University launches team of Incident Responders

The University of Derby is launching a new team of Incident Responders who will be responsible for first aid, fire marshalling and incident support duties.

The campaign will be launched across all its Derby sites and the telephones will be manned 24-hours-a-day by security in order to respond to emergencies on-site. The University is believed to be the only one in the country to have this kind of initiative for staff and students.

The new telephone number will be launched tomorrow (April 1 2015), with more than 60 employees signed up to perform the role.

Admin Assistant, Russell Lewis who is one of the Incident Responders at the University of Derby said: “When I came across the opportunity I decided to put myself forward as I have dealt with incidents before and I feel that I can handle the pressure well and act accordingly. In the unlikely event of an incident occurring I hope I can assist both staff and students.”

The initiative was supported by Senior Health and Safety Adviser, Robert Woods, who was inspired by an airline that has implemented this strategy. Robert added: “When I was informed about this campaign and how the airline managed incidents aboard an aircraft through Incident Responders, I thought it would be a great initiative to implement at the University.”

Jane Measom-Stevenson, Business Continuity and Risk Manager at the University of Derby said: “I have been overwhelmed by the interest and support we have had from employees choosing to engage with this initiative and undergo the required training for the role. I hope this initiative will ensure that any incidents that do occur are dealt with in a safe and efficient manner.”