The Port of Tilbury Police team have all successfully completed and achieved a nationally recognised advanced first aid qualification for the first time. The Level 3 award in First Response Emergency Care is an intensive training course which builds on previous first aid training. The course equips police officers with the knowledge and practical competence to deal with a range of prehospital emergency care situations.

The role of a port police officer is as varied as the area they police, and an important part of the role is to attend and deal with medical emergencies or incidents requiring a first aid response.

 Chief of Police Matt Bass said ‘It is extremely important that my team is able to provide the best response possible to medical incidents within the port and deliver a high level of care until the Ambulance Service arrives. We are also occasionally called upon to assist in the local community with medical emergencies and ensuring we have the right training and equipment allows us to provide an enhanced response and truly make a difference until the Ambulance Service arrives at the scene’

 The 5-day training course requires all officers to pass a number of theory and practical assessments covering a variety of topics from basic life support, airway management and oxygen therapy to administering medical gases or dealing with trauma injuries.

 Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director from the Port of Tilbury said: “The Port of Tilbury Police team are a vital part of the port and it is also reassuring to know that the whole team is trained in emergency response care and that the vital equipment that could save a life is on site. Well done to all the police team for achieving this qualification.”

10 January 2024                              – ends –