What is the role of the emergency services in a major disaster?
The Police: The Police take overall control and co-ordination of those at and around the incident scene. They establish cordons where possible, carry out criminal investigations and help to deal with enquiries by other agencies, such as the Health and Safety Executive and Air Accident Investigation Branch. The Police also control access to the scene of terrorist incidents. The Fire Service: The Fire Service is responsible for rescue work, extinguishing fires and dealing with dangerous chemicals or substances. They help the ambulance service with casualties and the Police to recover bodies. The Fire Service is responsible for the health and safety of staff from all the agencies working within the inner cordon at the scene of an incident and for liaising with the Police about access to the site (except for terrorist incidents). The Ambulance Service: The Ambulance Service is responsible for co-ordinating health services at the scene of an incident. This includes providing supportive trea
