Two Initial Operational Response (IOR) Champions workshops have now been conducted by the NARU Education Centre, aimed at enhancing the knowledge of NHS CBRN Leads about IOR.
The events were well supported by a diverse faculty of subject matter experts who encouraged discussion and participation of all delegates.
Head of NARU Education David Bull QAM said:
“The Initial Operational Response to CBRN is an important change to how we throughout the NHS currently respond to CBRN and HAZMAT incidents. The workshops were attended by over 100 hundred delegates who were provided with the opportunity to learn about the science behind IOR and to enhance their knowledge about the practical application of the guidance.”
A third event is now being planned and delegates will then be able to take the knowledge they have developed and pass it on to other NHS staff within their organisations.
IOR starts from the very first call to the emergency services, or when a patient self-presents at a health care facility. It is therefore essential that all responders – from those that may be a first point of contact for a self presenter through to staff in control rooms who take the initial call – are well briefed and understand the IOR principles.
To assist the implementation of IOR two further evaluation events have been conducted at the NARU Education Centre for Ambulance and Police staff. The current training packages were evaluated and staff then responded to a number of challenging scenarios where the IOR principles were implemented.
Continues Mr Bull:
“In addition to this we have also been working with colleagues from NHS Acute Trusts to develop a bespoke training aid for use by the NHS, this explains how IOR can be interpreted and implemented at healthcare facilities for self presenters.”
More information is available from dave.bull@wmas.nhs.uk.