How emerging technologies are improving the efficiency and operational effectiveness of emergency response is set to be the key focus of The Emergency Services Show 2019, the UK’s largest event for the emergency services taking place in Hall 5 at the NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 September.
“Technology and innovation are enabling our emergency services to tackle the complex and dynamic challenges they face today and into the future,” says ESS event director David Brown. “This year, more than ever The Emergency Services Show is set to be a showcase for new and emerging technologies that will deliver enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in operations, enabling police, fire & rescue, ambulance and rescue professionals both to do more and to do it better.”
Fire fighting equipment
New technology on display will include connected vehicles that serve as mobile communications hubs
The Emergency Services Show is a unique event which gives emergency services professionals access to the very best knowledge, training, technology, kit and support networks to prepare for future incidents and carry out their roles to the best of their ability.
The exhibition features over 450 exhibiting companies including names in vehicles and fleet, communications, technology, medical and fire fighting equipment, search and rescue, extrication, water rescue, first response, protective clothing and uniforms, public safety, vehicle equipment, training, community safety and station facilities. New technology on display will include connected vehicles that serve as mobile communications hubs, satellite communications, ruggedised mobile computers tablets and phones, data, cloud storage, wearable tech, connectivity, UAVs or drones, hybrid and electric vehicles, body-worn cameras and other video capture systems.
Technological innovations
Other technological innovations include the latest in protective fabrics, medical equipment, fire fighting and rescue tools and equipment. Just as important are the enabling ICT applications being showcased, including control room systems, data management, mobile apps for emergency service and public use and the multiple technologies now being used to speed and aid collaboration throughout the emergency services.
The College of Paramedics will also host its well-attended CPD training sessions on both days of the event
CPD-accredited seminars allow visitors from all emergency services and allied organisations to ensure they are up-to-date on the latest technology and best practice as well as gathering insights from the successes and challenges of recent UK and International emergencies. The College of Paramedics will also host its well-attended CPD training sessions on both days of the event.
Key learning opportunities
Popular returning features include the Extrication Challenge hosted by West Midlands Fire Service and judged by UKRO and the First Aid & Trauma Challenge. Both challenges showcase the use of the latest technology and equipment, while the Extrication Challenge in particular is also a highly interactive and immersive experience for participants and show visitors alike, featuring live-stream action cameras broadcasting to large display screens.
The growing free-to-visit event attracted a record total of 8,348 visitors from across the UK
The growing free-to-visit event attracted a record total of 8,348 visitors from across the UK and International emergency services in 2018. Over 2,500 of the show’s visitors attended the programme of 90 CPD seminars running in four theatres and 2019 will see the same range of seminars, demonstrations and key learning opportunities. This year free sessions will cover Lessons Learnt, Health & Wellbeing and Emerging Technologies.
Frontline manufacturers
Oliver North, Managing Director of O+H Vehicle Conversions, commented on the show: “If you want to supply vehicles, equipment or anything to the emergency services, or even to sub-supply some of the frontline manufacturers such as ourselves, you have to be here in the shop window, so that the market can see everything under one roof, so we can all set the gauge as to what the market is doing in terms of technology.”
In the networking hub of the show, The Collaboration Zone, over 80 emergency services, voluntary groups, charities and NGOs share details of the support they offer, while members of other partner agencies will be available to discuss co-response and other areas of partnership working. Entry to the event and parking at the NEC are free.
