Emergency Services Coordination

Effective coordination with emergency services saves lives during serious incidents on construction sites.
Sites must display clear information including the site address, postcode, and access instructions.
A designated meeting point should be agreed where site personnel guide emergency vehicles to the scene.
Large or complex sites should provide emergency services with a site plan showing access routes and hazards.
Site access gates must be wide enough for ambulances, fire appliances, and potentially aerial platforms.
On-site first aiders should brief paramedics on the casualty's condition and any treatment provided.
Construction hazards such as asbestos, chemicals, or unstable structures must be communicated to responders.
Overhead power lines, confined spaces, and deep excavations affect how the fire service approaches rescue.
Mobile phone signal can be poor on construction sites — a reliable contact method must be available.
Post-incident, the site team must cooperate with emergency services and preserve evidence.

Save lives	Minutes matter in a medical or rescue emergency — fast and clear coordination with emergency services is critical.
Responder safety	Emergency services need to know about site-specific hazards to protect themselves during the response.
Legal duty	CDM 2015 requires arrangements for emergency services access and coordination on construction sites.

Do

Don't

Display the site address, postcode, and what3words location at the site entrance
Designate a meeting point where a site escort will guide emergency vehicles
Provide emergency services with a site plan showing access routes and hazards
Ensure site gates can accommodate ambulances and fire appliances
Brief first aiders to provide a clear handover to paramedics on their arrival
Inform responders of any site-specific hazards such as chemicals or asbestos
Test emergency access routes regularly to confirm they are clear and passable
Keep a reliable communication method available for contacting emergency services
Cooperate fully with emergency services and preserve the incident scene
Include emergency coordination arrangements in the site emergency plan and induction

DON'T assume emergency services can find the site easily — provide clear directions
DON'T block access routes with parked vehicles, skips, or stored materials
DON'T send emergency vehicles to the wrong gate or an access point that is locked
DON'T withhold hazard information from responders — it endangers their lives
DON'T crowd around the incident scene — keep a clear path for responders
DON'T move the casualty unless there is an immediate danger to life
DON'T allow site traffic to continue on routes needed by emergency vehicles
DON'T rely solely on mobile phones — signal may be unavailable in some areas
DON'T disturb the scene after emergency services have attended without permission
DON'T forget to update access arrangements when site layout or gates change

See also: Emergency Plan Awareness | Medical Emergency Response

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