Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service - Experts & Thought Leaders

Four firefighters from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are set and raring to go by breaking three grueling world records when they take part in the Ipswich Half Marathon. Crew Manager Paul Shattock, and Firefighters Grant Whitehead, Ashley Buxton, and George Trott will be running the 13.1 miles on September 22 in firefighting equipment. Paul Shattock Paul is a Crew Manager at Bury St Edmunds fire station and Grant, Ashley, and George are all based at Ipswich East station. They aim to raise £10,000 from the half-marathon in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity, the welfare organization which offers specialist and lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, and for Cancer Research. This is in remembrance of late colleagues Michael Matthews, Trevor Bryson, and Steve Simmons, plus many others from the fire service community who have died from, or live with, the effects of cancer.  protective equipment and breathing apparatus Grant and George are chasing the record for running a half-marathon while in full firefighting protective equipment Paul will be in full protective equipment and breathing apparatus and aims to set the record in what is a brand new category – the fastest half-marathon dressed as a firefighter with self-contained breathing apparatus and breathing air from the cylinder. Grant and George are chasing the record for running a half-marathon while in full firefighting protective equipment and carrying breathing apparatus but not ‘under air’, this currently stands at three hours and 10 minutes. Ashley Buxton Ashley will be in a physical training kit while wearing a breathing apparatus set, for which the record is currently two hours and 21 minutes.  A full set of fire kit – comprising boots, protective trousers and smock, and helmet - weighs around 100 lbs (45kg), while a fully-charged breathing apparatus weighs around 26 lbs (12kg). Real fire service effort Sally Hammond, Suffolk Fire and Rescue’s group manager, Sally Hammond, said, “They have been working so hard for this, these records are tough but with the dedication and training they have put in I am sure they can do it." “This has been a real fire service effort as they have been helped every inch of the way by a dedicated support team. It’s not just about the records though, the two charities are dear to the hearts of everyone involved and I would urge anyone at the half marathon who sees them to give them a cheer and perhaps make a donation.” phenomenal challenge Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said, “Hats off to these firefighters, they have set themselves a phenomenal challenge and I know they will give it their best shot."  “I also send my best wishes to everyone else taking part in the half marathon. I hope you have a fabulous day.”

A Suffolk fire station is to celebrate its 70th anniversary with a family fun day and a fundraising ball in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity. Classic fire vehicles, demonstrations, a miniature railway, and face painting will be among the attractions at Clare Castle Country Park to mark the opening of the town’s fire station in 1954. Clare Fireball The fun day will be followed in the evening with the Clare Fireball at Clare Town Hall, which will feature live music and a fire fancy dress theme, with proceeds going to the Fire Fighters Charity and the Clare play area. Watch Manager - Warren Rodwell said, "The events mark 70 years of Clare Fire Station being in its current location within the town and we think will provide something for everyone." daytime event Warren Rodwell adds, "The daytime event will be fun packed with lots of attractions and activities for all ages to see and try, while the evening event will raise money for a piece of play equipment in Clare Castle Country Park and for the Fire Fighters Charity, which helps firefighters and their families in need." He continues, "It’s going to be a busy and fun day for the town and we hope as many people as possible will come and join in with us." Clare Priory Craft Fair Saturday, July 13 is also the first day of the two-day event Clare Priory Craft Fair Saturday, July 13 is also the first day of the two-day event Clare Priory Craft Fair, which celebrates its landmark anniversary having been running for 40 years, and which takes place in the grounds of nearby Clare Priory. Clare Fire Station is in Station Road and is supported by an on-call crew which has a drill night every week on a Thursday. family fun day The family fun day runs from 10 am-4 pm and admission is free. Tickets for the Fireball cost £10 per person and are available from Warren Rodwell on 0789 007 0055, from Clare Fire Station on Thursdays between 6 pm and 8 pm, The Globe pub in Callis Street, Clare, or Stars ‘N’ Jars convenience store in Well Lane, Clare.

Aldeburgh Fire Station and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are inviting people to get on their bikes and set off on 2024's Suffolk Fire Ride. The annual event is a popular fundraiser for the Fire Fighters Charity, which helps past and present fire and rescue service personnel and their families. Suffolk Fire Ride The event is on Sunday, July 7, 2024, and is being hosted by Aldeburgh station, from where two routes will start and finish via the beautiful countryside and the iconic coastline of Suffolk. Riders can take part in one of two signed routes of 37 or 65 miles, starting from 8 am Riders can take part in one of two signed routes of 37 or 65 miles, starting from 8 am and with registration open from 7 am on the day. supporting firefighters Group Manager - Carolyn Crabb of SFRS, said, "This will be our 11th event, and with a combination of such an excellent location, beautiful scenery for cycling, and the promise of a BBQ at the end we are sure the ride will be a huge draw." Carolyn Crabb adds, "The Suffolk Fire Ride is a popular event, and we are always grateful for the support of those taking part and their family and friends. The ride is open to cyclists of all abilities and the money raised from the event will go towards supporting firefighters across the country through the Fire Fighters Charity." Fire Fighters Charity Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said, "The Fire Fighters Charity is a wonderful cause and the cycle ride is a fun way in which to support it." Steve Wiles adds, "The charity does sterling work helping firefighters, who often face difficult and stressful situations serving the community. I wish everyone taking part in this year’s event good luck and good weather!" The event details  Date: 7th July 2024 Venue: Aldeburgh Fire Station, Kings Field, Aldeburgh IP15 5EJ Time: 8 am, registration opens at 7 am Distances: Two signed routes, 37 and 65 miles The online entry fee for any distance is £30 (registration fees included. On the day entry is £35.

The fire risks associated with multi-occupied residential buildings remain high on the sector’s agenda, and the latest wave of fire safety reforms can help address key concerns, says Karen Trigg of Allegion UK. raising fire safety standards In recent years, high-rise and high-risk building environments have been the subject of much industry focus.  Where Grenfell was a catalyst for change, the incremental introduction of new reforms (such as the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Bill) alongside major Government funding schemes have since been key in raising fire safety standards across the board. fire safety challenges Lack of communication Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were forced to evacuate a block of flats deemed to be a fire safety risk But while significant steps have been made in several areas, professionals can’t afford to stand still. Only recently, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were forced to evacuate a block of flats deemed to be a fire safety risk, of which tenants cited a lack of communication concerning the building’s fire safety. Evidently, these are not isolated incidents, and there is still work to be done. High-rise complexity  Many multi-occupied building environments have been exposed to falling short in fire safety situations. While it’s true that the complexity and scale of high-risk settings present unique fire safety challenges, responsible parties must endeavor to address them, focusing on all components of fire protection in the process. And where fire door safety is concerned, the latest evolution of the legislative landscape might prove to be the answer. Introducing Regulation 10  On the 23rd of January 2023, The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, made it a legal requirement under regulation 10 for responsible persons of all multi-occupied residential buildings in England with stories over 11 meters in height to: Undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in the common parts; and Undertake on the best endeavor basis annual checks of all flat entrance doors (including self-closing devices) that lead onto a building’s common parts. In addition, the updated regulations state responsible persons must provide residents with relevant fire safety instructions and detailed information relating to the importance of operational fire doors regarding the building’s fire safety systems. Improve fire safety standards All revisions must be followed closely, with responsible persons expected to alter their approach These essential updates derive from the recommendations made in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry (Phase 1 report) and, among others detailed under The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, are designed to improve fire safety standards in high-rise, high-risk residential buildings. Under UK legislation, all revisions must be followed closely, with responsible persons expected to alter their approach to fire door safety in response to the framework. Educating and Evaluating For decision-makers overseeing fire door safety in high-rise residential buildings, about Regulation 10, there are perhaps two key takeaways: The rate and proficiency of risk assessments on fire doors and their hardware is changing; and There is greater accountability to provide residents with improved communication and education on fire door safety. Fire Door Inspection Scheme Last year, after an increase in demand for fire door inspections, the Fire Door Inspection Scheme revealed three-quarters of fire doors inspected in the UK did not meet the required standard. Furthermore, before the Fire Safety Act 2021, flat entrance doors in multi-occupied residential buildings may not have been considered as part of fire risk assessments. Detailed checks There is a greater impetus to providing detailed checks on fire doors and their hardware Currently, there is a greater impetus to providing detailed checks on fire doors and their hardware as fundamental components of passive fire protection. The newly proposed quarterly checks of fire doors as well as the annual checks on flat entrance doors and self-closing devices will ensure the standards of inspected fire doors rise, with responsible persons pushed to systematically inspect the key elements of all doorsets moving forward, including the certification, gaps, seals, hinges and closing elements. Third-party tested fire doors Commonly, third-party tested fire doors are available in ratings ranging from FD30 to FD120 and can protect buildings and their residents from smoke and fire for 30 to 120 minutes respectively but only when the aforementioned components are fitted, maintained, and used appropriately. Furthermore, to remain compliant, all dedicated fire doors must be fitted with a certified fire door closer (a minimum power size of EN3 is required to conform to the EN 1154 standard) as a fire door will only do its job to contain a fire and smoke if it is closed. Professional advice and ensuring maintenance Upon inspection, if a fire door isn’t operating as intended, or there is any ambiguity regarding hardware classifications and reliability, it’s imperative to seek out professional advice and ensure maintenance is carried out both quickly and professionally. For those who remain unclear on fire door safety and risk assessments, online assistance in the form of guides or specialists can further support and educate on key areas of fire safety practice, such as risk assessments, fire door checks, and compliance. Up-to-date, educational information Regulation 10 points out, there is a greater responsibility to provide clear information on the building’s fire safety In multi-occupied building environments, residents are also encouraged to raise concerns if fire doors are not operating as they should. On the other hand, as Regulation 10 points out, there is a greater responsibility for building owners to provide clear information on the building’s fire safety. This should comprise clear instructions on how to report a fire or fire safety-related issue, as well as emergency evacuation instructions, which should highlight routes of escape with concise signage and fully compliant, operational fire doors. In addition, to combat poor fire safety practices (such as propped open stairways or flat entrance doors), it’s vital to provide up-to-date, educational information on the importance of fire doors and their role in the building’s system. Fire safety strategy With Regulation 10, there’s once more a clearer strategy for fire safety in multi-occupied residential buildings. The latest in reforms will continue to transform the approach to fire risk assessments and the competency with which they’re completed. Moreover, with a well-rounded educational approach, all parties, including residents, can further understand the intricacies of fire door safety and how their actions may alter the effectiveness of a building’s fire protection. In doing so, we may well be moving towards a brighter, safer future for high-risk environments.

Trends, such as social distancing and breakdowns in group interactions are changing the emergency response needs in Suffolk County, New York, and other communities around the world. In the new normal, there are also fewer opportunities to identify someone, who might need mental health services or be in crisis. Residents are more likely to push aside signs of anxiety and depression, until they become more severe. Suffolk County affected by COVID-19 Suffolk County was an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic and before that, of the opioid epidemic, both of which impact mental health and consequently, the emergency response needs of a community. In the case of COVID-19, isolation from family and children required better response, availability of services, and training for first responders. “We are seeing people at some of their worst times,” said Joel Vetter, the Chief of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services in Suffolk County, N.Y., adding “Who responds to help the public, during times of crisis, whether suicide, overdose or crisis intervention? We must provide first responders with awareness training.” awareness training for first responders Joel Vetter helms the ‘umbrella’ fire and emergency agency that covers Suffolk County Joel Vetter further said, “How can we be supportive to family, patients, and bystanders, and how do we take care of our own? We want to interact and keep people with mental illness safe, to have a positive outcome and to provide support.” Joel Vetter helms the ‘umbrella’ fire and emergency agency that covers Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, where 1.5 million residents are served by 109 fire departments and 27 emergency medical services agencies. Suffolk County handles the 911 dispatch center for the various departments, which include volunteer, paid and hybrid departments providing fire service and EMS. Joel Vetter, emergency services veteran With 33 years of experience in emergency services, Vetter began as a volunteer, later worked as a paramedic and then transitioned into emergency management and to providing education for first responders. He has held his current position for four years.  To address various mental health issues, Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services networks with other agencies, including schools and faith-based organizations, to coordinate response and promote messaging of more than 100 available recovery and education resources. Sharing vital information globally “We are able to share information about programming aspects more globally, rather than in little pockets,” said Joel Vetter. Mental health issues nationally have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some 41% of adults reporting an anxiety and/or depressive order, in January 2021, in comparison to just 11% in 2019, according to a National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Early Release Program and U.S. Census Bureau Survey. However, many people are distrustful of calling for public safety services, during a mental health crisis, as 86% of respondents in one survey say improvements are needed in how public safety services respond to a mental health crisis. Suffolk County’s 911 call center relies on technology In Suffolk County, the 911 call center relies on technology to help, some of it purchased with anti-terrorism funding In Suffolk County, the 911 call center relies on technology to help, some of it purchased with anti-terrorism funding, after the anthrax scare in 2001. They log calls using national emergency dispatch codes, which provides data reflecting the impact on the communities of the opioid epidemic, for example, and more recently, by the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, between 2019 and 2020, the overall 911 calls volume jumped 213%, including a 5% increase in calls related to mental health, and a 13% increase in overdoses. Emergency responders are required to train eight hours a year on mental health issues and additional voluntary sessions are offered. A crisis intervention team is made up of volunteers and mental health professionals. For first responders, facing their own mental health issues, there are peer-to-peer support programs. Rave Smart911 app for effective communications Suffolk County’s technology solution includes a critical communication and collaboration platform, provided by Rave Mobile Safety, enabling those tasked with protecting communities the ability to address holistically the challenges of critical communications, incident collaboration, safety and protection, and 911. In Suffolk County, there are almost a million landlines loaded and maintained in the system. The Rave Smart911 app is integrated to provide emergency messaging for a wide variety of situations. Secure encrypted profile and mass notification capabilities Residents can opt-in to the system and build a securely encrypted profile Residents can opt-in to the system and build a securely encrypted profile, providing details of a residence, images and information on the inhabitants, and any other information that would be useful in case of an emergency. If a resident calls 911, the information becomes instantly available to an operator answering the call. Rave also provides mass notification capabilities, including seasonal, targeted messages, prevention missives, safety tips, and emergency response information. Templates built into the system help to guide response and action plans. A resident might receive a targeted text message when snow starts to fall, for example. If it snows more than 6 inches, additional emergency response and messaging are deployed. ‘Sirens at Seven’ program “We help the general public to empower themselves by seeing what services are available in their towns, villages, counties and states,” said Joel Vetter. To demonstrate unity, Suffolk County instituted a ‘Sirens at Seven’ program that sounded sirens throughout the entire county for three minutes to unify the community and recognize the work of first responders and healthcare professionals.