Pantelides, Kimon - Alexander; (2025) The Importance of Quality Assurance Systems in the Fire and Rescue Service: A Comparative Study between North and South European Fire Services with a Case Study of the Hellenic Fire Service. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

Preview

Text Pantelides_10210438_Thesis_Redacted.pdf Download (4MB) | Preview

Abstract

Fire services around the world share one common objective, to protect life and property. Although they have a variation of functions covered under their mission statements, the protection of life and property is a universal objective irrespective of nationality. However, the way this crucial objective is addressed from country to country, and even between fire services within the same country, varies significantly. As such, there is little homogeneity in how fire services operate. Despite empirical evidence and a wealth of experience documented in books, manuals and training guides, establishing a broadly defined methodology towards effective emergency management and response, the status quo globally precludes the creation of an international benchmark for fire and rescue services. This thesis aims to establish key performance factors against a set of baseline principles such as the standard of training and adoption of relevant science and technology, the existence of and conformity with standard operating procedures, operational health and safety standards, incident command structures etc. These elements, amongst others will ultimately determine the overall performance of fire services. The focus of this study has been on European fire services due to their inter-applicability of policies and processes relating to fire service operations. Comparisons with North American fire services for example become more complicated due to significant variations in their operational policies and practices. A comparative study between fire services in southern and northern Europe has been undertaken to establish key differences that would affect the quality of the service provided to their respective communities. It was hypothesised that fire services in southern Europe would likely present higher levels of inconsistency against baseline principles as a result of the effects of the financial crisis. A quantitative study between fire services in Northern and Southern Europe was undertaken to establish key differences in their structures but also firefighters perceptions over six thematic areas to include training, personal protective equipment, standard operating procedures, radio communications, incident command and health and safety standards that formed the base-line principles to which they were assessed against. Although the influence of the financial crisis could not be established with certainty, it was identified that there were notable differences between fire services in northern and southern Europe in their capacity to provide a consistent emergency service to their communities. This was particularly the case with the Hellenic Fire Service that presented by far the lowest levels of conformity with baseline principles. UK fire services (although no longer Europe) were used as a control sample due the ease of information access around their structures, systems and processes. It was also established through the literature review and interviews with industry professionals that the capacity to provide effective emergency services to the public is influenced by a number of complex and inter-related factors that included cultural make-up, corruption, politics, financial and socioeconomic stability / equality, demographic and geographical indicators such as location and access. As such, this thesis attempts to establish a global benchmark to which fire services and their performance can be measured. It is acknowledged that due intrinsic differences between fire services, such as funding capacity and risk needs, would deem the adoption of a uniquely homogenous standard, even in Europe, unfeasible. Therefore, it is a set of best practice principles that are being suggested that will invariably assist in improving fire service performance.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as JSONCSVXML

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Archive Staff Only

View Item