Recently, the Wales Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team held a multi-agency training exercise which brought together several of the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services, as well as other emergency services.
Named ‘Red Dragon One’, the training exercise brought the Wales USAR Team, which consists of personnel from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) together with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
The two-day exercise provided the opportunity to simulate a variety of realistic scenarios to test, develop and refine the procedures and systems of all agencies taking part. Post-incident procedures and decontamination systems were tested through scenarios such as confined space operations, ‘hot cutting, chainsaw, shoring and operating a full logistics sector. Sessions also allowed for specialist skills and personal protective equipment to be tested.
By simulating emergency situations from beginning to end, the USAR Team and partner agencies were able to test their operations for every stage of an incident, including preparation, mobilisation, decision-making during the incident, de-mobilisation and post-incident procedures and debrief.
As well as testing processes at the scene, the team was also able to check the communication and mobilisation systems with the Joint Fire Control Centre, located in Bridgend. There was also the opportunity to test convoy procedures to ensure the safety, efficiency and reliability of coordinated vehicle movements during emergency response. Effective testing helps identify and address potential issues or risks such as communication failures, navigation errors and vehicle spacing problems.
Station Manager and USAR Team Manager Gareth Lewis said:
“I’d like to thank everyone who participated and supported the preparation phase of this exercise. There was a commitment towards the exercise from as far afield as Aldershot in Hampshire, with two guest speakers who held workshop-based activities from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. Thank you also to Dr Malcolm Russel from the UK’s International Search and Rescue Team’s Medical Team for opening the event and for sharing his experiences as a medic in global search and rescue environments.”
