Firefighters use Quasar HQ for training session
Fire training exercise at Quaser, Hemel Hempstead. Picture by David Satchel.
Firefighters were tasked with finding four 16 stone ‘bodies’ in a smoke-filled laser sports arena as part of a training exercise.
Bosses at Quasar in Hemel Hempstead lent their premise to fire crews so that they could test out their search and rescue skills.
Around 20 firefighters from Hemel Hempstead, Watford and Welwyn Garden City took part in the emergency practice on Friday morning.
It was led by Hemel Hempstead’s Red Watch crew commander Marc Cavaciuti. He said: “The facilities that they have got here are amazing for us because the environment couldn’t get better in terms of search and rescue.
“It really tests our knowledge and our search procedures because it’s not a standard set up in there.
“The guys did a really good job. There were some learning points but over all it was a really good effort.”
It is not the first time that Herts Fire and Rescue Service has used the Marlowes venue, which is usually where youngsters get together for some laser fun.
Owner Philip Hill said: “We have been here for 20 years and they have used us quite a few times.
“We can smoke it out in there and turn the lights off and it’s a totally new environment for them.”
The firefighters used breathing apparatus and practised different search techniques to track down the four dummies made out of old fire kit and gravel.
They also had to work together to rescue one of their own when it was mocked up that a firefighter’s protective mask had cracked while he was carrying out a search of the building.
>To see a clip of the firefighters in action click here
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Weather for Tring
Saturday 25 May 2013
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