FIREFIGHTERS from Hereford and Worcester Fire Service recently returned from Romania where they competed in the annual World Rescue Challenge.
The challenging event in Targu Mures, Transylvania, saw HWFS take on teams from around the world including the US, South Africa, New Zealand, France, Portugal, Brazil and Ireland.
The 33 extrication and 36 trauma teams were assessed by world leading doctors, paramedics and experts in the field of extrication tools.
HWFS 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 HWFS trauma team placed second overall in the event behind Praia da Victoria Fire and Rescue Service from Portugal.
They were tasked with two scenarios, one involving one casualty and the other involving two casualties. The firefighters have to demonstrate how to quickly identify and treat the patients.
HWFS’ extrication team also placed second overall behind fellow British team Bridgend Service. The Road Traffic Collision (RTC) extrication challenge saw teams competing to demonstrate how to safely extricate trapped casualties in various scenarios.
Watch Commander and trauma team member Jayne Collins said: “Both teams were extremely proud to represent HWFS 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.”
Chief Fire Officer Nathan Travis added: “We are very proud of our extrication and trauma teams that have proven themselves as experts in their field repeatedly in national and international competitions.
“I would like to congratulate both teams that both finished second in their respective challenges in Romania in the World Rescue Challenge.”
