The Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) is a UK-based organisational framework designed to enhance collaboration and coordination among emergency services (fire, ambulance, police, and disaster recovery). Established in 2012, JESIP aims to improve responses to multi-agency incidents, from small-scale emergencies to large-scale crises. By providing a standardised approach to all relevant organisations, JESIP ensures that all emergency responders, at both a ground level and a department level, can work together effectively to save lives and reduce harm.
The Principles of JESIP
At the heart of JESIP are five key principles for joint working:
Co-locate: Emergency commanders physically come together at a safe and agreed-upon location. This promotes direct communication and joint decision-making.
Communicate: Use clear, jargon-free language to share information accurately and efficiently.
Coordinate: Assign a lead organisation, agree on objectives, and ensure resources are managed effectively.
Jointly Understand Risk: Share knowledge about potential risks and impacts to develop appropriate safety measures.
Shared Situational Awareness: Develop a common understanding of the incident through tools like the M/ETHANE reporting model (detailed below).
JESIP’s Tools for Enhancing Decision-Making
JESIP provides responders with practical tools to ensure effective decision-making and collaboration. These include:
The Joint Decision Model (JDM) is a structured approach that enables multi-agency teams to gather intelligence, assess risks, consider legal powers, and agree on actionable strategies. Centred around the overarching aim of "working together, saving lives, reducing harm," the JDM guides responders through a continuous cycle of assessment and action like so: Define the Aim: Focus all decisions and actions on the overarching goal of "working together, saving lives, reducing harm."
Gather Information and Intelligence: Collect relevant details about the incident, including its nature, risks, and current response efforts.
Assess Threats and Risks: Evaluate the situation to understand potential hazards and their impact on responders, the public, and the environment.
Develop a Working Strategy: Create a clear plan of action based on the gathered intelligence, aligning objectives and priorities across all agencies.
Consider Powers, Policies, and Procedures: Review legal and procedural frameworks to ensure actions are feasible, appropriate, and within each agency's authority.
Identify Options and Contingencies: Explore possible courses of action, assessing their suitability, feasibility, and acceptability. Identify backup plans in case the situation changes.
Make and Implement Decisions: Agree on the most appropriate strategy and take action, ensuring all agencies are aligned.
Review and Adapt: Continuously monitor the effectiveness of actions taken and adjust the strategy as new information becomes available or circumstances change.
The M/ETHANE Model, which is a communication tool that structures incident reporting by covering details like type of incident, hazards, and emergency services required. Each letter represents a critical element of incident reporting:
Major Incident – Has a major incident been declared?
Exact Location – The precise location or area of the incident.
Type of Incident – A brief description of the nature of the emergency (e.g., fire, flood, hazardous materials).
Hazards – Known or potential hazards that may pose risks to responders or the public.
Access – The best routes for emergency services to approach and leave the scene.
Number of Casualties – Information about affected individuals, including injuries and fatalities.
Emergency Services – Resources and personnel required on the scene or already present.
How JESIP Benefits Organisations
Improved Collaboration
JESIP fosters seamless communication and teamwork among agencies. This is particularly vital during high-pressure scenarios where misunderstandings can lead to delays or increased risks.
Enhanced Safety
By focusing on shared situational awareness and joint risk assessments, JESIP ensures both responders and the public are protected during incidents.
Efficiency in Resource Use
The framework promotes better allocation of personnel and equipment, minimising redundancies and ensuring swift action.
Resilience and Recovery
JESIP principles are not limited to the response phase; they extend into recovery, helping organisations restore normalcy while learning from incidents.
Implementing JESIP in Your Organisation
To integrate JESIP effectively, organisations should:
Provide Regular Training: Ensure all staff are familiar with JESIP principles and tools. Multi-agency training exercises are especially beneficial for building interoperability.
Adopt JESIP Models: Incorporate frameworks like the JDM and M/ETHANE into daily operations and incident management protocols.
Emphasise Communication: Promote clear, jargon-free dialogue across all levels of command.
Leverage Technology: Use systems that support situational awareness, like shared mapping platforms or incident management software.
JESIP’s impact has been profound, transforming how emergency services collaborate during crises. For organisations managing events and spaces, implementing JESIP principles has drastically and immediately improved safety outcomes and operational efficiency.
At Chronosoft, we align with JESIP’s goals of interoperability and safety. Our incident management solutions are designed to streamline communication, enhance situational awareness, and ensure preparedness for any emergency.
Ready to optimise your crisis response? Contact Chronosoft today for a free discovery call to learn how our tools can integrate JESIP principles into your operations.
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