London firefighters have hosted a series of exercises at the JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester, training on how to respond to a marauding terrorist attack (MTA). London Fire Brigade has partnered with the stadium to carry out a number of multi-agency exercises. These training events test how firefighters would respond in an emergency, alongside paramedics and police officers, to a high threat incident.
Last year, His Majesty’s Inspectorate rated the Brigade as outstanding in how it responds to major and multi-agency incidents and all London firefighters are now trained on how to respond to an MTA incident. This follows a dedicated training program being introduced for all firefighters, and the addition of MTA modules into training school for new recruits. Crews are issued with ballistic personal protective equipment, such as ballistic vests, helmets, and ear defenders, which is now carried on all fire engines as standard.
The introduction of this training and equipment means that firefighters will be able to safely deploy alongside police and ambulance service personnel into a high threat area. The role of the Brigade is to coordinate the rescue operations when responding to an incident, as well as work alongside paramedics to provide immediate emergency care.
The exercises at Colchester have been an opportunity for firefighters to put their training into practice using a realistic setting. Crews responded to a simulated high threat and mass casualty event in the stadium, requiring an enhanced response. As firearms officers carried out a sweep of the stadium to secure it, firefighters planned and delivered rescues, hazard management, whilst also triaging casualties alongside paramedics and evacuating people to safe locations.
London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said “Along with other emergency partners, London’s firefighters are always ready to respond to a terrorist attack. People sometimes forget our work is more than just fighting fires. Our crews are trained to coordinate and carry out complex rescue operations and provide immediate emergency care. In Colchester, we’ve been testing how we’d carry out those operations in response to a high-risk incident.
“We’re grateful to the Colchester Community Stadium for letting us train here. When our crews carry out an exercise in a venue like this, it offers the chance to closely replicate the challenges we may face in a real-life scenario.
“This type of training exercise is an important part of the Brigade’s preparation should we need to respond to a high threat incident.”
Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, Jules Pipe CBE said: “London Fire Brigade plays a critical role in the preparedness and response to terrorist attacks and these multi-agency exercises help to ensure our key emergency services are ready and prepared for the constantly evolving threat of terrorism.
“I was pleased that His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded LFB as outstanding in its response to major and multi-agency incidents in its most recent inspection.
“The Mayor has invested record amounts in the Brigade and his review into London's preparedness to respond to a major terror incident, undertaken by Lord Harris, has reinforced London’s ability to deal with incidents. Strong partnership working between the Brigade, Met Police and London Ambulance Service is key as part of our work to build a safer London for everyone.”
The Brigade began work to introduce this enhanced response following several incidents since 2017 including those at Westminster Bridge, London Bridge, Fishmongers Hall and recommendations from the Manchester Arena public inquiry. Following constructive collaboration with the Fire Brigade’s Union, and additional funding from the Mayor of London, London Fire Brigade is one of two fire services able to deploy this capability across its frontline in the UK, alongside Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
Tim Waddington, General Manager of Colchester United Football Club said: "We are incredibly proud to support London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police Service and London Ambulance Service by providing a venue for these vital training exercises. In the challenging times we live in, ensuring our emergency services are fully prepared to respond to major incidents is more important than ever. Hosting these exercises at our stadium allows first responders to train in a realistic environment, strengthening their ability to protect and save lives. We are honoured to play a part in this essential work."