Operations Support Department
The Operations Support Department is a vital cog in the machinery of Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service. The main objective of the department is to ensure that our staff can respond effectively and safely to any type of incident which they may be faced with. From the instant the call is handled by our Control staff right through to the moment firefighters return to their station, we ensure that the support they require is in place. From operational equipment through to practices and procedures, we regularly review our resources to make sure they are the best that they can possibly be.The department’s work focuses on making sure that the Service is placed to meet the demands on the operational resources that are in place. This includes ensuring that the Service has the correct policies, procedures, operational equipment and infrastructure in place to allow us to deliver the most efficient and effective intervention service that we can. Of prime importance is the safety of Service staff, and all of the Operations Support department have a large part to play in that. From call handling and mobilisation to proper assessment and procurement of equipment, all of our staff are committed to ensuring that front line firefighters are given the best possible support when attending incidents.
Much of the work that is being done focuses on the New Dimension equipment which was provided by the Scottish Executive. Plans have been put in place to enable 5 retained stations to assist their wholetime colleagues in providing a mass decontamination capability in the event of a major incident. Further training, in the use of Firefighter decontamination structures, will take place at selected stations. Additionally, the wholetime staff at Inverness have been receiving specialist training to allow them to use the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) equipment, which can be used in the event of major structural collapses, for example. Medium USAR packages, along with training, have been provided to Fort William, Stornoway, Aviemore and Wick stations. This enhanced equipment provides personnel with the capability to effectively deal with more complex incidents, whilst providing support to a larger geographical area.
Water Rescue is another avenue which is currently being explored. Training and
equipment will be provided in the coming months to allow personnel at various stations to carry out
shore-based rescues. It is intended that further development of the Service’s capability will take
place as resources become available.
Firelink” is the replacement radio scheme which will be provided throughout the
United Kingdom. It is expected that the replacement dates will be around 2008 / 2009, although this
too remains to be confirmed. Although this date seems to be some considerable time in the future, a
vast amount of preparatory work will have to be done prior to the physical installation of the
radio scheme. Much of that work will be done by the Operations Support
department.