Communication between the control room and the incident commander
Theme 5
Communication between the control room and the incident commander
Last updated: 19 September 2024
Recommendation
33.14a
That the London Fire Brigade review its policies on communications between the control room and the incident commander.
Responsible for completion:
- London Fire Brigade
Progress
Status
The LFB has reported that this recommendation has been completed.
For recommendation 33.14a, the LFB published the revised Policy Number 790 (Fire Survival Guidance) on 31 March 2021 following an extensive training programme for all operational and Control staff. The policy provides for enhancements to the gathering, recording and transfer of fire survival guidance information between the incident ground and Control.
Recommendation
33.14b
That all officers who may be expected to act as incident commanders (i.e. all those above the rank of Crew Manager) receive training directed to the specific requirements of communication with the control room.
Responsible for completion:
- London Fire Brigade
Progress
Status
The LFB has reported that this recommendation has been completed.
For recommendation 33.14b, as of 31 March 2021, the revised Policy Number 790 (Fire Survival Guidance) was published and 95% of Watch officers and senior officers have received face to face training on this policy. This learning is currently being embedded through a series of exercises involving residential high-rise fire scenarios.
Recommendation
33.14c
That all control room operators of Assistant Operations Manager rank and above receive training directed to the specific requirements of communication with the incident commander.
Responsible for completion:
- London Fire Brigade
Progress
Status
The LFB has reported that this recommendation has been completed.
For recommendation 33.14c, all of their Control staff have received training on the revised Policy Number 790 (Fire Survival Guidance) and the policy, including a specific appendix for Control staff, was published on 31 March 2021. Control staff are taking part in a series of residential high-rise exercises to further embed the learning.
Recommendation
33.14d
That a dedicated communication link be provided between the senior officer in the control room and the incident commander.
Responsible for completion:
- London Fire Brigade
Progress
Status
The LFB has reported that this recommendation has been completed.
For recommendation 33.14d, the revised Policy Number 790 (Fire Survival Guidance) was published on 31 March 2021. The revised policy includes procedures to establish effective communication between the incident ground and Control, including a dedicated communication link between Control and the Fire Sector bridgehead to enable a more effective exchange of information relating to fire survival guidance situations.