THERE were dramatic scenes as firefighters leapt into action at the scene of what appeared to be a horrendous pile-up.

But on this occasion, they were thankfully only scrap cars being used as part of a training day, as firefighting crews went through their paces at Cinderford Community Fire Station. It was one of three ‘Firefighter Development Days’ arranged by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s Learning and Development Team to support developing firefighters in continuation training in vital risk critical skills.

The road traffic collision (RTC) development day last Friday, May 31, was attended by 28 Development firefighters from across Gloucestershire from both the ‘On Call’ and ‘Full Time’ duty systems.

A Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue spo- kesperson said: “A special thanks needs to go to Forest Auto Salvage, Abbey Scrap Cars and FAB Properties for their support throughout the event in supplying the venue and scrap vehicles that could be utilised by crews practising extrication techniques.

“And also access to a HGV vehicle for an awareness session on how to deal with air braking systems and the complexities of dealing with HGVs in a road traffic collision incident.

“Plus access to a hybrid vehicle for a crew awareness session on how to make electric vehicles safe during incidents.”   

Adam Openshaw, the Area Manager at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are absolutely committed to providing the best quality training to our firefighters.

“This not only helps to keep them safe, but ensures that the emergency response service we deliver to our local communities is of the highest standard.

“Our ‘Safer Firefighter’ strategy ensures that we have the right skills to deal with all foreseeable risk,” he added.

“I would like to thank everybody  involved for creating this opportunity to practice our life saving skills in dealing with road traffic collisions.”