{"title":"A new front line? Workforce development issues from an evolving fire service","authors":"T. Simcock","doi":"10.1108/ijes-06-2020-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-06-2020-0033","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeOver the past twenty years, the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) workforce in England has experienced significant developments as part of New Labour's modernisation agenda with the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 and the increasing focus on prevention and community safety. Subsequent organisational changes and the introduction of new community safety services dynamically altered the role of fire fighters and introduced new roles into these organisations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues relating to an evolving fire service workforce and the tensions present in the development of new professional roles.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory qualitative critical realist case study approach was undertaken, employing semi-structured interviews and focus groups of employees across one FRS in England.FindingsThe findings of the present study identify several emerging issues from a changing fire service: in particular, the frictions between different aspects of the organisation and the tensions in the development of career “ladders” for non-operational roles.Originality/valueTo the author's knowledge, this is the first paper that examines the issues surrounding the development and evolution of professional roles in community safety aspects within the FRS in England.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2020-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42884620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lord Carter's report into NHS ambulance service efficiency; will its findings make a difference and stimulate the service to escape “the mediocrity trap?”","authors":"A. Newton","doi":"10.1108/IJES-08-2019-0045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-08-2019-0045","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeReview of major policy paper in relation to the ambulance service [in England] efficiency and productivity with reference to observed “unacceptable variation”.Design/methodology/approachCritical review of ambulance service/EMS policy approach in England.FindingsLord Carter’s review describes failings in performance of UK ambulance service/EMS. However, the identified failings are essentially a repetition of many almost identical similar findings. There is a tendency of policy in respect of the ambulance service in England, as exemplified by Lord Carter’s report to consider analysis of the problem a more significant task that actually addressing the shortcoming defined.Research limitations/implicationsThis viewpoint comment piece is produced as a viewpoint with all the attendant limitations implied in this approach. However, it has been produced from an informed position.Practical implicationsChallenge to current UK ambulance policy. Previous repetitious finding need to be addressed definitively.Social implicationsThe efficiency of UK ambulance services/EMS is seriously impaired, and indeed these findings have been acknowledge previously. However, little by way of active remediation has been attempted. The current approach as exemplified in Lord Carter's recent review appears to ensure that analysis of the long- standing problems that exist is sufficient and possible preferable to active remediation and improvement.Originality/valueNo previous critical review of this type has been attempted (as it would be career-limiting).","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2020-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/IJES-08-2019-0045","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48797982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The SERIES model: development of a practitioner focused emergency response evaluation system","authors":"D. Holdsworth, A. Zagorecki","doi":"10.1108/ijes-01-2020-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-01-2020-0003","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeEffective Emergency Response Management (ERM) system evaluation is vital to the process of continual improvement within emergency response organizations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if an entire ERM system can be captured and encoded within a standardized framework.Design/methodology/approachEmploying an exploratory approach the authors apply a mixed methods case study design and inductive reasoning to analyse documentary evidence provided during the inquest into the London Bombings 2005. The authors use content analysis to investigate the nature of ERM system data availability and apply principals of Network Theory to iteratively develop a framework within which data can be encoded.FindingsThe authors find that complex ERM system data can be captured and stored within a standardized framework. The authors present a conceptual framework and multi-stage mixed methods process, the Standardized Emergency Response Incident Evaluation System (SERIES) model, to support data collection, storage and interpretation. The findings demonstrate that ERM system evaluation can benefit from the adoption of a standardized mixed-methods approach employing data transformation and triangulation. The authors also demonstrate the potential of the proposed standardized model, by integrating qualitative and quantitative data, to support interpretation and reporting through the use of appropriate data visualization.Originality/valueThe SERIES model provides a practical tool and procedural guidelines to capture and share vital ERM system data and information across all emergency services. It also presents an opportunity to develop a large comprehensive multi-incident dataset to support academic inquiry and partnership between academics and practitioners.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2020-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/ijes-01-2020-0003","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41756451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An integrated response model for business disruption","authors":"P. Wilson, K. Klockner","doi":"10.1108/IJES-08-2018-0041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-08-2018-0041","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to discuss the planning and use of an all-hazards emergency services approach to business disruption, which resulted from the hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) by Australia. It outlines how this emergency response model worked and how it can be transitioned into other operational areas.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Although the Commonwealth Games provided a unique opportunity for Australia to showcase its large event capability, it also highlighted the need for innovation due to business disruption for front-line emergency response agencies. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) was faced with the need to review the standard emergency response model and to come up with a way to maintain business as usual operational effectiveness.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000An all-hazards approach to emergency response was ultimately achieved through expanded air operations (helicopters), the use of a multi-agency approach and the use of volunteers to achieve strategic risk management outcomes.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The practical solutions that emerged are discussed as the expanded response model and collaborative engagements to achieve risk reduction, readiness and preparation.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The solution to utilise an integrated emergency response methodology, including rapid and effective aerial support, reflected an all-hazards response to include deployment to road crash rescue, hazardous materials and structural fires. This business model ensured that QFES continued to meet its established “operational excellence” standards while pioneering options to address incident responses within the community wherein circumstances are considered exceptional.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/IJES-08-2018-0041","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47736578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The medical perspective on mining incidents","authors":"S. Karlsson, B. Saveman, Lina Gyllencreutz","doi":"10.1108/ijes-02-2019-0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-02-2019-0006","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to examine emergency medical service (EMS) personnel’s perceptions and experiences of managing underground mining injury incidents.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000In total, 13 EMS personnel were interviewed according to a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000An underground mining environment was described as unfamiliar and unsafe and, with no guidelines for operational actions in an extreme environment, such as underground mines, the EMS personnel were uncertain of their role. They therefore became passive and relied on the rescue service and mining company during a major incident. However, the medical care was not considered to be different from any other prehospital care, although a mining environment would make the situation more difficult and it would take longer for the mine workers to be placed under definitive care.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This study complements earlier studies by examining the EMS personnel’s perceptions and experiences of major incidents.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/ijes-02-2019-0006","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46065955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emergency calls during the 2013 southern Ontario ice storm: case study of Vaughan","authors":"M. S. Sabet, A. Asgary, A. Solis","doi":"10.1108/IJES-01-2019-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-01-2019-0004","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Responding to emergency incidents by emergency response organizations such as fire, ambulance and police during large disaster and emergency events is very important. The purpose of this paper is to provide some insights into response patterns during the 2013 ice storm in the city of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, using temporal and spatial analyses.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The City of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service data set containing all responses to fire and other emergency incidents from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2016 was used. The 2013 Southern Ontario ice storm occurred from December 20, 2013 to January 1, 2014, and, for this study, December 20–31 is considered the “study period.” Temporal, spatial and spatiotemporal analyses of responses during the study period are carried out and are compared with the same period in other years (2009–2012 and 2014–2016).\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings show that temporal patterns of response attributes changed significantly during the 2013 ice storm. Similarly, the spatial pattern of responses during the 2013 ice storm showed some major differences with other years. The spatiotemporal analyses also demonstrate significant variations in responses in the city during different hours of the day in the ice storm days.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This study is the first study to examine the spatiotemporal patterns of responses made by a fire department during the 2013 ice storm in Canada. It provides some insights into the differences between response volumes, temporal and spatial distributions during large emergency events (e.g. ice storm) and normal situations. The results will help in mitigating the number of responses in the future through public education and technological changes. Moreover, the results will provide fire departments with information that could help them prepare for such events by possible reallocation of resources.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/IJES-01-2019-0004","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42741995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"First response emergency care – experiences described by firefighters","authors":"A. Abelsson","doi":"10.1108/IJES-05-2018-0026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-05-2018-0026","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe firefighters’ experiences of first response emergency care.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses an explorative descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through group interviews of 35 firefighters and subjected to qualitative content analysis.FindingsThe results showed that the professional role and the firemen’s uniform serve as a protection against psychologically strenuous situations. To protect the dignity of the injured or dead is important as well as protecting and safeguarding each other from the experience of the tragedy of an accident. Having a solid, sterling medical education provides a sense of security in the emergency care, as well as when caring for the relatives. Debriefing brings thoughts and feelings to the surface for processing and closure. The feeling of sadness lingers for the people not being saveable, that had been dead on arrival or the ones forgotten.Originality/valueA firefighter’s work situation is exposed and stressful. The firemen’s uniform as a mental barrier, colleagues, time to mentally prepare and to be allowed to show feelings are all needed to cope. It is, therefore, important to encourage, promote and strengthen the protective role of camaraderie for the firefighter, which probably can be emphasized in other uniform-wearing professions such as police, military and ambulance. Being acknowledged for their contribution to other peoples’ lives and well-being can acknowledge the firefighters’ importance.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/IJES-05-2018-0026","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47245004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychological distress constructs in police with different roles","authors":"I. Sheard, M. Burnett, Helen St Clair-Thompson","doi":"10.1108/IJES-06-2018-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-06-2018-0033","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Police personnel report relatively high rates of mental health difficulties, and are at an increased risk of experiencing stress, burnout, secondary traumatic stress and anxiety as a result of the nature of their work and may also experience low compassion satisfaction. However, it is likely that the prevalence of psychological distress varies across roles. The purpose of this paper is to explore psychological distress, in a large sample of police personnel, examining differences between individuals in a number of police roles.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A questionnaire assessing experience of mental health problems, perceived stress, compassion fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress), compassion satisfaction and anxiety was administered to 602 police personnel, who were classified into one of ten roles (24/7 officers, communications, firearms, crime, resolution without deployment, neighbourhood, custody, safeguarding, operations and other roles). Differences based on role and the requirement for shift work were then examined.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u000024/7 officers had higher compassion fatigue and lower compassion satisfaction than individuals in a number of other roles. Firearms officers had lower levels of perceived stress and anxiety. Resolution without deployment officers reported higher secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue. The findings also revealed that respondents who partake in shift work showed higher levels of perceived stress.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This is the first study to the authors’ knowledge to investigate experience of mental health problems and reports of psychological distress in different roles within a UK police force. The findings have important implications, for example, in terms of identifying groups who may be particularly at risk from psychological distress.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/IJES-06-2018-0033","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48624367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Improving the effectiveness of fire prevention using the “premonition” agent-based model of domestic fire risk behaviours","authors":"Dermot Breslin, Stephen Dobson, Nicolas Smith","doi":"10.1108/IJES-05-2018-0031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-05-2018-0031","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Understanding and predicting the behaviours of households within a community is a key concern for fire services as they plan to deliver effective and efficient public services. In this paper, an agent-based modelling approach is used to deepen understandings of changing patterns of behaviour within a community. The paper aims to discuss this issue.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This “Premonition” model draws on historical data of fire incidents and community interventions (e.g. home safety checks, fire safety campaigns, etc.) collated by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, UK, to unpack patterns of changing household behaviours within the region.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Findings from simulations carried out using the Premonition model, show that by targeting close-knit groups of connected households, the effectiveness of preventative interventions and utilisation of associated resources is enhanced. Furthermore, by repeating these interventions with the same households over time, risk factors within the wider area are further reduced.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The study thus shows that annual repeat visits to fewer and more targeted high-risk postcodes increase the overall reduction in risk within an area, when compared with a scattered coverage approach using one-off (i.e. not repeat) household visits within a postcode.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/IJES-05-2018-0031","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46666772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Volunteer motivations in the Finnish fire service","authors":"S. Malinen, Puck Algera, Teija Mankkinen","doi":"10.1108/ijes-10-2018-0051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-10-2018-0051","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper presents a large sample study of fire service volunteer motivations in Finland. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to explore the differences between initial motivations to begin volunteering vs motivations to continue volunteering; and second, to examine the differences in motivations as a function of demographic variables and geographic region of the fire brigade (rural vs urban).\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000An online survey was completed by 747 fire service volunteers throughout Finland.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The initial motivations for joining the brigade differed from those that motivated volunteers to continue in their roles. Significant differences between male and female volunteers’ initial motivations, as well as differences in motivations to continue volunteering as a function of age and region, were found.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The findings support integrating a psychological, functional perspective with contextual and situational factors when considering volunteer motivations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This study suggests a comprehensive understanding of fire service volunteer motivations and informs improved recruitment and retention practices.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/ijes-10-2018-0051","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47022059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}