Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service receives new PPE to keep staff and the public safe

Firefighters at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Corby station have received new personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them safe while responding to water-related incidents.

The new PPE has been implemented as part of the Service’s plans to respond to climate change and incidents related to its effects, such as wildfires and flooding, which are increasing in frequency and severity in Northamptonshire.

Now our crews at Corby will be safe and protected when entering the water with two new sets of PPE for them to wear when operating equipment, and when conducting water rescues.

Corby Fire Station holds the Service’s high-volume pump (HVP), which is used to gain access to water when there isn’t a viable water source for firefighting, or to pump water away during flooding.

Due to the increased amount and range of incidents the appliance is now needed at, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has been working with national experts to source hard-wearing PPE for our crews to wear when operating the pump, keeping them safe and protected while they protect Northamptonshire.

The new PPE ensures that firefighters operating the pump, which often involves entering water, are safely protected from heatstroke, cold-weather shock and injuries. It was used for the first time at the large-scale incident at Nene Valley retail park in May.

Station Commander Nick Gayton has been leading the project to source and deliver the PPE. He said: “The HVP is a vital appliance that allows us to gain access to water sources to put out fires in remote areas. This is particularly important during wildfires and large-scale fires that require a lot of water.

“We are seeing an increased number of incidents where the pump is required, which is why it was so important that the crews operating it have the correct equipment to protect them, minimising the risk of any injuries.”

In addition to the new PPE for the pump operators, the Service has also introduced new personal issue PPE to the crews at Corby, meaning that Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service now has another station with crews that are available for water-rescue, in addition to Mereway and Wellingborough.

Having additional water-rescue trained crews available means the Service can respond to water related incidents more effectively in more areas of the county, helping to further protect members of the public.

Nick added: “Northamptonshire has an expanse of waterways, and we have seen a huge amount of flooding in the past year, where our crews are often in the water helping people. It is so important that the crews have the correct equipment to keep them safe too, so we can effectively help people.

“This new PPE means we have another water-rescue station in another area, expanding our capability for rescue. I’m so pleased to have been able to help bring the PPE into the Service so we can protect and help more people in our county.”