause of death of the deceased and provide security. It is important that the dead be moved from the scene to a body holding area as soon as practicable to avoid undue delay to the identification and notification to the next of kin. The Police together with the Local Authorities have made arrangements for two Temporary Mortuaries within the county.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 61 of 84 Evacuees/Shelter Shelter Prior to an evacuation careful consideration should be given to the process on ensuring that those affected by an incident remain safe and free from the dangers of any dangerous substance. There are occasions when requiring those persons within a safe structure to leave could be more harmful than requiring them to stay inside. In these circumstances it is often prudent to ask members of the public to ‘Go In, Stay In, Tune In’. In this way the public will be asked to remain within the premises and may also be given additional instructions as to safe guarding themselves by sealing doors and windows. They will be asked to remain inside until the danger has passed and to tune into the radio or television where regular updates can be given by the emergency services. When it is safe to leave they will be informed. Evacuation Evacuations are carried out to protect the public from a dangerous or potentially dangerous event. In considering or executing evacuation, care must be taken not to put people at greater risk by bringing them outdoors. This is particularly important in the case of the release of toxic substances or where a terrorist device may be present. The physical difficulties of large-scale evacuation should not be underestimated. Each Service will have its own particular area(s) of responsibility and priorities in the event of an evacuation; however, it is essential that a joint decision be taken and that all parties are aware of the needs and responsibilities of each other. In considering whether to evacuate, the Police Incident Officer is likely to need to consult with a number of other parties. The nature of the risk and the time-scales available are likely to influence the form of such consultations. The relevant Local Authority Emergency Planning Officer and Primary Care Trust must be informed of any possible evacuation as they will be able to assist with population details in the area to be evacuated particularly those who may have special needs. Decision to Evacuate The decision to evacuate lies with the Police Incident Officer, but in consultation with the Fire Incident Officer, the Local Authority Incident Officer, the Primary Care Trust and any other appropriate specialists. The Police must liaise closely with the Local Authority and the Primary Care Trust who have access to details of persons living in the area to be evacuated. Where it is possible to plan an evacuation over a period of time much of the preparatory work can be completed by the Local Authority. The Local Authority and Primary Care Trust should work closely together to deal with those persons who are at or likely to be at risk. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

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An evacuation assembly point together with rest centres, will need to be identified by the Local Authority, staffed by their personnel and voluntary agencies. It will need to provide security, welfare, communication, catering and medical facilities. Evacuees will need to be documented so that Casualty Bureau may be informed. In all potential evacuations it is essential, where ever possible and provided that undue delay will not cause any additional harm, for the Police Incident Officer to decide tactics based on an identified strategy from the Strategic Co-ordinating Group. Organisations most likely to be consulted include: •

The Fire Brigade for risks associated with fire, HAZMAT, building hazards, contamination, environmental and other general hazards.

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The Ambulance Service for problems associated with the movement of people who have specialist needs.

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The Local Authority for evacuation procedures, welfare arrangements, transport and Rest Centres.

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The Social Services Department for welfare aspects.

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The Primary Care Trust for perceived dangers to the public’s health and effects to the health service.

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The Regional Weather Centre (Bracknell) for information under the CHEMET Scheme.

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Local Authority Engineers for structural safety in relation to buildings etc.

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The Environment Agency for flooding, potential flooding or water quality assessment including ground water.

In some instances an evacuation plan for the site/premises may already exist. If so, it must be implemented in the prearranged manner ensuring that all necessary parties are notified. Once the decision has been taken to evacuate, the following Organisations must be informed, if not already aware: • * Police. • * Fire Service. • * Ambulance Service. • * The Primary Care Trust Emergency Planning Duty Officer. • * Local Authority Duty Officer - Emergency Planning. • * The Environment Agency as appropriate. • The affected public. • Public Utilities as appropriate. • British Telecom. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

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*

Where appropriate these agencies will liaise regarding the evacuation process. No decisions should be taken regarding the evacuation process until these organisations have been given the opportunity to present their considered opinions unless there is an immediate risk to life. Where there is a risk to life then no agency should wait for the others; however the co-ordination of the evacuation will be one for the Police. It should be remembered that in certain situations the public may self evacuate which might not be advantageous to the situation. In these circumstances it may be more appropriate for them to shelter from the hazard. The earlier the warning is given the better, as this allows time for staff in all the above agencies to be notified and prepared. IT MUST BE NOTED THAT EVACUATION CAN ONLY BE ADVISED IT CANNOT BE ORDERED OR ENFORCED. HOWEVER, WHEN DEALING WITH A SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED TERRORIST INCIDENT, THE POLICE HAVE THE POWER TO INSTRUCT ANY PERSON TO LEAVE A CORDONED AREA. THIS INCLUDES ANY PERSON WHO IS ON PREMISES WITHIN THAT AREA. (The Terrorism Act 2000). Informing the Public The method(s) used to inform the public will depend on the circumstances and any or all of the following may be used provided the result is the successful evacuation of the area to the degree necessary within the time-scales: • • • • • •

Personal call by Police Officer, or other official. Loud hailers. Public Address System. Local TV / Radio broadcast. Telephone call etc. Helicopter Sky Shout

As far as is practicable steps should be taken to ensure the security of property left empty after evacuation. Furthermore, attention will need to be paid to the safety and well being of Emergency Service and Local Authority personnel, who might be exposed to risk whilst assisting in the evacuation or security of premises. As buildings are vacated they should be marked and a record made of those not evacuated.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 64 of 84 Rest Centres for evacuees Plans have been prepared by Local Authorities, which identify premises suitable for use as Rest Centres. Rest Centres will be staffed by Local Authority personnel, Voluntary Agencies and Police Officers. Re-occupation The decision to allow persons to return to their homes must be made by the Police Incident Officer in liaison with relevant Local Authority personnel and organisations involved, including the utilities. He/she will obviously take the best available advice in regard to safety etc. It may be appropriate to arrange follow-up visits to each home to assess the aftereffects of the evacuation, which may include visits by Social Services for those persons who may be at risk in the community, The British Institute of Insurers, etc. Stand-Down It is essential that all organisations that were mobilised or asked to standby during the evacuation be advised when their services are no longer required. The agency that mobilised them is responsible for the stand down procedure. Friends and relatives Any friends and relatives of the dead or survivors should be directed to the friends and relatives reception centre where the Police will provide a secure environment for the necessary information handling. The Police will identify the location of this centre in liaison with the Local Authority. The handling of the relatives and friends of the deceased and seriously injured is a very delicate one. Often the relatives and friends are located in a suitable hotel and afforded all the necessary arrangements to make their bereavement less stressful. Police Officers trained in family liaison will work with Social Workers with similar skills. They will obtain details of those persons involved in the incident to assist HM Coroner in providing evidence of the deceased person’s identity and the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) who will deal with the major police investigation. Casualty Bureau Police will provide a Casualty Bureau, which is the only place that will accurately collate details of dead, surviving and evacuated persons. It is imperative that no officer elsewhere gives details of casualty numbers to the press. The Strategic Co-ordinating group will authorise all press releases in this regard.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 65 of 84 Casualty Bureau staff will receive detailed information from the scene, the survivors reception centre, hospitals, friends and family reception centre and the mortuary. At the same time, enquiries will be received from other relatives of people who are believed to be involved in the incident. They will use the HOLMES II computer to sort, collate and search all information received at the bureau to match casualties or uninjured survivors with enquiries. Where a match is made they will contact the enquirer and inform them of the condition and whereabouts of the person concerned. If the information is of a delicate nature it will be delivered by a personal visit from a Police officer. Casualty Bureau does not close until all the casualties have been identified, all next of kin have been informed and telephone enquiries have diminished to a level where the local police can deal with them. Temporary Mortuaries The Local Resilience Forum has identified two locations within the county to deal with temporary mortuaries. Both locations are military and the exact procedures for their activation are set out in the Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum’s Temporary Mortuary Guide. Facilities will be made available at the chosen location to receive the family and friends of the deceased for the purposes of identification. Details of the deceased will be relayed to the Casualty Bureau to assist in the completion of the identification process. CAPABILITIES OF WILTSHIRE AIR SUPPORT UNIT HELICOPTER The aircraft operated jointly by the Force and the Ambulance Service is an extremely flexible tool with the ability to support ground operations in many different ways. The crew, comprising the Pilot, a Police Observer and a Paramedic, are used to dealing with serious incidents, and can provide the perspective of both Police and Ambulance services. Aerial Observation platform The helicopter offers a rapid initial response to incidents which may pose a particular hazard to ground units (e.g. an incident involving hazardous materials, or where an armed offender is involved). The aircraft is fitted with a 'Skyshout' public address system, carries stabilised binoculars, high magnification video cameras, thermal imagery and global positioning system mapping equipment. Hovering in a position of safety the crew can provide an overall situation report to assist with: • • • • •

Wind direction. Safe approach route(s). Rendezvous point(s). Marshalling and parking areas. Traffic routing systems. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 66 of 84 • • • • • •

Directing deployment on the ground to minimise risks to personnel, including 'warning off' where necessary. An assessment of the number of casualties or hazards/likely problem areas. Information such as details from HAZCHEM markings, vehicle registration numbers etc. Landing sites for 'casevac' by air, or incoming assistance. Identifying the extent and spread of visible pollution, with services directed accordingly. 'Containment'.

The aircraft can be used to 'contain' casualties and local inhabitants within an area by providing reassurance and/or instructions through the 'Skyshout' system. Evidence Gathering The crew can gather evidence by observation, video recording, and still photography, assisted in darkness by the use of thermal imaging equipment. It is also possible to relay television pictures to Communications Centres and Ground Commanders by microwave down link, which may be particularly useful in pre-planned operations. Searching A ground search can be demanding in terms of both personnel and time, whilst a large area can be quickly searched from the air to locate casualties or suspects. The aircraft crew is trained in observation skills and is aided by sophisticated optical equipment. They can assist in co-ordinating a ground search pattern, and record the area searched on video. Thermal Imaging Thermal imaging equipment can identify heat sources (including human body heat) in either daylight or darkness. The movement of suspects can thus be detected in complete darkness, and an unconscious casualty in an open area located purely by body heat. It can provide pictures through light mist and smoke, and give indication of a potential fire or heat build-up in a hazardous area where an explosion may occur. Note: The aircraft crew has access to classified information relating to terrorist incidents. At a bomb scene, WHERE A SECOND DEVICE MAY BE PRESENT, THEIR ADVICE SHOULD BE SOUGHT AT AN EARLY STAGE on the use of specialist equipment carried by the aircraft. Illumination The helicopter is fitted with a 'Nightsun' searchlight capable of illuminating an area the size of a football pitch either for search or other emergency purposes, providing an invaluable source of lighting until an alternative can be established.

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Rapid transportation A rapid airlift of essential personnel and equipment can be achieved, conveying them quickly to a location that may otherwise be difficult to access by conventional transport. Officers in possession of CS Gas Sprays and/or any form of weaponry should advise a member of the crew. Air Traffic Control Crews can assist Incident Officers and Communications Personnel, either by providing specialist advice or direct liaison with National Air Traffic Services to establish a Temporary Danger area and/or Emergency Flying Restrictions. Mutual Aid Where required, the Air Support Unit is able to co-ordinate the provision of mutual aid aircraft, crew, maintenance and fuel. FLYING RESTRICTIONS By day •

Flights over congested areas – 1500 metres visibility. Cloud base of 350 feet.

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Flights over open areas – 1000 metres visibility. Cloud base of 300 feet.

By night •

Flights over congested areas – 5000 metres visibility. Cloud base of 600 feet.

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Flights over open areas – 5000 metres visibility. Cloud base of 1500 feet. Or 8000 metres visibility, cloud base of 600 feet.

COMMUNICATIONS Air to ground The aircraft can assist with communications at an incident by VHF radio, relaying information where ground units are experiencing difficulty through terrain. When attending an incident the Wiltshire Police helicopter continuously monitors UHF channel *, and local ground to air contact can be achieved by this means via pocket phone.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 68 of 84 Air to Air When more than one aircraft is operating in a particular area there will be a need for communication between them to prevent confusion and the risk of further incidents. The search and rescue centre has primacy and will normally appoint one aircraft at the scene to be responsible for communications and control. That aircraft will not become involved in rescue or other tasks. In the event of several aircraft being used in the area for a protracted period of time they may call upon the services of the military. In the event of an incident occurring within controlled air space the Air Traffic Control agency responsible for that area will need to be contacted by search aircraft. Air band Frequencies • •

*** for aircraft to declare their intentions and Temporary Danger Area operations *** scene of search controlled by RAF aircraft.

AIR SUPPORT – OTHER AGENCIES When there are numerous aircraft from different agencies operating in the same area there is significant danger of a collision as the aircraft are unable to communicate with each other. In order to mitigate against this it is imperative that each service is rapid and accurate in transmitting information to its aircraft regarding other aircraft in the local area. Search and Rescue Search and Rescue (SAR) services are run by the military at Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) Kinloss. It co-ordinates the use of military and coastguard aircraft primarily in marine incidents, but also for aircraft related incidents on land where the location is unknown or uncertain. Its role includes coastal incidents (e.g. cliff rescues) and search and rescue operations on land where life is at risk. It will always have primacy over all aircraft in relation to Search and Rescue operations. Police operating in the same area will be subject to control from the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre via Royal Air Force control aircraft or Air Traffic Control. Air Ambulances Air ambulances operate in a number of counties and cities in the UK; some operated jointly with Police forces. Air Ambulances are able to land only in order for paramedic crews to administer treatment to casualties and transport them from the scene.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 69 of 84 Military In the event of a Major Incident or requirement for evacuation the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Centre can be asked to call upon military aircraft for support. The type of aircraft utilised will depend upon resources available for deployment at any given time. In the event of several air resources being used the search and rescue centre may call for the use of an RAF control aircraft, or despatch a ground crew, to provide communications and air traffic control at the scene. EMERGENCY LANDING SITES & SAFETY PROCEDURES Emergency Landing Sites •

Helicopters are noisy and disruptive to communications when close to the ground. The rotors generate a considerable down draught that could blow away vital evidence from a scene. These factors should be weighed against the apparent convenience of a landing site.

•

Military Search and Rescue helicopters will be alerted by Air Traffic Control whenever an aircraft is in distress and large aircraft could arrive at a scene of a crash without warning or being called by the emergency services. The Rescue and Co-ordination Centre at RAF Kinloss have undertaken to advise Force Control Rooms of the deployment of Search and Rescue aircraft in a particular force area. This information should be passed to Air Support Units and Air Ambulance control centres at the earliest possible moment in order to avoid the risk of aircraft colliding in the air.

•

Local ground to air contact can be achieved with the Force Helicopter through UHF channel *. When directing a pilot to a landing site by radio, give instructions that require no acknowledgement - because the pilot will have both hands busy. Aircraft attending a scene in a mutual aid capacity may initially call on the national air to ground frequency located on UHF channel *. They should be requested to change to channel * as soon as possible.

Note: Military/Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters will not be equipped with the UHF facility. •

When landing on a road the ‘Landing Helicopters on roads’ document should be observed.

•

The designated landing area must be free of loose articles (e.g. empty tins, luggage, and debris) which could become a hazard.

•

When directing a helicopter for landing loose headgear must not be worn. Stand with your back to the wind with arms outstretched towards the landing area.

•

The Air Support Unit may be able to assist with necessary lighting in order to indicate a landing site at night. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 70 of 84 Safety Procedures - Approaching or leaving the aircraft Fatal accidents have occurred where incorrect methods of approaching / leaving a helicopter have been used. Ideally the rotors should have stopped completely before any movement to or from the aircraft, but urgency may make this impractical. To avoid injury observe the following rules: •

Headgear should not be worn either on the approach to, or when inside, the aircraft, other than that provided by the crew.

•

Approach and leave in the pilot's field of vision to avoid the tail rotor.

•

Approach only when directed by the aircraft crew (Usually indicated by a ‘thumbs-up’ sign)

•

Adopt a crouching attitude for extra clearance from the main rotor.

•

If on a hill, approach/leave on the downhill side to avoid the main rotor.

•

Never grope or feel your way towards or away from the aircraft; if blinded by dust or blowing objects - stop! Crouch lower and wait until your vision clears, or sit down and await help.

•

Carry tools or other items to the aircraft horizontally, below waist level - never upright or over the shoulder.

•

Do not touch the exhaust or any moving parts.

•

Advise the crew if carrying CS gas or weapons of any nature.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 71 of 84 Fig. 11

Helicopter Landing Sites

Fig. 12

Helicopters Night Landing

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 72 of 84 INVESTIGATION Court action Almost every Major Incident will be the subject of an investigation whether for HM Coroner, a public inquiry, or civil or criminal court proceedings. Likewise almost every major incident occurs as a result of human or mechanical fault, consequently every Major Incident is a potential crime scene, the most serious being homicide. Retention of evidence These hearings will require evidence of the best possible quality. This can only be gathered if the scene is secured as soon as possible and anything which can be reasonably anticipated to be required as evidence is preserved and not damaged, moved or disposed of without reference to the Senior Investigating Officer. Depending upon the nature of the incident several different agencies may carry out their own investigation. They may all attend the scene with video/photographic teams and technical experts. These agencies would include: • • • •

The Air Accident Investigation Branch. The Health and Safety Executive. HM Inspectorate of Railways. Environment Agency.

Aerial photography, both video and stills, can help throughout the incident in recording the scene for evidential purposes, as will any other photographic evidence available. See Helicopter, Section 11 above. Notes Each agency may have different criteria as to what is admissible evidence. The police will need to obtain evidence of the highest standard for court and will require that all evidence be left in place unless the threat to life prevents this. Accurate notes of what transpires at the scene need to be made. Railway Incidents In railway incidents the British Transport Police will appoint a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) to investigate the circumstances. However in cases of Murder or Terrorism the investigation will be under the jurisdiction of the Chief Constable of the Wiltshire Constabulary.

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 73 of 84 HEALTH AND SAFETY Factories and other industrial sites All employers have a Duty of Care towards their own staff and others affected by their undertakings. In addition each member of staff has a duty for his or her own health and safety in the working environment. Each agency is responsible for ensuring that staff involved in a Major Incident are correctly trained and briefed to perform their roles. Risk Assessments It is the responsibility of all agencies involved to ensure they have in place appropriate Risk Assessments for their activities at a Major Incident. The Police in their capacity of having overall Co ordination of a major incident will ensure that specific Risk Assessments will be in place for the incident concerned, and ensure compatibility between the various agencies involved. Major Incident locations have a range of potential hazards e.g. substances that are flammable, reactive, explosive, toxic. Sometimes the hazards are multiple (for example flammable and toxic) and may involve corrosive or radioactive materials. Protective clothing and breathing apparatus may be necessary for personal safety. Some hazards are not detectable by human senses. For some sites there are specific emergency plans made under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2000 (COMAH) or the Major Accident Control Regulations 2000 (MACR). Site specific plans of these sites are held by each organisation on their own databases. Enforcing authorities, including the Health and Safety Executive and Environmental Agency, will need access to such locations following major accidents and may need to gather evidence. Fire Brigade ‘HAZMAT’ officers Certain fire officers who have completed the Hazardous Materials Course at the Fire Service College will be nominated as hazardous materials ‘HAZMAT’ officers. HAZMAT officers will be mobilised to all confirmed chemical incidents as technical advisers and to incidents involving radiation, asbestos and/or biohazards. They will liaise with specialist personnel as appropriate. Emergency evacuation signal At the outset, all three emergency services may be employed within the inner cordon. The Fire Brigade have an emergency evacuation signal which all Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 74 of 84 personnel must be aware of and respond to if the area becomes hazardous. The Fire Brigade safety officer(s) or other designated personnel will initiate the evacuation signal and declare a safe point to withdraw to. The entry control officer for the inner cordon must make other responding agency’s personnel, entering the cordon, aware of this signal. SUPPORTING AGENCIES First Responders and Immediate Care Groups The Wiltshire and Swindon area receives support from the South Wiltshire Intervention for Trauma (SWIFT) association. This groups which is affiliated to The British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS) comprises of a group of doctors with additional training in emergency and pre-hospital medicine and who attend Major Incident Medical Management and Support (MIMMS) Courses run by the ambulance service. SWIFT provides an essential supportive role to Wiltshire Ambulance Service, supplying additional life-saving skills to those of the paramedics. SWIFT doctors are called to areas where ambulance resources are low to act as first responders as well as to provide additional support and increase resilience at large incidents. Voluntary Aid Societies (VAS) and other Supporting Groups. In Wiltshire, the three VAS groups together with over 20 other supporting agencies contribute towards the successful outcome of an incident. This support at an incident can often alleviate some pressure on the statutory bodies by providing humanitarian services. This is especially so during the consolidation and recovery phases when fire, police and ambulance personnel are fully deployed elsewhere. Initiating service Listed below are some of the more regularly used societies and their initiating service. On arrival, the relevant VAS should report to an emergency service control vehicle as indicated below through the RVP and marshalling area. Co-ordinating the response The Local Authorities in conjunction with the emergency services and local Health Protection Unit, will co-ordinate the response of the following agencies: • British Red Cross Society. • St John Ambulance Brigade. • Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS). • Salvation Army. • Clergy and inter faith groups of Wiltshire. • RAYNET • CRUSE Should any voluntary agency be required to work within the inner cordon there will be a need, particularly in the early stages of an incident, for those agencies to Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 75 of 84 report through the Fire Brigade Incident Command system and work under the direction of the Tactical (Silver) Fire Commander. Volunteer ‘Rescue’ Organisations There are various ‘rescue’ organisations which, if required, are called by police but operate under the guidance of fire silver (fire incident commander) when active in the rescue zone. It should be remembered that volunteer rescue groups need to be supervised at all times by the Fire Brigade. Utility companies The utility companies can be mobilised by any of the emergency services and will normally be co-ordinated by police in the first instance. They will be able to moderate or control gas, water and electrical supplies together with the facilitation of communications. WELFARE ACTIVITIES Welfare The local mental health trust provides the Health Service with a psychological support function. This process is co-ordinated within the trust by the social care teams that are supported by the mental health team. Psychological support should be provided at the appropriate time and in the appropriate setting by supervised staff. Cultural aspects During an incident, the cultural aspects of those involved should be considered in relation to the needs of different faiths and support requirements, languages and the provisions for the deceased. (See the LRF document ‘Temporary Mortuary Guide’) When offering support and advice these aspects should be considered in the provision of services that local agencies can offer during an incident, specifically in relation to rest centres and temporary mortuaries. Debriefing At some stage, when the incident has ended, each of the services and agencies involved in the incident will hold a series of debriefs. Initially these will be confined to each particular service, but later a multi-agency debrief will be held and lessons learnt incorporated into this Guide and other service documents, as appropriate. The thrust of any such debrief would be to identify areas for improvement in procedures, equipment and systems and not interfere with or comment on investigations into the incident carried out by investigative or judicial authorities. It is important to note that such debriefs and related documents would be disclosable to individuals involved in legal proceedings. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 76 of 84 Debriefs should not be a forum to criticise the performance of others but a positive steps towards improving emergency response for future incidents. The chair of the Strategic Co-ordinating Group is responsible for calling a meeting of the Inter-agency Debrief. All relevant agencies must be prepared to represent themselves and to have carried out their own internal debrief before the inter-agency meeting.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 77 of 84 APPENDIX A INCIDENTS ON RAILWAYS - police inter-service co-operation A.1

INTRODUCTION

The following section outlines an agreement that has been reached nationally between the British Transport Police (BTP) and all Home Office Forces. It repeats principles of responsibility which have worked well in the past but which should be considered flexible as circumstances demand. (For information on safety and the stopping of trains (see Appendix ‘A’ on Safety). In incidents involving terrorism or murder the responsibility for investigation will lie with the Home Office force. In other major incidents within the jurisdiction of BTP the responsibility will normally remain with BTP unless the incident is of such a scale or there are special reasons for creating a joint investigating team. All officers arriving at the scene will report to the senior officer present. That officer, whether from BTP or the Wiltshire Constabulary will perform the function of initial incident officer. Where the first supervisor to arrive is from the Wiltshire Constabulary it is recommended that the first BTP officer to arrive is appointed as liaison officer where their specialist knowledge will prove useful. It is essential that the police response between the local force and BTP is coordinated and together with no wasted resources or duplication of roles. The first officer of Inspector rank or above from either force will assume the role of incident officer taking responsibility for the initial co-ordination and deployment of resources from each force. On the arrival of their counterpart from the other force they will work together forming an ‘incident officer team’ ensuring the resources, equipment and communications of both forces are used in the most effective way. In broad terms, the responsibility for each force is - BTP on-site and the Wiltshire Constabulary off-site. The specific responsibilities below are suggested as a guide and it is emphasised that just as each incident and the resources available will be different in each case so flexibility, discussion and mutual co-operation is essential to ensure the co-ordinated response discussed earlier. An agreed procedure has been formulated between BTP and Network Rail for the investigation of serious railway accidents. For all incidents Network Rail will provide a Rail Incident Officer (RIO) who will act as the focal point for the railway industry response. The officer will have access to information, technical support and will be in communication with his/her respective Network Rail Zone Control.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 78 of 84 APPENDIX A A.2

POLICE/BTP INTER SERVICE CO-OPERATION RESPONSIBILITY

FORCE/AGENCY

Overall Incident Commander (GOLD)

Home Office force with BTP senior officer working in conjunction advising on BTP/railway matters and present at co-ordinating group meetings.

Investigation

Except in the case of terrorism or murder, BTP will be responsible for investigating the incident. Where an incident is of such a magnitude or there are special reasons whereby a joint team should be formed, this will be done after discussions between senior officers of both forces.

Inner cordon and matters on railway Fire Brigade in line with the Major Incident Document procedures set out property in this manual. Outer cordon

Wiltshire Constabulary.

Removal of bodies

The removal of all bodies from the scene must be co-ordinated by the Wiltshire Constabulary whichever service effects the removal.

Mortuary

Wiltshire Constabulary and Local Authority.

Casualty Bureau and identification

Wiltshire Constabulary in liaison with BTP.

Property of the deceased

Wiltshire Constabulary.

Property from scene

B.T.P.

Press/media

Joint response through co-ordinating group.

Traffic (road)

Wiltshire Constabulary.

Hospital documentation

Wiltshire Constabulary with BTP assistance if necessary.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 79 of 84 APPENDIX A Rail incidents ‘power off’ - trains stopped The safety of personnel is paramount when working on or near, the track. The ultimate responsibility of railway incident safety is provided by trained Network Rail personnel and this assignment must be assumed by them at the earliest opportunity. However when a Fire Officer in Charge has no alternative but to commit personnel to an incident inside a hazardous distance on the track, and Network Rail personnel are not in attendance, the provision of Brigade personnel as look outs/safety officers must be instigated. This responsibility should be handed over to the Network Rail Incident Officer (known as a RIO) as soon as practicably possible. It is obviously dangerous to go into the vicinity of electrified railway lines or overhead power cables. Apart from the danger of electrocution, it must be realised that merely having the power switched off may not have the effect of stopping trains. Diesel powered trains, for example, are not dependent on the electric power and sometimes run on the same track. The request for ‘power off and/or trains stopped’ should be passed through the appropriate service control to the Network Rail Great Western Zone Control Room at Swindon or the Network Rail Southern Zone Control Room, London as applicable. The relevant Network Rail zone control room will confirm that this request has been carried out to the service control. The Network Rail Incident Officer may make requests to the Network Rail Control Room on your behalf to either maintain trains at ‘normal’, ‘at caution’ or to stop the trains altogether. It must be remembered that the stopping of trains and/or the interruption of power supplies can have serious safety implications away from the immediate scene of operations, such as: • • • • • •

Passengers alighting from trains that have stopped outside stations and walking along tracks. Overcrowding of stations and platforms leading to possible evacuation procedures. Heat exhaustion of passengers on trains held in tunnels. Passengers affected in very overcrowded conditions in delayed trains. General frustration and tension leading to unlawful and irrational acts by delayed passengers. Delaying trains on a particular stretch of line can have far reaching implications throughout the Network Rail system by delaying other trains from departing or arriving.

Personnel must always wear high visibility clothing when working on or near the track. The number of such personnel working at the scene should be kept to a minimum. Network Rail as the lead authority for the rail industry will supply look-outs to protect the scene and a Rail Incident Officer as the liaison point between the Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 80 of 84 APPENDIX A emergency services and is the focal point for the rail industry response to the incident. Currently within Wiltshire there are no electrified tracks. However, in many locations there can be electrical cables or various pipelines carrying utility products running below ground or beneath concrete covers adjacent to the track. Network Rail, if given the location, can provide valuable information on the known hazards in that area. Network Rail Incident Officers carry a large amount of equipment in their response vehicles including: • • • • • • • •

Body bags. Contaminated waste bags Cameras and film Video camera Oil spill kits Surgical gloves Evidence bags Torch

These items may be provided to the emergency services for their use on request. The Rail Incident Officer may request access to the site for the gathering of certain perishable evidence such as brake pressure readings and wheel tyre temperatures. He/she will do this through liaison with the Police Incident Officer.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 81 of 84 APPENDIX B AIRCRAFT INCIDENTS B.1

INTRODUCTION

A major air incident is by its very nature an extremely sudden and catastrophic event placing all the organisations concerned with the response, under intense pressure. The scale of such events often crosses administrative boundaries and involves a massive and lengthy recovery operation. Major Incidents involving aircraft that occur within airfield boundaries will invoke a local response based on Civil Aviation Authority directions and it can be anticipated that there will be a good initial response to the incident from those local agencies involved. However, the long-term phases associated with consolidation recovery and investigation phases will require substantial resourcing. There are over 50 airfields/landing strips within the Wiltshire and Swindon LRF area. ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED B.2

Royal Air Force

The RAF will deal with post crash recovery for all military aircraft accidents and has the capability to help with civilian incidents where requested, particularly with wreckage removal in line with Aircraft Accident Investigation Board guidance. The post crash management procedures of the RAF have taken account of the increasingly complex toxic environment produced by an accident involving modern aircraft. If a military aircraft is believed to be involved extreme caution should be taken by all agencies and advice taken from the RAF immediately. Contact can be made through The RAF Inspectorate of Flight Safety at RAF Bentley Priory or through the Air Rescue Co-ordination Centre at RAF Kinloss. B.3

Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB)

The AAIB investigate all civil aircraft accidents that occur in the UK and help in the investigation of military accidents at the request of the Ministry of Defence. There are a number of statutory powers associated with this role through The Civil Aviation (Investigations of Accidents) Regulations 1989. These regulations give the AAIB powers of investigation and relating to the management of the scene. Close liaison between the AAIB investigators and the emergency services at the scene is essential at the earliest possible opportunity. The initial AAIB response to a major air accident will consist of a small team of pilots and engineers who will work with RAF pathologists where necessary. The police investigation will be carried out in close co-operation with that of the AAIB. Police will be responsible for contacting the AAIB on being informed of an incident. Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 82 of 84 APPENDIX B British Airways Emergency Procedures Information Centre (EPIC) EPIC acts as a central airline information co-ordinating point. It collates information from airline sources world-wide including details of all passengers, crew and baggage. Most airlines operating through the UK subscribe to EPIC which is situated at Heathrow. EPIC acts as an information centre following an incident and handles a large number of telephone calls that might otherwise be directed to the Police Casualty Bureau. EPIC documentation is identical to the National Casualty Bureau paperwork to ease enquiries. Specific site hazards A major air accident will produce a toxic environment at the scene and all services responding should be aware of the need for extra attention to the identification of potential hazards and protection of their respective staff. A crashed aircraft should be approached from an upwind direction (where possible) whether there is a fire or not, due to the potential spread of toxic substances. Modern aircraft are increasingly constructed using large amounts of carbon fibre material. This substance is relatively safe in its raw state, but when subject to burning becomes highly toxic, in the form of white dust-like material. In addition to the Fire Brigade, both the AAIB and RAF are able to advise on potential hazards from crashed aircraft and the materials present in specific aircraft types. The Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Flight at RAF Valley, Wales, maintain a database for all UK and many foreign military aircraft. They can fax hazard data sheets to any emergency service on request.

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Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide Page 83 of 84 APPENDIX C MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO A MAJOR INCIDENT Reference Military Aid to the Civil Community (MACC) A pamphlet for the guidance of Civil Authorities and Organisations (Third Edition: MOD Publications 1989). Policy In the event of a Major Incident, the armed services are authorised to provide all possible assistance to the emergency services where a threat to life exists. The immediate assistance the military may be able to provide will depend on what is available at the time of the incident. Whilst no resources are specifically set aside for such assistance, if the incident is sufficiently grave additional troops and assets may be tasked into Wiltshire. Assistance without cost will only be given in a major incident where a threat to life exists. Once that threat has passed charges may be raised. Call out The local authority will normally arrange military aid. Initial response A military liaison officer may initially go to Joint ICP to make an initial assessment of the requirement and to consider further options for assistance in conjunction with the emergency service commanders. At this stage a decision will be made as to the requirement for a liaison officer to go to the Gold Command. Troop deployment Troops will deploy as a self-contained formed body under command of an officer or non-commissioned officer initially to the RVP. They will work under the direction of the emergency service bronze commander who has asked for their assistance. At the point of troop deployment to the incident, a military liaison officer will deploy as the military point of contact for the Military Headquarters. Co-ordination Should the circumstances require a further liaison officer at Silver, the Military Headquarters will task an officer. Further representation at the Joint ICP/Co-ordinating group will be decided as the gravity of the incident is assessed and the requirement for continued or additional assistance is considered.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Membership of the LRF Information, Communication and Technology Sub Group Wiltshire Constabulary Sergeant Bob YOUNG (Chair) Primary Care Trust Mrs Debbie HAYNES Swindon Borough Council Mr Sam WELLER Wiltshire Ambulance Service Mr Mike LOVE Wiltshire Fire Brigade Divisional Officer Les SHARPE Wiltshire County Council Mrs Pat WAYLEN (Ms Jane BROWNING) Health Protection Agency Mr Lawrence DAVIES HQ 43 Wessex Brigade Major Jon WORT

Acknowledgement of the initial contributions from: The London Emergency Services Liaison Panel (LESLP)

Wiltshire and Swindon LRF Joint Incident Procedures Guide