Enhanced Command Support from New Dimension

ECS vehicles are fitted out with resilient communications equipment. Photo: CLG

Enhanced Command Support vehicles
Nine Enhanced Command Support (ECS) vehicles have now been procured by the New Dimension programme. This is the final stage of capital investment in the command and control capability. The new ECS vehicles are similar to the basic DIM (Detection, Investigation and Monitoring) vehicles, but are fitted out with resilient communications equipment. Telephone systems will be installed, together with satellite equipment and radio systems, including those which meet the requirements of Firelink, the new national wide-area radio system for the FRS.

Emergency role
During a serious emergency, when significant FRS resources are mobilised, ECS vehicles can deploy to strategic holding areas, supporting the incident commander and the national response by providing a resilient ECS function. The systems and operating procedures will provide all the facilities necessary to support the management of large scale emergency operations.

The ECS capability function was successfully exercised during Exercise Orpheus, held at the Fire Service College in March.

Crewing
Funding is being provided to the Fire and Rescue Authorities hosting the ECS capability, to cover the costs of initial and continuation training for the crews of the nine ECS vehicles. The nine host fire and rescue services will provide a 24/7 response capability, with the ability to sustain a response for seven days at any location.

Long term capability management
Attention is now focussed on embedding the New Dimension capabilities within the FRS through the Long Term Capability Management (LTCM) project. This includes the transfer of New Dimension assets to individual fire and rescue services, and the procurement of a 16-year maintenance contract to maintain the assets in line with interoperability and national resilience requirements.