Rendezvous point

The rendezvous point (RVP) is used for briefing and is where people and resources can be sent until they are needed. The incident commander should decide where to locate the RVP and nominate an RVP bronze. The RVP bronze should coordinate all resources at the RVP. 

Where multiple response agencies are involved, the scale of resources and personnel to be located at the RVP can be vast and space may be limited. Decisions on location should, therefore, be made as early as possible by the initial commander alongside those partner agencies. This decision can be reviewed as required. Consideration can also be given to using the marshalling areas for resources that are not immediately needed. 

In suspected terrorist incidents, the RVP should not be in a predetermined, obvious location. 

When deciding on the location of a RVP, consider:

• the safety and security of emergency services personnel using it
• the safety and security of vehicles left there
• the space needed to accommodate all responding organisations
• the availability of suitable hardstanding for vehicles
• whether there is adequate lighting
• whether there is access for large vehicles
• how easy the location is to find
• whether there is accommodation available for the personnel sent there
• where the location is relative to the marshalling area on the outer cordon

The RVP bronze should consider a search of the location before it is used.

The scene access control officers should direct all emergency services personnel attending the incident to the RVP. The police should log and organise the other specialist and voluntary services attending.

During major incident response, the ambulance service may use the prefix “stand by” to indicate that the incident has the potential to generate large numbers. This does not necessarily indicate that resources are en route to the RVP, so clarification may be required to avoid any misunderstanding.