Edesix helps protect firefighters

Edesix will supply 84 VideoBadges to 23 sites across the county, with training and deployment beginning this month. The use of Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) for protecting staff, enhancing training and identifying best practice is fast becoming fundamental within fire services throughout the UK.

Edesix already supplies West Midlands Fire Services, and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, as well as other Emergency Services departments throughout the UK, including paramedics, hospital security and Police. Edinburgh-based Edesix is now generally regarded as the number one BWC provider for Emergency Services in the UK.

Ken Corbett, head of resilience, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, comments, "Following a robust procurement process, Tyne and Wear FRS chose the Edesix Body Worn Camera Solution due to the Edesix high quality hardware, and user friendly software system it has developed. Edesix has a proven record in configuring Body Worn Video Cameras, that enable blue light users to get an effective system for use by emergency services.

Richie McBride, managing director of Edesix, explains, "Wearable cameras are becoming a key piece of equipment for fire responders across the Emergency Services due to their functionality in highlighting and improving processes, evaluating protocol, improving best practice and also for handling matters of incidents, insurance claims and complaints.

"Our VideoBadge range of BWCs are worn by fire and rescue personnel to audit and improve response performance. VideoBadges are equipped with a range of security features to preserve the confidentiality of any sensitive footage, even if the device is lost, stolen or damaged. VideoBadges are unobtrusive, lightweight and can be fixed to uniforms and helmets, using a variety of mounting options."

McBride adds: "In particular, Tyne and Wear will use our BWCs to capture joint decisions with other blue light services, leading to better decision making and greater transparency."

At the Emergency Services Show 2019 Edesix will have a specific focus on the use of wearable cameras within the Fire Services industry.