Pride of Guernsey: Joint Emergency Services Control Centre
THE unseen efforts of the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre are being put forward for the Madmax Race Team-sponsored Emergency Hero award.
JESCC was set up in 2015 and handles all emergency calls for the police, fire and rescue, ambulance and coastguard.
Lindsay Snell said people often did not realise the hard work done by the call handlers.
‘JESCC is often forgotten about when it comes to dealing with any incidents as we are not front-facing, but we are the first person a casualty hears and asks for help,’ she said.
‘JESCC’s workload only increased during lockdown, with us losing staff to man the Covid helpdesk – a fact not well known. Staff worked extra to cover the increase demand, while also home schooling children and other personal demands.’
The hard work did not end when lockdown restrictions were eased.
‘JESCC felt the brunt of coming out of lockdown, with one of the busiest weekends when everyone descended on the pubs,’ Ms Snell said.
‘JESCC is still feeling the brunt with border control still in place and managing the coastguard, ensuring vessels from France do not land.
‘A forgotten aspect of the emergency services that need a massive thank you and some recognition.’
