The groundbreaking Swapping Hats scheme created by a Hertfordshire Police Federation member has been praised by colleagues across the county's emergency services.

The initiative allows Hertfordshire Police officers and staff to shadow colleagues in the fire and ambulance services for a shift – and vice versa.

Created by Inspector Karen Hutchinson (pictured) two years ago, the initiative has seen more than 200 swaps take place.

And feedback from participants shows just how valuable the experience can be.

One ambulance colleague, who joined Hertfordshire Police on a shift, said:

“I found my Swapping Hats shift with the police very interesting, seeing how the police work and noticing how similar but also very different their days are compared to us in ambo.

“I wanted to get more of an insight into when the police are allowed to step in and give us help, and knowing when it’s appropriate to ask them for help and when it isn’t.

“This was great as I was able to get some useful answers from senior officers and was told information that I wasn’t aware of.

Ambulance

“We attended a mental health job, and I was able to stand back with an officer and discuss the job as if an ambulance were on scene.

“It made the decision-making side of things a lot easier once I had that information.

They added that while the shift was quieter than expected, they would ‘definitely recommend’ the opportunity to others.

A Hertfordshire Police officer who spent their day at the East of England Ambulance Service’s emergency operations centre in Bedford described the experience as unforgettable.

“I spent the day listening to 999 calls, watching dispatchers work and even sat in SPOC (Serious Point of Contact).

“Did I enjoy it? Let me put it this way, if I weren’t in the police, being a 999 call handler for the ambulance service is where I’d want to be.

Experience

I absolutely loved it from start to finish. It was an experience I'll never forget.

“The people there were so lovely and made me feel so welcomed and I went home buzzing.”

The officer has completed days with the fire and ambulance services and recommends the scheme to colleagues:

“It's so important we continue to build that rapport and those working relationships with other uniformed public services for when we have to attend operational incidents together,” they said.

Another participant, who shadowed an ambulance crew, reflected on the day-to-day reality of the job.

“It would be all too easy to say that in my role I’ve seen it all before, but Swapping Hats really does let us see the other side.

“Both crew members were on the move from the get-go, and I felt as if they didn’t stop.

Insight

“What they said was a usual day for them really highlighted how busy they are.

“I really enjoyed the insight and have a whole new appreciation for the job you do.

“I have recommended this swap to my team, hoping they can join you soon.”

One emergency worker described the Hertfordshire Police officers they joined in an area car as ‘friendly and welcoming’.

“The experience was really beneficial and I learnt so much on this day,” they said.

“I knew the police were busy but I didn't realise just how busy they are, it's definitely given me a different outlook on this in a positive way.

“I have advised so many people to do this, as I learnt so much and felt it was really helpful to see how the police work, and how similar we are in our roles.”

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