News Headlines... February 2010
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Exercise ‘TOXIC-SPA’ | Caravan Fire
Exercise ‘TOXIC-SPA’ Hits Droitwich
On Wednesday 3rd February 2010, a major exercise codenamed ‘TOXIC SPA’ simulating an explosive toxic release will take place at the Fire Service Training & Development and Urban Search & Rescue facilities in Droitwich.
The realistic exercise will furnish NHS staff studying a Masters Degree at Warwick University with some of the key practical skills required for major incident and crisis management. The casualties, 25 students from Solihull College studying public service courses will be ‘made-up’ to look like real victims by a team of 20 local students from Worcester College as part of their course covering stage and film make-up.
Fire Service Training Instructor, Simon Cusack said;
“If we are going to do this type of exercise –it’s important that we make it as realistic as possible and learn from as many angles as is feasible to save public money and maximise the benefits for the organisations and individuals taking part.”
“Exercise ‘TOXIC-SPA’ will also make use of the Fire and Rescue Service’s on-site Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) team with its facilities (opened by the Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith MP in 2009), to simulate building collapses such as those recently seen in Haiti where their colleagues from around the world, dramatically assisted in the rescue of several people.”
“The exercise will be fairly easy on the students to start off with –but we will be testing their ability to cope under pressure and manage the situation as would happen in the event of an unfolding potential catastrophe. A number of fire fighters, senior officers and specialist equipment used at major incidents of this type will also be utilised.”
Woman Rescued from Caravan Fire
At 17:14 on Sunday 31st January 2010, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a caravan fire in the Wythall area of North Worcestershire. Crews from Redditch and Bromsgrove along with a West Midlands Fire Service crew from Kings Norton attended the incident.
An arrival at the scene firefighters using breathing apparatus and hose reel, rescued one person who was handed over to paramedics and ambulance personnel. The casualty was treated at the scene for injuries before being transferred to hospital by land ambulance for further treatment.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.