Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service took third place in this years United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) competition called the Festival of Rescue.
The event which was hosted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue took place on the River Tyne at Newcastle’s Quayside and saw 70 teams representing Fire Services from up and down the country.
Teams displayed their skills across a variety of specialist disciplines going head-to-head to be crowned the very best in their field.
Northumberland's Water Rescue team bagged third place after a spectacular display in the Water Rescue discipline. Team captain, Watch Manager, Jon Alder said the team had far surpassed any expectations they had at this early stage of the team's development, however complimented the result due to the professionalism and dedication of the trio and the highest quality of Water Rescue training the crews receive.
He said: “Northumberland's team, Andy Irvine, Steve Walker and Alan Middleton showcased their skills in several scenario-based rescues which included, rescuing a casualty from the roof of a car in flood water, accurate throw bag deployment, rewriting an upturned boat, rescues from an urban flooded environment and several contact rescues, paying particular attention to casualty management.
The team of three were assessed in three categories, Helm (driver of the boat), Medic and OIC (Officer in Charge) and the collective score was tallied together to give the overall finishing position.
The 70 teams tackled intense challenges in five categories which included vehicle extrication, trauma care, urban search and rescue and water rescue.
