On the evening of 16th May 2012 a joint exercise was held at Royal Air Force Fylingdales involving North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Defence Fire and Rescue Service and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS).
The exercise simulated a serious road traffic collision involving 4 cars and a minibus and the immediate response of RAF Fylingdales fire crews as first response, before their civilian counterparts arrived on scene.
This mutually beneficial exercise provided an excellent training opportunity for both services and will enhance existing practices and procedures with the ultimate aim of saving life.
RAF Fylingdales Station Commander Wing Commander Rayna Owens said:
This is the first joint exercise of its type and is beneficial to both fire services. If one life is saved as a result, then the exercise will have proved to be a success.
Group Manager Peter Hudson from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service commented:
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service regularly work with our Ministry of Defence Fire Service colleagues; this joint working helps both teams understand each other’s procedures and capabilities whilst allowing us to share ideas on rescue techniques.
I would like to thank the Yorkshire Ambulance Service for their attendance and Fyling Hall School for providing the “casualties” and making the exercise even more realistic.
RAF Fylingdales Fire Station Manager Jim Davis added:
This is a great opportunity for both fire services to practice joint working which will increase capability and help save lives.
