Following a surge in attacks on firefighters carrying out emergency call-outs across France, the management of the Morbihan SDIS has just announced the introduction of three key measures. In addition to specialist training and vehicle protection, firefighters will be able to film their operations.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. In response to the rising number of attacks on its firefighters, the Morbihan Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) has announced three key measures for 2019: staff training, protection of equipment and, above all, the trialling of mobile cameras during certain operations.
A dark year
It must be said that the past year has been marked by a surge in attacks. “We’ve recorded nine,” says Gilles Dufeigneux, chairman of the board of directors. “That’s nine too many. ” And far more than in previous years. Indeed, there was just one in 2016 and two in 2017. The situation is no better at national level. The number of reported assaults rose from 2,280 in 2016 to 2,813 the following year, an increase of 23 per cent. “ “Faced with this resurgence in violent assaults, we have decided to focus on better prevention, but also to support the work of the justice system, which is delivering a strong judicial response.”
Rescue and film
This is a first in France. Twelve regional fire and rescue services (SDIS) are to be authorised to trial the recording, using personal body-worn cameras, of operations in situations that are tense or likely to become so. “ “This is designed to gather evidence in the event of an assault,” says Gilles Dufeigneux. But it will also play a preventive role. “Announcing that we will be filming in the event of aggression often helps to defuse the situation,” adds Comptroller-General Cyrille Berrod. In Morbihan, this investment of €10,000 will enable the purchase of sixteen cameras for the centres in Ploemeur, Hennebont, Lorient and Vannes. Deployment is scheduled to take place as soon as the implementing decree is published, which could be before summer 2019.
Reinforced equipment
Paving stones, concrete blocks, Molotov cocktails… Protecting firefighters also means protecting their vehicles against break-ins and vandalism. For the past year, the SDIS’s new emergency and victim-assistance vehicles have been fitted with safety and security film. This equipment will be fitted to the side windows of fire engines operating in urban areas. “Seventeen vehicles will be fitted with it within the next few months for the most at-risk stations,” explains Commander Bruno Le Beller. This represents a budget of nearly €9,000 for the centres in Vannes, Lorient, Auray, Pontivy, Ploërmel and Hennebont.
Well-prepared firefighters
Providing emergency assistance in high-pressure situations or when faced with additional risks. A new training programme has just been launched to equip firefighters on call with the skills needed to manage these high-pressure situations. Two groups of fourteen people have already taken part. “The aim is to learn negotiation skills – which will be easier with the aid of CCTV – and techniques for restraining individuals if necessary,” explains Lieutenant Jean-Marc Pedron. Eight training courses are scheduled for 2019. “This applies to all firefighters, with priority given to those in urban areas.”