East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) is set to enhance staff safety and security with a significant upgrade to its Body-Worn Camera (BWC) system, as well as updates to the Abuse and Violence CAD Warning Markers SOP.

New Body-Worn Cameras Rolling Out

EMAS has acquired a brand-new batch of BWCs, which will be delivered to stations over the coming months.

From 3rd March 2025, BWCs will only be accessible using an ID card scanned via an RFID card reader at the docking stations. This change aims to enhance accountability and ensure cameras are fully operational before use. If staff encounter difficulties assigning a camera, James McPhee (Violence Prevention Reduction Project Manager) and George Reid (Lead Security Management Specialist) are available for assistance.

📢 Key Changes to BWC Use & Activation:

• RFID swipe assignment: Only fully charged and operational cameras will be released for use.

• Removal of always-on pre-record function to extend battery life. However, a one-minute pre-record can be manually activated by pressing and holding the middle button.

• Recording activation: Slide the side switch down to record and up to stop.

• Faulty cameras: Must be reported via an IR1 form and sent to the Make Ready Team.

🚨 BWC Amnesty: Help Recover 200 Missing Cameras!

The trust is currently missing over 200 BWCs, with a replacement cost of nearly £40,000! Missing cameras limit staff safety and impact potential prosecutions of those who assault frontline workers. Staff are urged to return any cameras found in lockers, drawers, or elsewhere to their nearest docking station.

Abuse & Violence CAD Warning Markers SOP Updates

Updates have been made to the RRW1 form to improve how information is recorded and shared. The changes ensure crews have comprehensive intelligence to make informed Dynamic Risk Assessments (DRA) when responding to incidents.

🔹 Key SOP updates include:

• More detailed information requirements on the RRW1 form.
• Encouragement for crews to include hospital intelligence where available.
• A more joined-up approach with external stakeholders.
• Appendix 3 of the SOP provides clear guidance on completing the RRW1 form.

These updates aim to protect crews, enhance decision-making, and improve overall safety.

💡 For help with the new BWC system or ID card issues, call James McPhee or George Reid (Monday-Friday, 08:00-17:00).