A still reticence shrouded Manchester this May as it marked the first anniversary of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack that killed 22 people. Throughout the UK, a minute's silence was observed to remember those affected by the bomb explosion on 22 May 2017, as singer Ariana Grande performed.
The worst terrorist attack since the London bombings in 2005, it is believed that more than 800 people suffered physical or psychological injuries. Among those in quiet reflection on the 1-year anniversary were members of the emergency services and NHS staff who attended to the injured.
Much to be proud of
Following the tragic event and aftermath, a non-statutory independent review was commissioned by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham (Kerslake, 2018). The review aimed to establish the preparedness of the city for an attack of this nature and consider how it responded to the incident.
The report said there was much to be proud of in the response to the attack. Ambulance staff were rapidly on scene, with the first North West Ambulance Services (NWAS) paramedic arriving at 10:42 pm, less than 10 minutes after the explosion was reported to Greater Manchester Police. In total, 56 ambulances and seven rapid response vehicles were deployed to the arena, along with six advanced paramedics and three consultant paramedics.
Enormous bravery and compassion were seen in the actions of individuals and organisations, with responders praised for using situationally aware, informed and risk-assessed initiative when protocols appeared too constraining. Partner agencies acted with a great degree of confidence, in part owing to investment in multi-agency planning and exercising as part of the Greater Manchester Resilience Forum. Despite the stressful, chaotic and dangerous environment, key emergency personnel were commended for their ability to exercise sound judgement.
Lessons learned
As well as celebrating areas that went well, the report emphasised the vital importance of identifying major areas for learning. Among the key issues recognised was a failure of the police force to alert the fire and ambulance services that it had declared Operation Plato, the operational response to a marauding terrorist firearms attack. However, the report did reveal that it was inadvertently ‘fortuitous’ that NWAS was not informed, as it would have slowed the process of casualty triage, treatment and transportation.
Because of poor communication and procedures, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service did not arrive at the scene for nearly 2 hours. They remained largely ‘out of the loop’ and were unable to provide a meaningful role for a substantial period of time.
Looking to the future
The Manchester Terrorist Attack was devastating; yet it is in times of great adversity that communities come together and show their unity. The city remains proud of the heroism shown that day from all manner of individuals, including stewards, bystanders and emergency services.
Although it is hard to accept where improvements could have been made, lessons from the Manchester attack will be of utmost importance for countries which suffer terrorist attacks in the future, nationally and internationally.
Standing tall and healing
For many, the scars of 22 May will remain for a long time to come. The Manchester Resilience Hub was set up as an enhanced NHS mental health service aimed at helping people across the UK who have been affected by the Manchester Arena attack. This includes emergency services personnel, who may be suffering from relived memories of that night. Access to a dedicated service can be instrumental in overcoming mental health problems, so anyone requiring additional support should be encouraged to seek it. Manchester stands tall 1 year on from the attack, remembering lives lost and those changed forever.