Road traffic collision

Include all incident actions

Incident information

Make a safe approach at an appropriate speed and consider wreckage, casualties, fuel spills, animals etc.
Establish the type of road and the status of the affected carriageway (live or closed)
Consider using affected motorway carriageway as a two-way road, following service procedures
Confirm and communicate the involvement, number and severity of any casualties (persons or animals)
Identify the number of passengers, contents, cargo and any hazardous materials information
Identify fuel type (hydrocarbon, LPG, electric, hybrid, hydrogen), fuel spillages and potential ignition sources
Identify vehicle construction materials, pressurised air systems, hydraulics and refrigerants
Survey the vehicle internally and externally for signs of un-deployed vehicle safety systems
All incident information:
Gather information from available sources to gain accurate situational awareness and understanding
Question the responsible person, other responders and witnesses to understand incident factors and history
Confirm and communicate the involvement, number and severity of any casualties (persons or animals)
Ensure that a scene survey is carried out at the earliest opportunity
Access any operational or site specific risk information (SSRI) and confirm accuracy
Debrief crews that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence and safety-related information
Maintain situational awareness and identify changes during the incident through active monitoring and regular briefings
Additional incident information
- Consider time of day and effect on transport systems and working environment
- Observe variable message signs and other road signage to identify traffic delays
- Identify the impact of tunnels, bridges, viaducts and flyovers on access, resources and incident plan
- Consider using a range of thermal imaging resources such as aerial appliances, drones and helicopters
- Investigate the scene looking for indicators of occupancy considering seating and standing capacities
- Consider vehicles with sleeping compartments and the potential for stowaways
- Contact commercial vehicle operators to obtain passenger numbers and cargo information
- Identify any hazardous materials signage and other indicators as part of scene survey
- All incident information:
- Use local knowledge, topography and map reading skills to aid navigation to an incident
- Ensure that tracks and pathways are suitable for fire service vehicles
- Consider the least damaging routes to incidents and where possible, stay on marked paths and tracks
- Consider Step 1-2-3 Plus: Safety Triggers for Emergency Personnel
- Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
- Ascertain the availability of pre-arranged evacuation strategies and policies
- Consider pollution prevention information contained within site specific risk plans
- Seek advice from landowners and other bodies on susceptible areas of the environment
- Review situational awareness following an emergency evacuation or tactical withdrawal

Resource information

Consider requesting specialist appliances and resources to reduce risk and demand on deployed resources
Request medical support at rescue incidents as soon as a need is identified
Confirm that required agencies have been requested or notified (e.g. Police, Ambulance, environmental agencies)
All incident information:
Request sufficient resources to implement initial actions, the incident plan and support contingency plan
Consider requesting the attendance of a competent person, subject matter expert or tactical adviser
Consider resources that may be available from neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies
Inform and/or seek advice from environment agencies and/or sewage undertakers where necessary
Consider whether appliances, personnel, equipment and other resources can be released from the incident
Regularly update fire control on the availability status of appliances and other resources
Additional resource information
- Ensure that all appropriate environmental agencies are informed of the incident when required
- All incident information:
- Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
- Consider requesting facilities for the welfare of crews deployed at protracted incidents
- Consider the availability of pollution control equipment and/or pollution containment facilities on site
- Make use of specialist fire and rescue service or on-site environmental protection equipment
- Consider the appointment of a HMA (or equivalent) to oversee environmental protection activities

Risk information

Moving vehicles
- Ensure high visibility clothing is worn where compatible with other PPE
- Position appliances to fend-off vehicles and use warning signs, lights and cones
- Ensure fire and rescue service vehicles display warning devices appropriate to their position on the roadway
- Liaise with the police and other relevant agencies to close roads or establish traffic management systems
- Seek assistance from the police or other relevant responder agency to secure a safe working area
- Consider implementing reverse access procedures to SMART or ALR motorways
- Appoint suitably competent personnel at safety officers
Working environment
- Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
Fuel and electrical systems
- Identify isolation points for alternative fuel vehicles (AFV)
- Consider marking alternative fuel vehicles to make responders aware of the associated hazards
- Ensure vehicle power or fuel source is isolated by removing keys or operate emergency shut-offs when safe to do so
- Disconnect vehicle battery considering the operation of any powered systems (e.g. windows, seats)
- Consider vehicle fuel lines and high voltage cables when planning stabilisation and extrication
- Avoid any contact with live electrical power systems or wear appropriate PPE (e.g. electrical gloves)
- Provide extinguishing media and control ignition sources where fuel is not contained
Unstable vehicle
- Stabilise the vehicle to protect against uncontrolled movement and regularly check effectiveness
- Maintain an escape route for emergency responders in case the mode of transport moves
- Consider securing an unstable vehicle to a suitable anchor point
Vehicle safety systems
- Survey the vehicle internally and externally for signs of un-deployed vehicle safety systems
- Avoid placing solid objects near to undeployed vehicle safety systems, within their deployment range
- Control use of radio equipment in the area where vehicle safety systems have been identified
Vehicle construction
- Identify materials and systems used within a vehicle and communicate to all emergency responders
- Identify and communicate hazards relating to pressurised systems to all responders
- Restrict entry to the passenger cell until hazards have been assessed and controlled
- Provide sharps protection to responders and casualties around deformed metal and broken glass
- Minimise the production of airborne particulates during extrication and provide respiratory protection
- Consider requesting specialist cutting equipment at incidents involving unconventional or specialist vehicles
Vehicle contents
- Establish the contents of the vehicle and the potential effect on fire service operations
- Identify the likely direction of travel for any loads that may move
- Consider removing or stabilising vehicle contents if they are likely to hamper response
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
Rescue tools
- Consider extrication methods which do not require the use of tools or equipment
- Select the appropriate rescue tool considering the condition of the casualty, extrication plan and materials
- Provide hard and soft protection between the tool and the casualties, operators and other responders
- Monitor rescue tool performance for indicators of unidentified materials
- Consider positioning a safety officer to monitor rescue tool operation
- Ensure that personnel have access to the appropriate PPE
Body fluids
- Avoid contact with body fluids where possible
- Isolate or cover body fluids following casualty removal
- Wear body fluid gloves and cover broken skin with waterproof dressing
- Instigate decontamination procedures following exposure of personnel and equipment to body fluids
All incident information:
Working environment
- Identify bodies of water, unstable ground and risks of falling from height in working environment
- Consider the effect of weather conditions and time of day on the working environment
- Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
- Implement measures to maintain access and egress during the incident
- Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
- Provide lighting to illuminate hazards to personnel in poorly lit environments
- Ensure that personnel have access to the appropriate PPE
Weather conditions
- Monitor personnel for signs and symptoms of fatigue, dehydration, heat or cold stress
- Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
- Consider relief and welfare arrangements to reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on themselves and others
- Instigate appropriate medical interventions if personnel show signs and symptoms of physiological stress
Noise
- Consider isolating sources of noise
- Keep the number of people exposed to the hazard at a minimum and reduce time of exposure through personnel rotation
- Ensure personnel wear appropriate hearing protectors
Heavy and bulky objects
- Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling risk
- Request additional or specialist resources to assist with manual handling tasks
- Consider the task, individual capabilities, load and environment (TILE) when carrying out risk assessments for manual handling
- Ensure personnel adopt the provided safe system of manual handling
Moving vehicles
- Be vigilant and co-operate with service procedures relating to vehicle movements
- Position appliances to fend-off vehicles and use warning signs, lights and cones
- Apply safety measures to minimise the risk of collisions
Animals
- Avoid, contain or control animals if necessary
- Request support with managing animals from owners, keepers, police, vets or welfare organisations
Hazardous materials
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
- Remove unaffected chemicals from the hazard area if safe to do so
- Comply with service protocols when handling substances that are hazardous to health
- Ensure open wounds, cuts and grazes are covered by a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
- Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Body fluids
- Avoid contact with body fluids where possible
- Isolate or cover body fluids following casualty removal
- Wear body fluid gloves and cover broken skin with waterproof dressing
- Instigate decontamination procedures following exposure of personnel and equipment to body fluids
Distressing or traumatic scenes
- Minimise number of personnel exposed to traumatic scenes where possible
- Consider seeking the assistance of other agencies when dealing with traumatic incidents
- Erect screens to restrict the view of traumatic scenes
Violence and aggression
- Consider adopting defensive tactics if people are displaying unpredictable, aggressive, violent or illegal behaviour
- Request police support at incidents involving violence and aggression towards crews

Powers, policies and procedures

Move or break into a vehicle without the consent of its owner
Close a highway, stop and regulate traffic:
- if a road traffic accident has occurred
- for the purpose of rescuing people or protecting them from serious harm
- if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
- for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
All incident information:
Consider the legal exemptions in relation to environmental protection i.e.
- A discharge is made in an emergency to avoid danger to human health
- All reasonably practicable steps were taken to minimise pollution
- The relevant environment agency is informed of the incident as soon as possible
Enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises:
- if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
- if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
- for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
- NB Does not apply to Crown property (including ministry of defence) and diplomatic or consular premises
- NB The Master of the ship (or delegated officer) of a merchant vessel must give permission to board
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred

Why?

Expectations?

Benefit vs Risk?

Objectives

Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
All incident information:
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
Further objectives
- Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
- Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
- All incident information:
- Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
- Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
- Protect Critical National Infrastructure and/or local critical infrastructure

Tactical priorities

Establish a safe working environment for fire crews and other responders
Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and instigate a triage process
Stabilise life threatening injuries or conditions and maintain casualty care throughout incident
Develop and communicate immediate release, emergency and full extrication plans
All incident information:
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment, identify hazards, evaluate risk and implement safe systems of work
Declare the tactical mode and communicate to all personnel and fire control
Carry out and formally record analytical risk assessments at suitable intervals
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Further tactical priorities
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- All incident information:
- Apply the firefighter safety maxim and safe person principles at incidents
- Identify and communicate the hazard area and establish a safe working area as soon as is practicable
- Anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
- Develop and communicate an incident plan considering contingencies arrangements
- Consider the competence of individuals and teams when allocating tasks
- Regularly review and update incident plan in response to active monitoring of the situation against expected outcomes
- Review the tactical mode following active monitoring and briefings with sector commanders
- Periodically review the analytical risk assessment using situational awareness from active monitoring
- Use the Joint Decision Model to co-ordinate an effective response at multi-agency incidents
- Identify the need to evacuate and develop a strategy in liaison with partner agencies
- Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- Carry out an environmental risk assessment and monitor the impact of tactics on the identified risk

Operational tactics

Deal with any immediate fire risk and provide a means of extinguishing fires during the incident
Stabilise the vehicle and create initial access to casualties
Consider the management of any glass that might affect rescue operations
Reveal hidden areas to aid identification of components that could damage tools or cause uncontrolled release
Implement appropriate space creation techniques in line with the casualty extrication plan
Extricate the casualty considering their injuries and overall threat to life
All incident information:
Gain access to premises causing minimal damage considering the urgency of the situation
Establish and resource a casualty care point
Determine whether people should be advised to evacuate, shelter in place or 'stay put'
When evacuation is necessary, identify the number of people affected and develop a plan
Further operational tactics
- Establish and resource a casualty care point
- Systematically search for casualties including underneath vehicles, in hidden voids and surrounding areas
- Consider screening casualties from the view of the public, media or other casualties

Communication

Share situational awareness and establish a joint understanding of risk with other agencies
Debrief crews that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence and safety-related information
Provide a structured handover when transferring casualty to medical responders
All incident information:
Establish and maintain an incident ground communication plan considering other agencies and remote resources
Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
Communicate the incident situation to other responders via fire control using the M\ETHANE message protocol
Provide a structured brief when handing over and taking over command
Communicate findings of analytical risk assessment to all personnel and other agencies
Further communication
- Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
- Establish and maintain an incident ground communication plan considering other agencies and remote resources
- Ensure communication systems are effective in subsurface and tunnel environments
- All incident information:
- Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
- Communicate any change in the tactical mode of a sector of the incident to all personnel
- Communicate objectives, priorities and tactics to be adopted in resolving the incident
- Deliver clear, concise and timely briefings to crews, command support functions and other agencies
- Ensure all personnel are aware of the incident command structure and communication strategy
- Establish a media liaison point and brief a nominated media liaison officer
- Use plain English to communicate information where a lack of common understanding exists
- Regularly pass information to fire control regarding incident progress
- Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
- Ensure that all appropriate environmental agencies are informed of the incident when required
- Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident

Control

Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
Co-ordinate the simultaneous activities of extrication teams and tool operators
All incident information:
Establish an incident command structure appropriate to the likely size and complexity of the incident
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
Control access to the inner cordon using methods proportionate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Appoint competent safety officers to monitor specific hazards or activities
Instigate a tactical withdrawal of personnel when the mode changes from offensive to defensive
Appoint competent safety officers to monitor specific hazards or activities

Incident closure and handover

Consider preservation of evidence when planning, communicating and implementing tactics
Ensure that hazards are identified when handing over responsibility for safety to the responsible person
All incident information:
Ensure that effective supervision of operational activity is maintained until the conclusion of the incident
Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary
Ensure that hazards, potential hazards and control measures are identified when handing over responsibility for health and safety to the responsible person
Consider taking appropriate steps to secure premises or vehicles after access or entry has been gained by force
Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
Consider community recovery protocols and arrange appropriate assistance prior to leaving the incident
Further incident closure and handover
- Consider the welfare or shelter arrangements for people directly or indirectly affected by the incident
- Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
- All incident information:
- Consider whether appliances, personnel, equipment and other resources can be released from the incident
- Conduct an inventory check and record any defects or deficiencies
- Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
- Consider the condition and serviceability of PPE when assessing operational readiness for redeployment
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- Gather relevant information for the incident recording system
- Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
- Record and share significant findings from incident debriefs
- When appropriate instigate a review of existing guidance following the use of operational discretion
- Ensure differences in information are resolved and systems updated following the closure of an incident
- Compile and secure all incident command paperwork (e.g. analytical risk assessment and decision logs)
- Ensure that waste products created by the fire and rescue service are disposed of legally and responsibly
- Follow service protocols for post incident health surveillance and monitoring

Road traffic collision

Incident information

Additional incident information

Resource information

Additional resource information

Risk information

Moving vehicles

Working environment

Fuel and electrical systems

Unstable vehicle

Vehicle safety systems

Vehicle construction

Vehicle contents

Rescue tools

Body fluids

Working environment

Weather conditions

Noise

Heavy and bulky objects

Moving vehicles

Animals

Hazardous materials

Body fluids

Distressing or traumatic scenes

Violence and aggression

Powers, policies and procedures

Objectives

Further objectives

Tactical priorities

Further tactical priorities

Operational tactics

Further operational tactics

Communication

Further communication

Control

Incident closure and handover

Further incident closure and handover

Additional information