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Responding to Emergencies

Specialist Rescues

The Fire and Rescue Service also provide specialist response such as:

Road Traffic Accidents

If a person becomes trapped, for example in a road traffic accident or in a lift DIAL 999 and ask for FIRE. Our skilled firefighters, using the latest equipment, will be sent to help you. All our firefighters are trained in first aid and through working closely with other services keep distress to a minimum.

Animal Rescue
If you believe an animal is trapped DIAL 999 and ask for FIRE. We will obtain advice from the RSPCA and if the animal is in distress we will immediately send for our animal rescue unit to assist. Our specialist-trained personnel will handle any rescue with compassion.

Water Safety

The public perceive the Fire Service as the prime rescue service across a wide range of hazardous situations, including water related incidents.

It is the policy of Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) to mobilise to all requests for assistance to save life, render humanitarian services and protect property.

Working near, on or in water is inherently hazardous.  Fire and Rescue Service personnel receive specialist training to enable them to operate safely in this environment.  Personnel who respond to support or assist in the rescue of those at risk from water are aware of the extreme hazards they are likely to be exposed to.

If You Get Into Trouble

  • If you get into trouble, there will be no lifeguards to help you...
  • The water is often a lot colder than you expect - which can make your body ‘seize up’ and be unable to move. Just because you can swim well in a warm watered pool doesn’t mean you’ll be able to swim well in cold water.
  • It can be deep and it’s difficult to estimate how deep it is before you get in.

You may jump in but can you get out? Often people can’t get out of the water due to steep slimy banks or sides.

There is no way of knowing what lies under the surface of the water. There could be shopping trolleys, opened tin cans or broken bottles to mention a few.

If the water is polluted, it could make you seriously ill! For example, Weil’s disease is a form of infection that can be caught through contact with contaminated fresh water.

  • There may be hidden currents.
  • Never drink alcohol during or just before swimming - or any other water-related activity such as boating and water skiing.

Other Emergencies

We are fully trained and equipped to assist with a range of emergencies. Some examples are:

  • Spillage of dangerous chemicals which endanger life or the environment
  • Aircraft emergencies
  • Train Incidents