Switzerland
Watch Manager, leading a diverse team in a complex technical environment. The CERN Fire and Rescue Service is made up of Firefighters from 17 countries and responds to incidents in the organisations sites in Switzerland and France. Our principle risks are underground tunnels with high voltage, cryogenic, magnetic field and fire hazards. The complexities of the tunnels and experiments present multiple challenges during incidents. Topography, working at height and confined space working alongside the principle risks require a high level of confidence in our teams and equipment. As one of the Watch Managers and rope rescue instructors I have a primary role in maintaining operational readiness and effectiveness for the team. In addition to planning and delivering training this includes developing newcomers and carrying out annual appraisals and reviews for established staff. Prior to CERN I was an Urban Search and Rescue Responder and Instructor, with London Fire Brigade. Designing and delivering training courses for responders from London Fire Brigade as part of a small team we provided acquisition and maintenance of skills training to Firefighters and Officers. We also delivered six 2 day exercises each year to confirm understanding of this training. As part of this team I also delivered course for other organisations such as Ambulance Trusts, Transport for London and the British Army. I spent three years of my time with London Fire Brigade working in the Technical Rescue Policy Group. Here I was involved in writing policy for existing and new capabilities for the Brigades response to Technical Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue incidents. Fire Brigade Qualifications Qualified Firefighter, Fire Rescue Unit (Extrication, Rope Rescue, Hazmat, Water Rescue, Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus). Urban Search and Rescue qualifications Structural Collapse Rescue Technician (FEMA) Timber Shoring, Hot cutting (Instructor), Chainsaw, Line Access and Casualty Extrication (Instructor), Confined Space operative and Supervisor, Trench Rescue (Instructor)
Working in partnership with Babcock International delivering specialist Urban Search and Rescue Training to Firefighters and Officers in London Fire Brigade and external agencies (including UK Police Disaster Victim Identification, UK Ambulance Hazardous Area Response Teams, London Underground Lines Emergency Response Teams). Subject Matter Expert for the development of Confined Space and Trench rescue training courses. Co-developer of new 8 day maintenance of skills program for USAR skills. Developer and facilitator for annual series of 2 day exercises to confirm the full LFB USAR capability. Facilitator for Exercise Unified Response, a multi- national exercise funded by the EU simulating a major incident involving a building collapse into an undergound train station.
In addition to my training duties I have an operational commitment to be recalled to duty for incidents, including Urban Search and Rescue, major transport and Flooding.
Director of a family accounts and employment business. I supported Human Resources in recruitment and employment of up to 250 temporary staff seconded abroad for seasonal work.
Presenting to students studying Environmental Hazards and Disaster Management at BA and MA level. Within their operational professionalism module I describe the role of USAR in the UK and where it relates to the students potential roles in the civil protection and emergency planning world. The module also includes discussion on moral and ethical elements regarding search and rescue versus recovery and tabletop exercises for scene triage. I also support part of the third year assessment which is a wide area search exercise.