More than six years on from the harrowing Manchester Arena attack, a groundbreaking Diploma in Major Incident Management (DipMIM) has been introduced to revolutionise the training and preparedness of emergency care workers during major incidents.
Created by the Faculty of Prehospital Care (FPHC)and hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) this first-of-its-kind exam bridges a critical gap between basic incident management and Masters’ level expertise.
The concept for this vital diploma was inspired by many tragic events both in the UK and internationally, with the ultimate catalyst being the Manchester Arena Inquiry, which uncovered the need for a qualification that could reflect the complexity of major incidents and the interagency working between police, fire, and ambulance services.
Earlier this year, Dr Pam Hardy, Chair of the Faculty of Pre-hospital Care was cited to provide a statement to the Inquiry about the role of the faculty and how they could help to address several of the monitored recommendations.
Coinciding with the progress of the diploma gaining momentum towards completion, Dr Hardy felt it was key to addressing the “care gap” cited in the Inquiry, and the need for close collaboration between agencies and responders at the scene of any future incident.
Lending his support, Hon. Sir John Saunders, Chairman of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, said: “Many of the responders from the emergency services who bravely rushed to the scene of the Manchester Arena bomb did not know what they could do to best assist the victims.
“The evidence at the Inquiry showed how vital it is that the best possible treatment is available during the ‘care gap’, that is the time between when life-threatening injuries are suffered and the victims arrive at hospital for treatment, in order to save lives and reduce the long-term effects on those who survive. This new diploma will help fill that gap.
“As Chairman of the Inquiry, I am delighted that this is being set up. It will help meet one of my most important recommendations and assist in trying to ensure that the shortcomings in the emergency response at Manchester will not happen again.”
RCSEd and FPHC have a long history of delivering examinations in Immediate Medical Care, Retrieval & Transfer Medicine and Urgent Medical Care.
This new qualification addresses the organisational and regulatory framework of major incident management, placing emphasis on preparedness, coordination, and effective response. It is designed for professionals involved in planning and organising major incident responses across various fields, including emergency services and healthcare workers.
Professor Rowan Parks, President of the RCSEd, said the introduction of the diploma will be vital for those who stand at the frontline of emergency response, providing them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the complexities of major incident management.
He said: “The Manchester attack left a devastating imprint on the lives of so many – families, survivors, first responders, and healthcare workers – but there is a real desire to emerge stronger from the tragedy.
“The Manchester Arena Inquiry highlighted an urgent need for enhanced training and certification to ensure response workers are as prepared as possible when facing these situations and we hope this diploma will go some way towards minimising the impact of any future major incidents.
“Through multiple levels of consultation, and as a direct recommendation cited in the faculty’s response to the Manchester Arena Inquiry, RCSEd welcomes an exam of this magnitude and validates its place within a portfolio of training and development around management of major incidents offered by FPHC.
“Bringing the exam to fruition has required significant effort from the Faculty and additional teams within the College and I would like to thank all those involved.”
The initiative has garnered widespread support from advocates who believe in its transformative potential. They echo the sentiment that this diploma will fortify the foundations of excellence in emergency healthcare and enhance the professionalism of major incident response.
Dr Pam Hardy added: “Professor Ian Greaves was the key driver of the creation of this diploma, and over a number of years, has gathered a highly credible editorial team, headed by Deputy Convenor for the examination, Dr Paul Hunt and FPHC Honorary Secretary Dr Andy Smith.
“They, along with many others, have worked incredibly hard to build the exam and advocate the need for it as a means to further drive quality improvement, set standards and reinforce the principles of joint working and collaboration.
“I am grateful to all those who have worked to deliver this, and for the support of RCSEd in hosting this examination.
“I am humbled by the support it has received by Sir John Saunders, Chair of the Manchester Arena Inquiry and hope the launch of this serves to illustrate our commitment to the recommendations of the Inquiry, our willingness to continue to learn, and our dedication to all those ever involved in such tragic circumstances.”
