Sligo to Host National Challenge
24/02/2010 -
Sligo Fire Service will host the Second Rescue Organisation Ireland, National Challenge on Saturday 6th March. The challenge involves a competition between 11 Irish Fire Brigades from all around the country.
The goals of Rescue Organisation Ireland, are to help bring international best practices to the side of the road for Fire Crews who respond to Road Traffic Collisions and thereby improve the outcome for the casualty.
The event is targeted at emergency services personnel but the event is open to the public to promote road safety. With that in mind the Road Safety Simulation Trailer will be there as well as the Volvo Cutaway Demonstration Model, the ESB’s latest All Electric Vehicle and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Road Rescue Team.
The loss and injury through road traffic collisions is a relatively modern phenomenon. Wherever there is a motor vehicle then, inevitably, humans can become victims to it. The objective of the ‘National Extrication Challenge’ is to bring together teams of rescue personnel who are committed, not only to displaying their ability, but to expanding their practical skills by learning from and teaching others involved in the same field. The fire-fighters train and participate in these events on their own time and Sligo Fire Personnel who are not part of the team are volunteering on the day to assist in hosting it. The event would also not be possible without the assistance of personnel from Northern Ireland Fire And Rescue Services who are helping out on the day.
Practical Challenges
Sligo County Council’s Chief Fire Officer Paul Coyle feels the challenge will be of major benefit to the participating teams. ‘This exercise is an excellent medium for rescue personnel to stimulate and develop proficiency levels in all areas of rescue. Among the many disciplines covered in the day are: Emergency First Responder Level Pre-Hospital Medical Care, incident control, scene safety and, extrication focusing on safe use of cutting equipment. The scope of the exercise will entail practical challenges, learning new techniques and critical examination of rescue practices. We will study current extrication models and explore innovative developments in this area including how to deal with the stronger passenger compartments, undeployed air bags and electric vehicles.’
What those professionals observe and learn during these days, will go back with them to their own Brigades and Services where, the knowledge and practices learned will benefit all those who become victims of the motor vehicle accident.
Best Safe Practice
The emphasis in the National Extrication Challenge is on developing and promoting ‘Best Safe Practice’. While it is termed a ‘Challenge’, the aim is not primarily to win, but to use what is learned at these events, in protecting and saving the people who are rescued as well as Fire Service personnel, the rescuers. Although one team will be adjudged the best team overall, the real winners of this event will be the future victims of motor vehicle accidents.
Professionalism
The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Gerry Murray commended the Fire Service personnel for organising this exercise. ‘The general public hold emergency service personnel in the highest regard, and this initiative is another example of the Fire Service’s commitment to professionalism and best practice in terms of front-line operations.
