The Grenfell tragedy and other high level fires have raised public debate as to whether firefighting should go airborne for roof-top rescues and high-level fires.

This year we celebrate 25 years of the Emergency Planning Society and in doing so we are reflecting on the many incidents and emergencies that have taken place during that time, both within the UK and globally.

The first joint Branch and Professional Working Group seminar was held at Leicestershire Police HQ on 12 July. Thirty five members and paying guests spent an informative day learning about the threat, defence measures, training and exercising plus a case study. Due to the raised profile of CBRN in UK it is hoped that the CBRN PWG will work with other branches to develop learning. Andy McCombe, Chair of the East Midlands Branch, said that it was great to see so many members from other branches making the trip to improve their knowledge and network with other members and guests.

One of the fascinating presentations at the 2017 ‘SARTISS’ international search and rescue conference in Romania was by Ronald Poropatich, of the Center for Military Medicine Research in the US.