They are often unfolding still unfolding when we arrive.

It can be police operations, fire brigade call outs, an ambulance emergency or often all three.

The emergency services are there to help and protect the public.

The community often has little contact with emergency services, but when life and property are in danger they are first on the scene day and night.

Photographers are often treated to a rare behind the scene glimpse of their important work.

They can also help to build a story, such as scenes from a murder or crime scene that will later go through the courts.

I have been a photographer with The Examiner for more than three decades and it is often the quick shots - the ones where you are given very little time to prepare - that pay off the most.

- Neil Richardson