March 2025 – UNITED KINGDOM RESCUE ORGANISATION

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) National Rescue Challenge will not be held at the Fire Service College as previously communicated.

We are pleased to confirm that in place of the challenge this year, the UKRO will be hosting a number of regional Continuous Professional Development (CPD) events, across a suite of Rescue Disciplines (Extrication, Trauma, Water and Rope).

These events will include the charity sharing the new principles regarding the way extrication and trauma challenges will be delivered differently in the future and the application of the EXIT project, which continues to deliver new findings to improve patient outcomes in the event of Road Traffic Collisions. The events will also be a great chance to network with more local partners.

Keep a look out on our channels for announcements of these regional CPD events within the next few months – we hope to see you there!

The UKRO would like to thank all Volunteers and participants for their continued support in the drive to enhance professional rescue. This year gives us the opportunity for you to help shape our next steps.

The EXIT Project

The United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) has announced Dan Quin, Chief Fire Officer of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, as Chair.

The news follows the retirement of Neil Odin QFSM, Chief Fire Officer of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, who has led the charity for seven years.

Photo of Neil Odin. Neil steps down as the Chair of UKRO.

Neil said: “I am honoured to have served as Chair of the UKRO. We have some incredible and dedicated people who volunteer their time to this charity – aiming to enhance professional rescue together. Thank you to everyone who is part of this great team. I am especially proud of the drive to broaden the scope of education not just to those within our industry here in the UK, but also worldwide through the World Rescue Organisation.

“Dan is an exceptional leader, and the organisation is in trusted hands as he has served as Vice-Chair for almost five years now.”

Dan said: “I am proud to take over the reins as Chair of the UKRO, an organisation I have been a part of for 18 years. Neil leaves big shoes to fill, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him from everyone in the UKRO. Under his expert guidance and leadership, Neil has led six National Rescue Challenges, worked closely with the Institute of Fire Engineers developing Competency Framework, National Operational Guidance and aligning closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council in relation to International Development – amongst many other achievements. He will be missed!”

Dan, who is also the National Fire Chiefs Council’s lead for road safety and road rescue and the Deputy Chair of the World Rescue Organisation, has already led the development of a fire and rescue sector Extrication Framework, establishing professional rescue standards for every fire and rescue professional in the United Kingdom and improving community outcomes.