Training exercise recreated a major incident for training purposes

A range of firefighting skills and multi-agency operational procedures were put to the test at the weekend with the aim to rescue 28 casualties.

Fire engines and crew from Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Campden, Winchcombe, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham West and East, Gloucester North, Cirencester, Nailsworth and Coleford attended along with two fire engines and crews from the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Casualty Union, Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) and British Red Cross also supported the exercise. 

The aim of the exercise was to test multiple vehicle collision procedures at a large-scale incident, it also tested joint command and control systems as well as multi-agency working and the use of support appliances in order to serve our communities in an efficient and safe manner. The exercise had been developed from data collected from shared risks in Gloucestershire.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nathaniel Hooton said: “The exercise simulated the response to a major incident on the M5, which posed a "significant risk.”

“The simulation was as realistic as we could make it and will help ensure that all those involved are as prepared and as confident as they can be for any future large scale emergencies, so thank you to our staff, volunteers and partners who made this possible.”

“We practise and train intensively to ensure that when we are needed, we can respond appropriately. This simulation gives us an opportunity in a realistic situation, with our partners, to ensure that if we did ever have a major incident like this, we could respond in the right way to save life, protect property, render humanitarian services and protect the environment.”