Interagency Protocols in Supporting the Search …

1 1 DRAFT Version November 2017 Addressing deaths by suicide in the River Foyle and protecting public safetyInteragency Protocols in Supporting the Search Process for a missing person in the River Foyle within the Derry~Londonderry City limits NB All partners logos to be included on front cover2 ContentsItemSubjectPage NoForeword4 Contract of Commitment6 Glossary of Context for the Purpose of the Interagency & for Activation of Protocols and Information during a Meeting with FLO and Vigilance of Vulnerable and Elected Search Operation Recovery of the River throughout a | Search and Recovery of Effectiveness and Appropriateness of the of a Search and recovery operation to body recovery26-273 List of AppendicesAppendix DescriptionPage No1 Protect Life 2 Draft Objectives 272 Interim Immediate Contact details for Search and Recovery Process on the river Foyle 293 Overview of Community Response Plan for Derry City & Strabane District Council 304 Guidance Information Search and Recovery Operations on the River Foyle31-335 Guidelines for Searches for a Missing Person in the River Foyle 34-364 ForewordIt is acknowledged that every crisis situation is different and often requires a response from a range of agencies.

2 What is critical during any crisis situation is that the key partners are aware of the appropriate processes, are clear about their contribution, role and responsibilities and are able to support the various steps required to ensure the best outcome. It is also important that all actions taken are measured and do not aggravate a sensitive and potentially inflammatory situation, adding further distress or increased risk to public safety. Reflection and learning is a critical element of any crisis response and it is incumbent on partners to address the issues raised and ensure that steps are put in place to continue to improve our response in the this instance, the learning from a Community Response Plan (CRP) following a death on the River Foyle, highlighted the need to develop clear Protocols in order to respond to Search and recovery processes as effectively and efficiently as possible As part of this process it is critical that.

3 There is clarity about the roles and responsibilities of each agency Clear definitions and rationale for actions There are arrangements for the timely exchange of accurate and appropriate information Appropriate support and advice is given to those more directly affected and those involved in the Search process Appropriate actions are put in place to address public safety and reduce the risk of contagion and further loss of life. During the CRP process draft interim Protocols were developed to address any emerging deaths pending the development of these more comprehensive arrangements. Unfortunately, those draft Protocols had to be activated and have acted as a key learning tool that has informed and influenced these experience we know that two essential ingredients for effective working relationships are the commitment of the parties to open and honest communication, and a strong desire to make the relationship work for the benefit of the general public.

4 In this situation, it is also imperative that there is follow up on agreed actions and a willingness to address any difficulties that arise as early as possible. As professionals working in complex service systems it is important that we do our best to make our organisation work to support people at a very vulnerable time of their life . life. Ultimately, the success of Interagency Protocols will be largely dependent on a healthy climate of commitment and cooperation existing between agencies and the individuals who represent these bodies. We are still learning about what constitutes best practice in these difficult circumstances but we do believe that these Protocols will ensure a more co-ordinated and effective Protocols focus that willingness and effort about the issue of deaths on the river.

5 The development of Interagency Protocols has helped assist in clarifying 5interagency roles and expectations as well as provide a guide for maintaining the would like to formally acknowledge the contribution made by all the partners who have supported the development of these working arrangements and for the continued support they provide to addressing public safety on the river Foyle. Ideally, there would be no need for such Protocols . However, should they be activated at any time in the future then the partners who have signed up to these arrangements will have clarity of purpose and direction and I trust that they will contribute to reducing deaths on the river as a result of WattsChief Executive6 Contract of CommitmentWe the undersigned organisations are committed to ensuring the delivery of the principles and actions outlined in these Protocols which aim to address the Search and recovery operations for a missing person on the river Foyle.

6 NameOrganisationSignatureSupt Gordon McCalmont, Local District CommanderPolice Service for NIStephen Twells/Chairman (tbc)Foyle Search and RescueTo be confirmedNI Fire & Rescue ServiceJohn Kelpie, Chief ExecutiveDerry City and Strabane District CouncilDr Anne Kilgallen, Chief ExecutiveWestern Health & Social Care TrustValerie Watts, Chief Executive (Interim)Public Health AgencyRoisin O Hara, Chief ExecutiveNI Ambulance Service Brian McGrath, Chief Executive Londonderry Harbour CommissionSharon McMahonLoughs AgencyJim Roddy, City Centre ManagerCity Centre InitiativeTo be confirmedTransport NI7 Glossary of TermsAbbreviation DefinitionCRPC ommunity Response Plan an Interagency group which meets to address the immediate risk of contagion or associated suicide deaths or emerging clustersPSNIP olice Service of Northern IrelandNIFRSN orthern Ireland Fire and Rescue ServiceFSRSF oyle Search and Rescue Service community based initiative that addresses public safety.

7 Rescue and body Search and recovery on the river FoyleNIASN orthern Ireland Ambulance ServiceWHSCTW estern Health & Social Care TrustPHAP ublic Health AgencyDCSDCD erry City & Strabane District CouncilHSEH ealth Services Executive (Republic of Ireland)FLOF amily Liaison Officer the key link between the PSNI and the familyCCICity Centre Initiative manage and monitor the CCTV network on behalf of the Policing and Community Safety PartnershipC&VCommunity and Voluntary SectorGPGeneral Practitioner (Doctor)MLAM ember of the Local Assembly elected member of the Northern Ireland AssemblyCCTVC lose Circuit Television a network of cameras around the river Foyle which are used to monitor public safety, identify and respond to people at riskTNIT ransport Northern IrelandAGSAn Garda S och Context for the ProtocolsThese Protocols are developed in the context of the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy Protect Life 2.

8 The overall aims of the strategy are to: Gain a better understanding of suicidal behaviour Improve the identification of and response to suicidal behaviour Prevent suicide by people in crisis Support recovery from suicide behaviour and repeat self-harming and Support those bereaved by suicideThe strategy has 10 overarching objectives, details in Appendix 1, but principally these Protocols are contributing to: Objective 5 restrict access to means of suicide, particularly for people known to be self-harming or vulnerable to suicidal thoughts; Objective 6 ensure the provision of effective and timely information and support for individuals and families bereaved by suicide; Objective 7 provide effective support for self-care for voluntary, community and statutory staff providing suicide prevention services; Objective 8 enhance responsible media reporting on suicide Objective 9 identify emerging suicide clusters and act promptly to reduce the risk of further associated suicides in the communityThe core principles from the strategy that are applied to these Protocols are: Actions should be evidence based, where possible There should be effective partnership/collaboration with public and private sector organisations, academia, professional bodies, and voluntary and community agencies.

9 There should be cross-sectoral, cross departmental and cross jurisdictional Purpose of the Interagency Protocols These Protocols are designed to provide clarity of direction and responsibility in terms of Supporting those local agencies that have been directly engaged in or supported a Search and recovery process on the river Foyle for a missing person in the is important to note that these Protocols do not relate to a rescue operation on the river Foyle. A rescue operation is normally co-ordinated from the statutory sector by PSNI and NIFRS and supported from the non-statutory side by FSR. The Protocols for addressing the initial rescue operation are covered by the National Operational Guidelines Programme, this guidance consists of three main areas searching for casualties, extrication of casualties and casualty care.

10 The Search and extrication incorporates incidents in the built environment, open environment and all forms of transport. This includes rescue of casualties from both fire and non-fire incidents and is therefore applicable to water based rescues and Protocols would usually only be activated when an individual has been deemed as missing in the water, 90 minutes after that individual has been reported as entering the river. However, given the unique character of the River Foyle, the risk of inappropriate information or rumour being circulated on social media, the PSNI along with other key agencies involved in the initial rescue operation can make a determination to activate the Protocols , sooner if necessary. This is covered further in section 3 of the RolesIn terms of roles and responsibilities for a Search and recovery operation there are a number of clear functional roles in the process, and they are: Actively Involved in the Search and recovery operation Police (PSNI), Foyle Search and Rescue (FSR) City Centre Initiative (CCTV) etc.