What is New Dimensions?
The New Dimensions programme was set up by the Government, immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States. The programme funded equipment and training to improve the Fire and Rescue Services’ ability to respond to terrorist incidents, industrial accidents, transport crashes and natural emergencies like flooding and earthquakes.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has the following equipment and training, funded through the New Dimensions programme:
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
Our USAR team is one of 20 strategically placed teams in the country which form the national response capability for large-scale incidents involving transport accidents or structural collapse. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has 30 USAR Technicians who are trained in using the five specialist USAR modules below, as well as four Tactical Advisers who can give specialist advice to Incident Commanders at major incidents. The equipment includes:
USAR Module 1
For use at: smaller incidents such as a house explosion and in the initial stages of an incident.
Features:
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scene assessment and safety equipment
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technical search equipment including cameras and listening devices
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temporary shoring for collapsed/unstable structures
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power generation and lighting
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drills and concrete breakers
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harnesses to enable safe working at height
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timber for shoring collapsed/unstable structures and timber cutting tools
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hand tools e.g. hammers and chisels.
USAR Module 2
For use at: a major transport incident such as a train crash.
Features:
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hot cutting equipment for cutting through thick materials quickly
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heavy hydraulic cutting and lifting equipment
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confined space working equipment e.g. for gas detection and ventilation
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line access and rescue equipment, and specialist stretchers
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heavy lift jacks
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timber cutting chain saws and specialist rescue saws
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lifting and moving equipment
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power generation and lighting.
USAR Module 3
For use at incidents involving larger buildings and in the developing stages of an incident.
Features:
- equipment including nailing and anchor systems for shoring up collapsed buildings
- power generation and lighting
- large capacity air lift systems
- fast cut saws
- access and working platforms for working at heights
- hydraulic concrete breaking and breaching equipment
USAR Module 4
A multi-purpose vehicle for moving the required equipment or rubble around the incident.
Features:
- power generation and lighting
- portable air shelter
- filler truck for carrying rubble and which the multi-purpose vehicle can also be carried on.
USAR Module 5
For use at major incidents involving collapsed buildings.
Features:
- large amounts of timber for shoring up buildings for longer term situations.
Mass decontamination
We have more than 200 staff and specialist equipment to enable us to respond to local and national incidents at the site of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incident where a large number of people need to be decontaminated. The equipment includes:
Incident Response Unit
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The Incident Response Unit carries portable mass decontamination structures that can be erected on site within minutes and are capable of decontaminating up to 150 people per hour at a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incident.
Features:
- divided structures to allow the public to be decontaminated, and to undress, wash and redress in privacy
- capacity to decontaminate firefighters in their dedicated respiratory protective suits.
Mass decontamination Disrobe
Dedicated transport featuring a large number of disrobe packs containing pre-packed robes specially lined and hooded cloaks - for people to wear in place of their own potentially contaiminated clothing prior to decontamination.
Mass decontamination Re-robe
Dedicated module to supply replacement clothing packs including jump suits and shoes to change into once decontaminated.
Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) vehicle
We have ten trained officers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and two from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service who can operate this specialist vehicle which is for use at chemical and radiological incidents.
Features:
- equipment to enable the detection, identification and monitoring of radiation and chemicals.
High Volume Pump (HVP)
The High Volume Pump can pump in or pump out 8,000 litres of water a minute over a distance of 3km. It is designed to be used at large-scale fires or floods, or fires at high-risk premises such as petroleum and chemical installations. For example, it was used to pump out water during the floods in Blackhall Mill in September 2008 and the floods in Cumbria in November 2009. The HVP is worth £250,000 and was funded directly by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and NOT from the New Dimensions programme.
Located at: Gateshead North Community Fire Station.
For more information visit www.twfire.gov.uk
Contact details for more information
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