Date: Throw Bag Pilot Evaluation Report Author SM Jeff Boath
Background In Tyne and Wear there have been a number of fatalities at water side locations. One of the interventions which Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) explored was the use of throw bags. The catalyst for this idea was Firefighter Tommy Richardson who attended the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Water Safety Forum, on behalf of (TWFRS), Tommy was supported by Group Manager Dave Leach. At the NFCC forum it became apparent that several services were exploring the use of throw bag boards located at strategic locations and accessible by members of the public. Unfortunately boards could not be installed the Newcastle Quayside but throw bags would be appropriate for the location. TWFRS agreed to run a pilot to explore this further. Pilot Overview Newcastle Quayside is adjacent to the River Tyne in Newcastle; there are a large number of bars and café s as well as a marina. It s regularly frequented by large numbers of people and has a thriving night time economy. Bars and café s were asked to take part in a project to improve waterside safety in the area. Waterside venues would be supplied with throw bags free of charge and advised where they should be situated, furthermore their staff would be trained in their use in a rescue situation. Financial implications were considered to ensure that there would be zero costs incurred either for the Venues, City Council or to TWFRS. The only commitment was the 1-2 hours training for door personnel, bar staff / managers and fire service trainers. Implementation As this was a pilot, TWFRs, FF Richardson, Group Manager Leach and Local Councillor Nick Kemp agreed that a limited number of venues would be approached, of the 4 approached, 3 were willing to engage: The Quayside Bar (Wetherspoons) The Slug & Lettuce Newcastle Marina (NE1) Crews trained a total of 86 members of staff, a single throw bag was supplied and a suitable location within each venue agreed. The Training Effective use of throw bags depends on the correct technique and understanding of the risks associated with operating near water. Swift water technicians led by GM Leach and FF Richardson led a team of fire service technicians training staff in the deployment, recovery and re-deployment of throw bags.
Training included importance of calling the emergency services importance of not entering the water risks associated with waterside activities cold water shock how to mitigate risks No training is offered regarding casualty recovery beyond getting them to the river side, at this point rescue is conducted by FRS personnel (or potentially another suitably trained blue light service). Training lasts between one and two hours. Partnership Approach Local Authority support for the pilot ensured its success, the Chair of Safe Newcastle/City Selective Licensing Department was contacted and advised of the pilot and our established partnerships with Local Authority members ensure other external organisations embraced the pilot including the licensing authority. Newcastle City Council (NCC) are currently exploring if this can form part of broader licensing criteria. Newcastle Marina is managed by NE1 Ltd, they are partners to NCC and form part of their broader business development strategy. NE1 were also hugely supportive of this pilot as proven by their willingness to get their staff trained in the use of throw bags. One of the softer objectives of this pilot was cost neutrality. TWFRS approached a local supplier of water rescue equipment (Safequip UK) and after explaining the initiative they generously agreed to supply throw bags free of charge for the duration of the pilot. Challenges Whilst there were no direct challenges within the pilot, there were points to consider. With budget restraints within both Local Authorities and Fire Services, cost was always to be a consideration in the success of the pilot. This was overcome by obtaining agreement for the Throw Bags to be donated by Safequip UK, the staff training was delivered during both venue opening times and by on shift operational crews. Staff turnover within the night time economy may be something which needs to be considered. An agreement has been made where should new staff require training within any venue, the manager of the business will contact the Swift Water Rescue Technician Station Manager at Byker Fire Station who will arrange to have this scheduled within operational / business hours. As always, there has to be a willingness to participate in such a Water Safety Programme. It is not envisioned that those venues currently involved would become disengaged - the Wetherspoons restaurant / pub chain has embraced the
programme so fully that they are in a position to be able to roll this out across all of their other waterside establishments nationally, this would still require someone to deliver the training and provide the Throw Bag. There have also been additional venues within the Newcastle Quayside locale who have enquired as to their inclusion within the programme; testament to its current success. A legal concern was raised by Wetherspoons regarding their liability during an Incident / Casualty which they may be involved with during deployment of the Throw Bag. It was clarified that their staff / throw bag should only be utilised to bring the casualty to the riverside where they can be secure and where Swift Water Rescue Technicians would take over upon their arrival. At no time where they to enter the water, attempt to lift the casualty from the water or provide any first aid. Group Manager Leach assisted the venue management in the writing of a Standard Operational Procedure to assist them. Only one of the suitable venues have failed to engage while several have articulated a willingness to be involved and TWFRS plan to use and improve their marketing strategy to raise awareness and hopefully illustrate the benefits of the project. With raised community awareness, it is hoped that more venues will be prepared to take part as it can be seen as part of their own community engagement plan. A point of consideration is the usability of the Throw Bag should it be required. It was agreed during the pilot that if the bag were to be deployed, the premises should contact the Water Safety Rescue Technician Station Manager at Byker Community Fire Station. They would arrange for the premises to be visited where a temporary replacement would be supplied and the contaminated bag would be taken away to be laundered along with fire service throw bags and checked over for defects. It would then be repacked correctly and returned to the venue. Recommendations A well planned local media campaign to raise awareness of the project and the part it plays in improving community safety. Develop a suitably robust staff training regime that includes new staff and delivers refresher training for existing staff at suitable intervals. Each venue to ensure they have robust systems in place ensuring throw bags are both available and in the correct locations as well as being fit for use. Look Forward Following the successful Throw Bag Pilot we will look to reengage with our partners - NCC, NE1, Safequip UK - evaluate and look to additional locations within the River Tyne area and its close proximity, which could be included within the Water Safety Throw Bag Programme for Tyne and Wear moving forward.
TWFRS have been approached by RNLI stating that they would like to be involved in the project, there involvement is welcome and it s likely they will be part of a broader regional approach. TWFRS have a signed MOU with RNLI regarding the delivery of a Throw Bag pilot in the Washington area of Tyne & Wear, whilst training has yet to start it s hoped that, once evaluated, this will be rolled out across all of Tyne Wear, specific details of this arrangement are subject to change but are available on request.