Staff and students volunteer to act in fire and rescue training

Posted 18 May 2016

Harper Adams University students and staff played the roles of causalities during a training exercise for Shropshire Fire and Rescue at the university campus.

The scenario the fire crews and trainee paramedics were faced with was a chemical explosion which had contaminated students and staff in a workshop on campus. 

Emma Osbourne, Health and Safety Officer at Harper Adams said: “The event went really well. It was attended by crews of multiple fire engines and two ambulances.

“You don’t always realise the extent of knowledge that our emergency services need and the training they have to undertake for any given circumstance. We were privileged to be able to assist them on this occasion.”

Andrew Black, Senior Lecturer, was one of the volunteer actors. He said: “The scenario was an explosion, resulting in a group of staff and students being exposed to some old pesticide. We sprayed bottled water on ourselves to simulate the chemical. 

“We then headed out of the building, into the arms of firefighters in breathing apparatus. 

“I have to say our acting was pretty good; we were coughing, spluttering and itching our bodies to make the scenario seem as realistic as possible. 

“It was a fascinating evening and it was great to be part of it.”

Phil Davies, Exercise Director, said: “The students and staff did a great job and helped make the exercise a success. 

“This was the latest in a series of exercises of different kinds that Harper Adams University allows us to stage on the campus.

“Exercises like this play an important role in firefighting training and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service owes Harper Adams University a big thank you for its generous co-operation.” 

The exercise saw crews from Newport, Press, Whitchurch and Hodnet fire stations taking part.