Bushfires destroy hundreds of buildings across Victoria

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Bushfires: deaths, damage and emergency response

One person has died and hundreds of buildings have been destroyed as bushfires burn across south-east Australia, prompting a state of emergency in Victoria.

BBC News coverage published on 11 January reports that fires have been active for several days across Victoria and parts of New South Wales, driven by hot, dry and windy conditions.

Thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft have been deployed, with residents in more than a dozen communities advised to leave their homes.

Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan said 30 active fires were burning across the state, including 10 of particular concern, with about 350,000 hectares burned as of Sunday morning.

Jacinta Allan said: “We will see fires continue for some time across the state and that is why we are not through the worst of this by a long way.

“There are fires that are continuing right now that are threatening homes and property.”

Police confirmed that human remains were found in the village of Gobur near Longwood, with the victim later identified as Max Hobson.

Smoke from the fires has affected air quality across large parts of Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne.

Scientists told BBC News that climate change is making hot and dry conditions linked to bushfires more common, while noting that land management practices also influence fire behaviour.

Communities affected as homes destroyed

Several towns have suffered extensive damage, with Harcourt among the hardest hit after dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed.

Firefighter Tyrone Rice lost his own home while responding to fires in the area.

Rice said losing his home was “like a kick in the guts”.

Volunteer firefighter Jess Bell said embers landed on her property before she was forced to evacuate, with her house later spared after a containment line was cut behind it.

Bell said: “Our home was one of the fortunate houses to remain standing.

“Harcourt is devastating to see.”

ABC News live coverage reports that residents returning briefly to fire-affected areas were warned to prepare for emotional distress, with access restricted in some locations due to hazardous trees and fallen powerlines.

Farmers across affected regions reported heavy livestock losses, with the Victorian Farmers Federation estimating that more than 15,000 animals have been lost, a figure expected to rise as assessments continue.

Government and interstate support for response

Interstate assistance has been deployed to support local crews as fire conditions remain severe.

Government of Western Australia confirmed that 38 emergency services specialists were sent to Victoria following a request coordinated through the National Resource Sharing Centre.

The deployment includes frontline firefighters and an Incident Management Team supporting operations in the Barwon South West and Gippsland regions.

Western Australia Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said: “Our thoughts are with all Victorians who have been impacted by these catastrophic bushfires.

“They will play key roles in the emergency response.”

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said resource sharing allows specialist teams to rotate and provide sustained support.

Additional measures reported by ABC News include mental health support services, emergency grants for uninsured households and recovery hubs offering access to power, water and essential services.

Authorities continue to urge residents to monitor official warnings and prepare for changing conditions as bushfires remain active across multiple regions.

Firefighter apprenticeships assessment milestone earns SFJ Awards national EPA recognition

by Featured NewsTraining

Why firefighter apprenticeships are central to SFJ Awards

SFJ Awards has been named End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPA) of the Year (SME) at the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Qualification and Assessment Excellence Awards for its work assessing apprentices in the emergency and protective services.

The award recognises the organisation’s role in delivering End-Point Assessment (EPA) as the final stage of apprenticeship programmes.

EPA is used to test the knowledge, skills and behaviours apprentices gain during their training before they complete their apprenticeship.

According to SFJ Awards, the recognition relates in particular to its assessment activity across emergency and protective services roles.

Firefighter apprenticeships reach 3,000 EPA assessments

SFJ Awards stated that since 2019 it has assessed thousands of apprentices working in the emergency and protective services.

The organisation recently completed its 3,000th Operational Firefighter EPA earlier this year.

SFJ Awards operates as a not-for-profit organisation delivering nationally recognised awarding and assessment services.

Its work covers apprentices in roles such as apprentice firefighters, police community support officers and emergency service contact handlers.

Judges praise customer-first assessment approach

The Federation of Awarding Bodies reported that an expert panel of judges commended SFJ Awards for its customer-first approach.

The panel highlighted the support provided to those working in the emergency services, including a 24/7 assessment service.

SFJ Awards explained that round-the-clock assessment options aim to make the last stage of an apprentice’s journey a positive experience.

Reacting to the award, Kit Salt, Director of Partnerships and Innovation at SFJ Awards, said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award.

“Our small but dedicated team work tirelessly to ensure that apprentice firefighters, police community support officers, emergency service contact handlers and more are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to keep the public safe.

“As an assessment organisation, we have helped launch the careers of thousands of protective service workers.

“This is something which we are incredibly proud of, and it is great to see our hard work recognised publicly by our peers.”

FAB highlights impact of awarding community

FAB Chief Executive Officer Rob Nitsch commented on the wider outcomes of this year’s awards.

Rob Nitsch, CEO at the Federation of Awarding Bodies, commented: “Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winners.

“Their achievements exemplify industry-leading excellence.

“It has been inspiring to hear how the qualifications and assessment community continues to drive positive change, and a privilege to come together to celebrate its ongoing impact.”

SFJ Awards stated that it provides nationally recognised awarding and assessment services that enhance the effectiveness of the protective services workforce.

Implications for emergency services apprenticeship leads

The recognition of SFJ Awards as EPA of the Year focuses on End-Point Assessment for apprentices in emergency and protective services roles.

For fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers, the completion of 3,000 Operational Firefighter EPAs indicates that large numbers of firefighters have now been assessed through nationally recognised processes.

Training officers and instructors involved in firefighter apprenticeships can view SFJ Awards’ 24/7 assessment service as an example of flexible scheduling around operational demands.

Emergency and disaster response managers may note that SFJ Awards also assesses roles such as police community support officers and emergency service contact handlers.

Standards and certification bodies can reference this award when considering how EPA organisations support apprentices through the final stage of their programmes.

Facility managers in emergency service control centres may be indirectly affected where apprentices in contact handler roles complete their EPA through SFJ Awards.

Across these groups, the award highlights the role of assessment practice in shaping the skills and behaviours of protective service apprentices.

Emergency services training in Germany, Switzerland and Austria boosted by VR platform

by Featured NewsTraining

XVR Simulation increases focus on central European emergency service training

According to XVR Simulation, the company has expanded its focus on emergency service training in Germany, Switzerland and Austria through its virtual reality training platform.

The organisation said the platform allows emergency responders to prepare for a wide range of incidents in a controlled and repeatable environment.

It explained that the technology is designed to provide flexible, user-friendly and cost-effective training options for fire, police and ambulance professionals.

The company stated that its platform offers the ability to create unlimited incident scenarios, from large urban fires to complex disaster responses.

It added that the system allows collaborative training sessions that improve communication, coordination and decision-making.

Features of the XVR training platform

XVR Simulation said the platform enables emergency responders to train at any time and location.

It stated that scenarios can include chemical spills, tactical police operations and responses to natural disasters.

The company added that the environment can be fully controlled by instructors to focus on learning objectives.

It noted that this flexibility removes the logistical challenges and safety risks associated with live exercises.

According to the organisation, this approach supports structured debriefing and consistent assessment.

Statement from XVR Simulation

Edwin van de Snepscheut, Group Director of Customer Success at XVR Simulation, said: “We are committed to providing emergency services with the most effective and accessible training tools available.”

“Our VR platform is engineered to heighten immersion, allowing trainees to experience realistic scenarios without the logistical constraints or risks of live exercises.”

“This enables instructors to focus on narrative and consistent debriefing, ensuring a structured and impactful learning experience that directly translates to improved real-world performance.”

Security standards and current adoption

XVR Simulation said its platform is certified to ISO 27001 for information security.

It added that this certification helps ensure data integrity and privacy for its partners.

The company stated that the platform is already used by the Police Academy of Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, the National Fire Service Academy in South Korea and Australia’s Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting service.

It noted that the latter received a LearnX award for its use of the system.

XVR On Scene 10 release

The company explained that the latest version of the software, XVR On Scene 10, introduces advanced features to create more dynamic and realistic training environments.

It stated that these improvements aim to enhance the impact of training while reducing costs.

The organisation said the platform also limits the need for travel and extensive physical resources.

It added that this efficiency can help agencies maximise their training capacity.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This development is relevant to fire and safety professionals as it shows an increased availability of advanced VR training tools in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

It highlights how emergency service agencies can adopt technology to deliver realistic, repeatable training without the constraints of live exercises.

It also demonstrates the role of VR platforms in supporting inter-agency coordination and skill development.

Emergency service training in Germany, Switzerland and Austria boosted by VR platform: Summary

XVR Simulation has expanded its focus on emergency service training in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

The company provides a virtual reality platform for fire, police and ambulance professionals.

The system offers unlimited realistic training scenarios.

It supports collaborative training to improve communication and decision-making.

Edwin van de Snepscheut said the platform allows immersive training without the constraints of live exercises.

The software is ISO 27001 certified.

It is used by agencies in Germany, South Korea and Australia.

The latest version, XVR On Scene 10, includes advanced features.

It reduces the need for physical resources and travel.

The platform aims to enhance operational readiness while lowering training costs.

Is the Procurement Act helping UK emergency services or holding them back?

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsResearch

Emergency services report training gaps in Procurement Act rollout

Half of senior procurement professionals in the UK’s emergency services have said they lack sufficient training and resources to support the implementation of the Procurement Act.

The findings are based on a survey commissioned by Commercial Services Group, a public sector procurement provider, following the Act’s introduction in February 2025.

The group said the survey reflects a mix of support and concern across Blue Light services, as respondents welcome the Act’s aims but warn that without leadership, guidance and investment, its potential will not be realised.

According to Commercial Services Group, 50% of Blue Light participants identified capability gaps as a barrier to delivery.

It said financial constraints were also seen as an obstacle by 45.5% of respondents.

Limited capacity and regulation flagged as barriers

Commercial Services Group reported that over a third (34.1%) of emergency sector procurement leaders warned that low resource capacity may limit inter-agency collaboration.

The survey also found that 36.4% of respondents believe regulatory compliance challenges could undermine implementation efforts.

The group said these challenges may restrict the ability of emergency services to meet one of the Act’s main aims, which is to support economic development.

It added that just 15.6% of participants believe the Act will significantly improve procurement practices, with only 4.5% expecting improvements in workforce wellbeing.

Sector leaders call for stronger support measures

Tarryn Kerr, Managing Director of Procurement Services at Commercial Services Group, said: “Our Blue Light services are under substantial pressure.

“Demand is unprecedented and these vital teams are overwhelmed as they navigate this alongside regulatory changes and limited resources.

“The Procurement Act can aid positive change in our emergency services but must provide organisations the necessary support to do so.”

She added: “This should not be treated as a tick-box exercise. It’s crucial that we deliver stronger guidance and visible leadership from the top to unlock long-term value for public services and vastly improve outcomes for those on the frontline.”

Public sector confidence varies across services

Beyond the emergency services, Commercial Services Group said the wider public sector shows cautious optimism.

It reported that 84% of total respondents are confident in delivering on National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) priorities.

Three-quarters (76%) of participants see the Procurement Act as a route to change, rather than simply a regulatory requirement.

However, confidence levels differ by sector.

The survey found that local authorities report high levels of preparedness, but the healthcare sector shows lower levels of confidence, indicating variation across public service readiness.

Tools and frameworks identified as enablers

Tarryn Kerr said: “To turn ambition into action, organisations need practical tools like easy-to-use frameworks, such as those provided by Procurement Services, that enable compliant procurement and unlock the full benefits the Act has been introduced to deliver.

“Organisations using frameworks can save time and money by removing the need to run a full competitive tender process.”

Commercial Services Group said its frameworks are already used by more than 22,000 organisations and thousands of schools across the UK.

It added that the organisation is publicly owned and reinvests its revenue into the communities it supports.

The company said its procurement service is part of a broader offering that includes HR, SEND support, legal advice, recruitment and energy management.

UK Blue Light services report challenges in Procurement Act implementation: Summary

Half of senior procurement staff in emergency services said there are gaps in training and support for the Procurement Act.

The survey was commissioned by Commercial Services Group and reported by Blue Light.

Financial and resource constraints were highlighted as risks to implementation.

34.1% of respondents said capacity issues may limit collaboration.

36.4% said regulatory compliance could affect delivery of the Act.

15.6% viewed the Act as mainly a compliance task.

4.5% said it would improve workforce wellbeing.

Across the public sector, 84% said they are confident in delivering NPPS priorities.

76% saw the Act as a real opportunity for change.

Confidence was higher in local government than in healthcare.

Tarryn Kerr called for leadership and tools to improve implementation.

Commercial Services Group said frameworks help streamline procurement and reduce tendering costs.

Austria Fire Services release 2024 firefighter statistics

by Featured News

The newly released 2024 firefighter statistics highlight a record-breaking year for Austria’s Fire Services. Despite an increase in emergency calls, the country’s firefighters have proven to be more capable than ever, according to a recent press release from the Austrian Fire Service Association. 

Austria Fire Services have released their 2024 firefighter statistics, highlighting a record-breaking year.

According to a recent press release from the Austrian Fire Service Association, that despite an increase in emergency calls, the country’s firefighters have proven to be more capable than ever.

In 2024, Austrian firefighters responded to approximately 36,000 more incidents than the previous year, with a total of 339,516 emergency calls.

Among these, 246,999 were technical operations (such as traffic accidents, storm damage, floods and hazardous material incidents) and 65,233 were fire-related emergencies.

Increase in emergency calls, particularly due to floods

The report found that one of the biggest challenges came in September 2024, when floods hit eastern Austria.

Thanks to a steady increase in firefighter membership, Austria’s emergency services were able to mobilize thousands of personnel from across the country to assist in Lower Austria without compromising local readiness in their home regions.

Record number of flood responses

Severe weather incidents accounted for much of the increase in technical calls, as per the report.

In 2023, Austrian fire departments handled 57,527 weather-related emergencies—but in 2024, this number surged to 70,310 due to extreme flooding, storm damage, and snow-related incidents.

President, Austrian Fire Service Association, Robert Mayer’s statement

Austrian Fire Service Association’s President Robert Mayer praised the firefighters’ efficiency and teamwork, noting that for the first time, all nine Austrian federal states worked together on a single flood disaster response in Lower Austria. 

Mayer shared: “Our system, organization, equipment, training and coordination have once again proven their effectiveness.”

Looking ahead, Mayer added: “”Our fire services are stronger than ever and well-prepared for the future.”

“As Austria’s no. 1 disaster response force, we’ve once again proven that we can deliver fast, professional, and sustainable emergency assistance—even under the most challenging conditions.”

Fire Chief, Lower Austria, Dietmar Fahrafellner’s statement

Lower Austria’s Fire Chief Dietmar Fahrafellner emphasized that the 2024 floods were a major challenge, but Austria’s Fire Services had the necessary resources, personnel, and experience to respond effectively. 

Fahrafellner said, crediting strategic investments in disaster response for their success: “We proved once again that we can be relied upon in any situation.”

Over 10,000 people and nearly 7,000 animals rescued

One of the most striking statistics from 2024 is the 10,467 people and 6,965 animals rescued by Austria’s firefighters. These numbers do not include rescues from Vienna and Vorarlberg, meaning the true total is even higher.

Growing membership & increasing female participation

The report also found that the Austrian Fire Services continued to grow in 2024, with 355,379 total members, an increase of 1,581 from 2023.

The number of active firefighters rose slightly to 258,074, while youth firefighter membership saw a more significant increase of 1,418, bringing the total to 37,720 young members aged 10 to 16.

Notably, the percentage of female firefighters surpassed 10% for the first time. With 36,003 women and girls now serving, female participation has increased by 189% since 2008.

Austria currently has 4,767 fire departments, including 4,450 volunteer fire stations, 311 industrial fire brigades and six professional fire departments.

2024 firefighter statistics shared by Austria Fire Services: Summary

The newly announced 2024 firefighter statistics highlight a record-breaking year for Austria’s Fire Services, showcasing their growing membership, increased female participation and increased emergency response.

Emergency One fire engines chosen to update Iraq’s fleet

by Featured NewsProducts

Scottish business, Emergency One is delivering one of Iraq’s biggest-ever investments into its emergency services following a deal brokered by the UK government.

Ayrshire-headquartered Emergency One has been selected to supply 31 of the vehicles, half the order for Iraq’s Civil Defence Directorate, and Yorkshire based Angloco is supplying the other half.

Issued by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency, a c. $31 million loan allows Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to purchase 62 British-made fire-fighting vehicles.

The deal will facilitate the biggest overhaul of Iraqi fleet this century with each new vehicle, capable of carrying up to 6,500 litres of water and 500 litres of foam, on standby to help tackle frequent fires that break out in Iraq, especially in the summer, devastating businesses and communities.

Cumnock-based Emergency One, a UK manufacturer of fire and rescue vehicles, supplies over 90% of the UK’s fire and rescue services and continues to grow its international presence.

In 2023-24, UKEF supported businesses in Scotland with £45 million in new government financing support, helping them win new contracts overseas. It has two regional representatives dedicated to supporting Scottish businesses.

Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill’s statement

Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “This UK Government funding is bringing significant business to Ayrshire-based Emergency One, a leading supplier of fire and rescue vehicles.

“Deals like this, organised through the hard work of UKEF, are vital to boost our home-grown industries, support jobs and encourage growth for the benefit of the whole UK.

“I wish the company every success as they complete this contract that will make very important improvements to Iraq’s emergency services.”

By helping buyers to purchase UK exports more easily, UKEF loans secure large contracts with favourable payment terms for British businesses – including small businesses likely to need payment upfront before they can deliver a contract.

Promoting investment into local businesses and employers, this partnership supports this government’s Plan for Change to boost economic growth across all regions.

Emergency One, Managing Director, Steven Bell’s statement

Steven Bell, Managing Director at Emergency One, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of this significant project to modernise Iraq’s fire-fighting capabilities.

“The partnership with Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, supported by UK Export Finance, highlights the strength of British engineering and our commitment to delivering world-class fire and rescue vehicles.

“It’s an honour to contribute to the safety and resilience of communities across Iraq, and we look forward to continuing our support as part of this important collaboration.”

J.P Morgan, Global Head of Export Finance, John Meakin’s statement

J.P. Morgan acted as both Sole Mandated Lead Arranger and agent bank for the loan. Global Head of Export Finance at J.P Morgan, John Meakin said: “J.P. Morgan is delighted to support the finance of firefighting equipment from the UK to the Republic of Iraq.”

Serco Middle East welcomes Dubai Civil Defence’s global fire safety programme

by Featured News

Serco welcomes DCD ‘1 Billion Readiness’ initiative

Serco Middle East has expressed its support for Dubai Civil Defence’s ‘1 Billion Readiness’ programme, a global initiative to educate one billion people on fire prevention and safety by 2027.

The programme, launched under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, aims to foster international collaboration across 34 countries and 18 major firefighting organisations. It seeks to enhance global fire safety standards and build more resilient communities.

Teren Tan, Head of Emergency Services for Serco Middle East, commended the programme, stating: “This initiative marks a pivotal moment in global fire safety, not just for governments and public agencies but also for private sector partners like ourselves.”

Technology and cross-sector collaboration

The initiative aims to integrate advanced technology and international partnerships to meet its ambitious goals. According to Tan, tools such as IoT-enabled fire detection systems, AI-powered incident analysis, and virtual reality training are instrumental in transforming emergency response planning.

Tan added: “Tools such as predictive analytics in asset management and emergency response planning can support the data-driven approach emphasised by Dubai Civil Defence’s new platform.”

He highlighted the programme’s potential to unite governments, private organisations, and communities globally, making it more than a fire safety initiative but a movement for resilience.

UAE’s leadership in global safety

Tan described the UAE’s involvement as a demonstration of its commitment to innovation and global safety leadership.

“The UAE sets a powerful precedent by prioritising safety and resilience on a worldwide scale,” said Tan. “This commitment not only elevates fire safety standards but also underscores the UAE’s position as a leader in humanitarian and emergency preparedness efforts.”

A key aspect of the initiative is the Hope Convoys project, which aims to support developing nations with essential fire safety equipment and infrastructure to improve emergency response capabilities.

Serco’s alignment with the programme

Serco’s expertise in emergency services and training aligns with the goals of the ‘1 Billion Readiness’ initiative. The company’s fire and rescue training centres in Dubai and the UK are equipped to deliver advanced simulations and bespoke learning solutions that complement the programme’s objectives.

Tan added: “This initiative proves that collaboration is the key to overcoming the complex challenges of fire safety. Together, we can ignite a culture of preparedness and prevention that transcends borders and saves lives.”

Serco Middle East welcomes Dubai Civil Defence’s global fire safety programme: Summary

Serco Middle East has endorsed Dubai Civil Defence’s ‘1 Billion Readiness’ programme, which aims to educate one billion people on fire safety by 2027. The initiative involves 34 countries and 18 major firefighting organisations and is supported by advanced technologies such as AI and IoT.

LiveU enhances IP-video transmission for SÄRF Sweden’s emergency services

by Featured News

Expanded deployment aids emergency response and training

Sweden’s Södra Älvsborgs Rescue Service Association (SÄRF) has announced an expansion in its deployment of LiveU’s real-time video transmission solutions, adding significant capabilities to its ‘live and store’ video setup.

This development, aimed at boosting situational awareness and enhancing training procedures, takes place at their headquarters in Boras, serving six municipalities with 25 fire and ambulance stations.

The upgrade incorporates LiveU’s resilient IP-video technology, which now includes live video feeds transmitted from the field to SÄRF’s central operations for more effective fire and accident prevention and response.

This technological enhancement is supported by Entercast, LiveU’s local partner in Sweden, ensuring a robust setup for critical communication and coordination during emergencies.

Technology at the forefront of emergency management

SÄRF has introduced the LU-Smart mobile apps to over 200 rescue crew members, significantly improving operational efficiency during emergencies.

The compact LU300S field encoder and DJI Mavic Pro drone combination provide essential aerial views of incidents, facilitating better management and decision-making during crucial moments.

This setup allows for real-time data analysis and resource deployment, improving the overall effectiveness of the rescue operations.

According to Niklas Ignell, Fire Safety Manager at SÄRF, the technology has become integral to their operations.

Ignell said: “It’s often said one picture says more than 1,000 words. We’ve been using LiveU technology for several years and its reliability, encryption and ease of use, in particular, are critical advantages.

“We’re now using a complete solution where everyone on the team has the LU-Smart app; the firefighters can simply click two buttons after unlocking their phones to get the video app working.”

Ignell further explained the practical applications of the technology in both emergency and non-emergency situations, highlighting its role in ensuring safety and enhancing training procedures.

Enhanced content sharing and security

The integration with Vindral’s content-sharing platform, provided by Entercast, represents a leap forward in secure and efficient information dissemination.

The encrypted feeds received are relayed to the Vindral platform, allowing team members to access live streams securely from any device, which is crucial for maintaining operational security and efficiency.

Paul Shepherd, Channel Sales Director at LiveU, praised SÄRF’s innovative use of the technology.

Shepherd stated: “We’re increasingly seeing our resilient video solutions used for life-saving public safety applications, enabling emergency teams to respond faster and make informed tactical decisions.

“SÄRF is a true innovator with the way that it maximizes its use of our mobile apps and LU300S with the drone.

“It’s very impressive to see how it has expanded its situational awareness capabilities throughout its region using LiveU.”

Emergency services issue plea to public for respect during festive season

by Featured News

Emergency workers in Wales have reminded the public to treat them with respect in the face of a continued rise in assaults. 

There were 1,421 assaults in the six-month period between January and June 2022, up from 1,396 in the same period last year, representing a 1.8% increase, new figures have revealed.

Assaults ranged from slapping, scratching, spitting and verbal abuse to punching, biting, kicking and head-butting. Seven incidents involved a weapon, and more than a quarter of assaults resulted in injury.

Ahead of the Christmas party season, emergency workers are appealing to the public to treat them with respect.

Roger Thomas, Chief Fire Officer at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It is disgraceful that people attack emergency service workers whilst they are working hard to protect communities and save lives and properties.

“Attacks of this nature may result in physical injury, damage to life-saving vehicles and equipment and also impacts negatively on the mental health of our staff.

“Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service takes a zero-tolerance approach to physical threats and attacks towards our staff and we are working with the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Jason Killens, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “The run-up to Christmas means more people are out enjoying the revelry, and with alcohol consumption comes an increase in assaults, both physical and verbal.

“There were 77 verbal attacks alone on our ambulance control room staff in the first six months of the year.

“We know it’s distressing when you’re waiting for help, but abusing our call handlers is not the answer – if anything, it could potentially delay help.

“And on the road, crews might have no choice but to leave a scene if their safety is compromised, and that’s not helpful for anyone, especially the patient.

“Emergency workers are normal human beings just trying to do a job – they’re there to help you, so give them the credit and respect they deserve.”