Three days of training alongside HM Coastguard partners has left firefighters equipped to travel 400 metres away from solid ground, to assist with mud rescues.
Previously our crews were only able to travel across 30 metres of softer land and mud, with this training providing the skills and resources to increase this distance.
The training in Eastney, Portsmouth has enabled the two agencies to work together and experience call outs involving mud, further improving their understanding of location, skills, and how to respond to those in need.
There were around 20 people who took part in the training, including representatives from the local coastguard teams, police marine unit and animal rescue.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Watch Manager for Response, Glenn Kavanagh said:
“This shared training and new equipment has enhanced our response to and joint-working at mud rescue incidents.
“Our crews are now capable of beginning the rescue of casualties stuck in mud more than 30m from solid ground, and support coastguard teams upon arrival, enabling a quicker resolution to these incidents.
“You can’t recreate the level of realism these scenarios provide us with in the drill yard or classroom, so this training opportunity was a great experience in a realistic setting, working closely with our partners, and it ultimately helps us to keep people safe.”
HM Coastguard’s Coastal Operations Area Commander Tom Wright said the training was “a huge success”, and is excited for it to be rolled out to more teams in the fire and rescue service. He said:
“The idea was to train members of the fire and rescue service to mud technician level, so when these situations happen we can work together quickly and effectively with an even more strengthened response.
“We share the same mission of protecting and saving lives, so it is important where we can to exchange skills to improve preparedness and multi-agency working.
“The training was a chance to throw both coastguard and fire and rescue into the heart of a controlled mud rescue operation. Being six years in the making, this project is a huge step forward for our collective response to mud rescue incidents.”
We ask that before you venture out, make sure that you are aware of our guidance on how to stay safe:
- Always follow local warning signs
- Don’t go out alone into unknown areas
- Be aware of tide times and currents
- Take a mobile phone with you
- Stay on footpaths and keep dogs under control
- If you come across someone stuck in mud – call 999 – don’t enter the mud to help them
If you do find yourself in danger:
- Try to stay calm and avoid movement
- Spread your weight to stand evenly
- Call loudly to attract attention
- Call 999
- And discourage others from attempting to rescue you