Introduction

As part of the arrangements made under the New Dimensions Programme, UKFSSAR Teams have been tasked with providing a specialist resource to support individual brigades at structural collapse incidents.

The interim arrangements are set out in a letter from the Fire Service Inspectorate to all Chief Fire Officers in the UK. A copy can be viewed by clicking on the icon below.

These procedures are being put in place as an interim arrangement to enable effective and rapid deployment of the UK Fire Service Search and Rescue Team (UKFSSART) in the event of a significant incident occurring anywhere within the UK and for which a request for their specialist assistance has been made. 

ROLE OF REQUESTING BRIGADE

A brigade requiring the assistance of UKFSSART should contact London Fire Brigade - Command Support Centre (LFB-CSC) who are responsible for the mobilisation and co-ordination of the team and for notifying appropriate authorities and organisations.

• Information on the incident such as, scale and nature of the incident,
• What is involved,
• Resources required,
• Rendezvous point and nearest available suitable helicopter landing area (this should be carried out in collaboration with the local police force), and,
• Any other relevant information

ROLE OF LFB - CSC

LFB-CSC on receipt of a request for UKFSSART assistance from a brigade will obtain as much information as necessary to enable a rapid assessment of resource requirements. Before nominating the UKFSSAR Teams LFB-CSC will contact the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) to determine the location of available helicopters and nominate the team(s) accordingly.

LFB-CSC will maintain liaison contact with ARCC to pass information such as rendezvous points for airlifting the team and identification of the delivery point in consultation with the requesting brigade.

ROLE OF ARCC

The Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC), at the request of the police, will provide necessary helicopter assets to pick-up and deliver UKFSSART personnel and equipment to a pre-determined location.

Where it is anticipated that the incident may be protracted thereby requiring several helicopter movements or one helicopter over an extended period, ARCC will also arrange for an HM Coastguard Landrover and operator to attend the incident to act as Ground to Air communications link and provide expert guidance on helicopter operations to the local emergency services.

ROLE OF HMFSI

LFB-CSC will notify HMFSI of any incident to which the attendance of UKFSSART has been requested as soon as it is practicable to do so.

HMFSI will open the FEIC and give any necessary guidance or assistance to the LFB-CSC, UKFSSART brigades and requesting brigade.

HMFSI will also inform and keep updated, all other brigades not directly involved or affected by the incident.

ROLE OF UKFSSART

When requested to attend an incident occurring within the UK, UKFSSAR Teams nominated to attend should be prepared to respond within two hours. Mobilisation assumes that one crew with a crew commander, e.g. 5 or 6 personnel will be available from each UKFSSART brigade.

Whilst the operational rota is being maintained for international deployments, geographical mobilising will be preferred for national incidents.

Teams wil carry the minimum equipment to enable essential SAR work to commence immediately upon arrival, following an assessment of the situation by the Team Leader and in consultation with the Incident Commander of the host brigade. Teams will work within the confines of the Incident Command System.