The Emergency Planning function in NIAS is responsible for developing and maintaining the Major Incident Plan and is provided by the Emergency Planning Officer (EPO) and two Assistant EPOs. All are trained and qualified ambulance Paramedics equipped with ambulance response vehicles which enable them to offer clinical rapid response to incidents. In addition the vehicles carry a range of equipment and clinical supplies which are particularly valuable in supporting immediate response to a major incident. The continuing development of the Emergency Planning Department enables NIAS to undertake more proactive work in relation to event assessment and planning, assessment of high-risk fixed sites including specific risk-assessment, and the review and testing of business continuity arrangements for NIAS functional areas.

Operational front-line officers in the accident & emergency service have been trained in Major Incident Medical Management & Support (MIMMS) - the internationally-recognised standard for ambulance services in emergency planning and major incident response. In addition, training in the major incident plan was provided for staff on their role in managing a major incident. This was supplemented by regular, ongoing and inter-agency review and revision of specific plans for incidents such as Avian Flu, Hazardous Materials and Pandemic Flu.

NIAS participates on a regular and ongoing basis in emergency planning exercises throughout the year. One very significant development during 2007/08 was our participation in a cross-border Emergency Planning Exercise (Medical Bridge) with colleagues from ambulance services in the Republic of Ireland. This was sponsored by Co-operation And Working Together (CAWT) and facilitated by the military North and South of the border.