Multi-agency response to terrorist attacks

A review of this control measure identified that a minor change was required to the following paragraph relating to enhanced personal protective equipment:

Those performing command roles may need to wear an enhanced level of personal protective equipment (PPE). However, this can be reviewed and scaled down if appropriate, based on the nature of the attack methodologies and the joint understanding of risk undertaken with the other emergency service commanders.

The proposal is for this to be updated to state:

Those performing command roles may need to wear a properly fitted enhanced level of personal protective equipment (PPE). However, this can be reviewed and scaled down if appropriate, based on the nature of the attack methodologies and the joint understanding of risk undertaken with the other emergency service commanders.

There is currently a tactical action of:

• Be prepared to wear an enhanced level of PPE, based on the nature of the terrorist attack methodologies and the joint understanding of risk

However, there is not currently a strategic action for enhanced PPE. The proposal is for a new strategic action to be provided, stating that fire and rescue services must:

• Provide relevant personnel with properly fitted enhanced PPE that provides the maximum protection for the identified risks of a terrorist attack

These proposals were approved by the NFCC Operational Preparedness, Response and Resilience Committee on 24 April 2025.