Date: 25th May, 2018
Honda UK in Swindon is hosting a large-scale exercise on Tuesday 29 May in support of the local emergency services.
Organised by Dorset & Wilshire Fire and Rescue Service, the training will involve fire crews from Swindon, Stratton, Westlea and Royal Wootton Bassett; the heavy rescue unit based at Trowbridge fire station; and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) from South Western Ambulance Service.
The scenario will be a road traffic collision involving multiple cars, provided by Honda. The company often donates pre-production models to the Fire and Rescue Service, as new materials and design features can impact on how firefighters go about cutting into vehicles to rescue those inside.
Crew Manager Mike Wainwright is one of the exercise organisers. He said: “A road traffic collision involving several vehicles takes up a lot of space, and we need even more room for all the attending emergency services, so it can be very difficult to run training that realistically replicates what we could face. We are hugely grateful to Honda, as their support is allowing us to set up a scenario that is lifelike and, therefore, really challenging to those taking part.”
He added: “Every road traffic collision is different, and we are constantly testing our skills. New vehicle technology can present a challenge, whether it’s additional airbags or boron steel construction, which is difficult to cut through, so training like this is invaluable to both us and our emergency services partners.”
As well as those taking part in the exercise, there will be a number of observers on site to take notes and ensure that all necessary learning is drawn from the event.
Jason Smith, Director of Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd, said: “Honda is pleased to assist the emergency services with this activity. Our working partnership with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service enables them to practice their skills on the latest vehicles, ensuring they are in the best position to support our community.”