Three crews (Bradford, Fairweather Green and Shipley Green watches) and a group of BSc Paramedic Science students were faced with a mock three-vehicle crash, featuring one of the cars flipped onto its side and trapped passengers.
The firefighters carried out the extrication as if it was a real-life scenario, cutting the roof and doors off the cars while students assessed patients, managed injuries and coordinated care in a fast-moving situation.
Watch Manager Phil Warden said "It was a really valuable day with lots of learning for all agencies involved. The students were enthusiastic and it was great to see them applying their learning from their course into a situation that reflects a real life incident.
“This is just the start of us teaming up with the University on things like this, we have plenty more plans to work together on scenarios including further paramedic training, and using university buildings for a high rise incident. This sort of partnership working is really beneficial for both WYFRS and the University so it was a great day to be involved with.”
Participating Paramedic Science students said the simulation, held on International Paramedics Day on 8 July, provided an invaluable opportunity to put their learning into practice.
Ravi Richardson, who graduates next week and has secured a job with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service in Halifax starting in the autumn, said “It was great to get some practice of this type of scene before I go out and do it for a job. It was a good chance for me to practise the skills that I’ve learned over the last four years. Simulation is the best way to learn.”
First-year student Emma Brookshaw also welcomed the chance to work alongside emergency crews. She said “Working with the fire service was brilliant. I’ve not done anything like this before. It was really helpful as I’m more of a hands-on learner.”
There's plans for more exercises of this nature to take place in the coming years to build on the partnership working and continue to develop valuable skills that benefit all partners involved.