Press releases
Arriva and fire service work together in safety exercise designed to improve skills and understanding
15 March 2005
Arriva the Shires and Essex and Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service have worked together on a series of accident scenarios enacted at the bus company's Luton depot and designed to give a realistic yet safe training environment for fire fighters to deal with an accident involving a large vehicle.
A simulated accident involving a car and a bus allowed firefighters the opportunity to practice their rescue techniques on this type of incident and also to practice casualty care techniques using specialist training mannequins.
Heath Williams, managing director for Arriva the Shires and Essex, explained why the bus company wanted to get involved:
We are always looking at ways to further improve safety and were delighted to be able to support the fire brigade's training in this way.
By filming their response to the incident, we can then use it in our training programmes for drivers and can give them a realistic example of how to work with emergency services on the very rare occasions that accidents as serious as the one in the scenario occur.
Kevin Moores, of Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, added:
Fortunately, serious incidents involving large vehicles such as buses happen very rarely so it is really useful that we are able to set up these practice scenarios. Arriva's support allows us to train fire service personnel, in a safe but realistic environment.
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