FIREFIGHTERS from a Wyedean station have qualified for the World Rescue Championships in Florida next year after taking the runners-up spot at the UK titles.

Ross-on-Wye Fire Station’s Luke Rose, Pat Murphy, Shaun Moser, Adrian Phillips, Jayne Collins and Dan Gray impressed the judges at the UK Rescue Organisation (UKRO) National Challenge in Ripley, Derbyshire, in the extrication section, while Adrian was also runner-up in the Best Incident Commander category.

The firefighters had to deal with simulated road traffic accidents, starting with a 20-minute multi-vehicle single patient scenario using a standard set of rescue tools.

The top 20 teams from across the whole of the UK then passed through to day two for a more complicated multi-vehicle, two patient scenario, featuring all manner of props including the use of lorries as well.

They were judged on the demonstration of command, technical and medical skills, with the Ross team representing the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service winning the technical section and placing second overall to Essex.

HWFRS also scooped the Best Water Rescue Medic prize through an Evesham firefighter, and second in the Best Water Rescue Team award through the Hereford station.

“It’s been a fantastic event and the team feels privileged to have had the opportunity to engage with rescue professionals from across the whole of the country, gaining and sharing vital knowledge and skills to advance professional rescue,” said watch commander and team manager Craig Newman.

“These skills are directly transferrable in making the roads and waterways of Herefordshire and Worcestershire safer.”

“Thank you to HWFRS for their support and backing and to the UKRO assessors and education team members who have helped to advance our knowledge and skills, always pushing us forward.”

UKRO is a charitable organisation, which aims to drive the national agenda on road death reduction, by pushing vehicle extrication to its professional pinnacle and showcasing other rescue disciplines.

A spokesperson said: “The Challenge is a prestigious annual event which has greatly assisted in the improvement of rescue standards and technical skills within fire and medical professionals.”