SESSION SPOTLIGHT: Beyond Barriers: Collaboration in Emergency Services

At The Blue Light Show 2025, one of the most talked-about sessions tackled a question at the heart of the emergency services: what does true collaboration look like in practice?

Leaders from fire, police and ambulance services came together, reaching a clear agreement: collaboration is not just a buzzword, it’s a lifeline. Their insights included:

It’s not about saving money, it’s about saving lives. Craig Parkin (Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue) warned that the true test of collaboration isn't cost savings, it's whether it makes communities safer?
Brave leadership breaks barriers. Mark Baxter (Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue) shared how his service faced legal challenges when introducing co-responding for medical emergencies. Today, it saves lives.
Communities are powerful partners. Mike (Avon & Somerset Police) demonstrated how grassroots action can transform outcomes. A community-driven project placed 700+ bleed control kits across the region, saving nine lives so far.

The Takeaway:

Collaboration is never simple. It calls for clear vision, strong leadership and trust, both between agencies and with the public. When it works, it strengthens services and changes lives.