Rescue centre to be officially opened (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Rescue centre to be officially opened

10:27am Tuesday 7th July 2009

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A NEW £875,000 search and rescue training facility is set to be officially opened in Droitwich Spa.

The site, which will train firefighters to save people trapped in collapsed buildings, will be launched by MP for Redditch Jacqui Smith on Friday, July 10 at 10.30am.

A special training ‘rig’ has been built to enable the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) crews based at the facility to recreate numerous emergency situations in which they can train to save lives.

The Hereford and Worcester USAR team is one of 21 located in the United Kingdom and is already operating from the site. They are on 24-hour call and can be sent to any major emergency. They are also deployed with a wide range of rescue equipment to assist at incidents within the two counties in support of local crews.

The USAR team’s own search dog called “Benj” who is being trained to help locate people trapped under buildings, has his own kennel next to the training base.

The building, together with its equipment and vehicles, has been funded by a government grant.

"We are delighted that our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) facility will be officially opened on Friday by Jacqui Smith MP," said Station Manager Dan Mourino.

"Having the USAR vehicles and equipment within our fire service enables us to respond and deal with a wider range of incidents with enhanced safety. It also means that we can help support other fire services should we need to respond to a major incident.

"During this official opening event we will be explaining how we are able to respond to incidents and what specialist equipment we use.

"It is also an opportunity for us to celebrate the excellent work we have achieved to date and a chance for us to recognise the work and commitment of our firefighters who make up the USAR team."

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