TWO Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) teams have been flying the flag for the region at the annual World Rescue Challenge which this year was held in Transylvania, Romania.
The challenge, from August 30 to September 3, involved teams from across the globe including America, South Africa, New Zealand, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Brazil, Ireland and the UK.
The 33 extrication and 36 trauma teams were assessed by world leading doctors, paramedics and experts in the field of extrication tools.
HWFRS were the highest placed UK team in the trauma challenge, and combined with the extrication team won the most awards of any one service.
The HWFRS trauma team placed second overall in the event behind Praia da Victoria Fire & Rescue Service (Portugal).
The trauma challenge was made up of two scenarios: A standard one involving one casualty and a complex one involving two casualties.
The extrication team also placed second overall behind fellow British team: Bridgend Service (South Wales).
The Road Traffic Collision extrication challenge saw teams competing to demonstrate how to safely extricate trapped casualties in a number of scenarios.
Watch Commander and trauma team member Jayne Collins said: “Both teams were extremely proud to represent HWFRS in Romania.
” At these events the teams get to view how fire services all over the world approach trauma and extrication and develop our knowledge and understanding around a patient-centred approach that can be filtered back into the Services training.”
