A number of Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service Officers have recently completed Incident Command courses at the Fire Service College (FSC) in Moreton-In-Marsh, Gloucestershire, UK.

Leading Firefighters Dino Navarro and Frank Baglietto successfully completed the Incident Command Level 1 award. This course employs a blended learning approach over a six week period, with five days spent on site at the FSC. There they were assessed as decision makers across an unrivalled range of realistic operational scenarios, both in the Simulation Suite using the new innovative Blue Hawk technology and practically, on the Incident Ground. This course equipped both Officers with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding required as Initial Incident Commanders at operational level.

Station Officers Edgar Ramirez and Jason Mesilio attended the Incident Command Level 3 course. This course provides delegates with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding required to be an Advanced Tactical Incident Commander. It focuses on the knowledge and skills required to provide an advanced level of tactical command and coordination at the largest and most serious incidents, using developed command support tested in the Simulation Suite which employs virtual reality technology.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mr Colin Ramirez has obtained his QCF Level 7 Award in Strategic Incident Command Level 4. This course includes a Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) Programme which requires delegates to submit ten assignments over a maximum of two years in addition to assessed participation within a Strategic Coordinating Group in multi-agency incidents or exercises. These are mapped against multi-agencies working at strategic level (Gold) and involves dealing with incidents at the most complex levels, working with other blue light responders and partner agencies to support tactical (Silver) and operational (Bronze) commanders to resolve operational incidents.