Priority two

Our staff are using the new information technology system, MORI (Management of Risk Information) to gather information from prevention and protection activities.

With the use of internal and external data, we will be able to communicate identified risks and any difficulties to operational crews more efficiently, and to assist our protection teams with designating higher priority premises for inspection.

As part of our continual investment programme to ensure we have a fleet of vehicles to respond to the risks our communities face now and in the future, we have introduced All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) at strategic locations within the two counties to support wildfire incidents. We have also taken receipt of the first AWD Medium Rescue Pumps, which will be able to traverse through inclement weather and rough ground. The new assets will improve our existing off-road capability.

The new Aerial Ladder Platforms (ALP) have been introduced to the Service, with the appropriate lifting equipment for casualties with complex needs. Specific training has been delivered to colleagues around the operation of the vehicles and equipment. We have also introduced Dignity at Incident screens, which provide immediate privacy and protection while facilitating the effective operation of emergency services on scene.

We collaborate with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWAST), responding to emergencies upon their request to gain entry, where there is a concern for the safety or welfare of a patient inside a premises, and the ambulance service is unable to gain access. We have introduced training for the use of new equipment and have reviewed and updated our gaining entry procedures. We will undertake a full review of the collaborative agreement during the next 12 months.

We will continue to exercise against our high-rise policy, procedure and guidance, enabling us to assess the standards’ applicability to ensure our staff have the necessary skills and knowledge to support operations.
During 2024, the Service progressed our Fire Cover Review (FCR). The review will enable us to analyse the use of our resources to ensure our emergency response remains effective and efficient, and that we are well equipped to respond to future challenges.

Phase one of the FCR has provided a wealth of data and information based on a standard methodology. The process is not only using information from within the Service, but also from local authorities, census data, national risk register and local risk registers. This data will continue to be refreshed as information changes.

Based on extensive data and insight, the review is presently using the data to model the Service’s ‘as is’ operating strategy and propose options for change which will support better outcomes for our communities. This will continually evolve as change is delivered.

Looking forward

We will continue to develop our Local Community Plans (LCPs) for every fire station, incorporating prevention, protection and additional response information to help shape our operations. Our focus is to work towards making the plans accessible to the wider community through our website.

The FCR 2025 will continually model Community Risk and response and intervention assets, and offer further data for consideration, helping us to build a stronger and more resilient fire and rescue service, while maintaining the highest levels of safety and lowest levels of risk as we protect our communities, work together and save lives.