THREE teams from Warrington Fire Station’s Blue Watch took part in the annual UK Rescue Organisation Challenge at Southampton – and put in creditable performances over the two days of the event.
Fifty two extrication teams and 32 trauma teams took part.
Warrington’s vehicle extrication team consisted of officer in charge Damian Wight, medic Lee Howells and tool operatives Stuart Robinson, Tony Taylor and Jonathan Hill.
They took part in a 20-minute scenario in which they had to rescue a casualty from a simulated car crash.
The team underwent some last minute changes and finished 35 – failing to qualify for the second round but putting in a “fantastic performance” according to onlookers.
Warrington Trauma A Team, consisting of Firefighter Medic Adam McConkey and Firefighter Medic Lee Howells finished 16 while the B Team, consisting of Firefighter Medic John Turner and Firefighter Medic Jonathan Hill finished 11 in their first national competition.
The trauma challenge sees two firefighter medics faced with a 10 minute scenario with up to two casualties. They have to provide immediate trauma care to stabilize the casualties, then prepare the more seriously injured casualty for transportation before giving a full handover to an arriving paramedic.
The event not only sees teams compete against each other but also using new technology and techniques for the first time. These new skills are then transferred back to each individual services, improving the service provided to the public.
