A superb day out with the Fire Service

As part of their Retention, Achievement and Progression (RAP) Week, over 50 students from the NULC Uniformed Public Service course spent an educational and informative day with the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.  Based on Knutton Lane in Newcastle under Lyme, the students experiencing hands on training covering the many and various aspects of the Fire and Rescue Service. 
The staff at the Community Fire Station had set up a series of stances where the students operated, under close supervision, Road Traffic Collision (RTC) cutting equipment, observed a decontamination exercise (covering reaction to a terrorist attack) and wore Swift Water Rescue equipment, including dry suits, helmets and buoyancy aids. As they tried on the equipment they were briefed on the Rigid Inflatable Boats that had been recently deployed last month in the River Thames flooding. 

The students finished off their visit by wearing and operating Breathing Apparatus in a mocked up house fire rescue which simulated a search for a missing baby and adult in a two storey smoked filled domestic property. 

Sam Holmes, Public Services Lecturer at NULC said: “The students and I had a great day with at the Community Fire Station.  The stances were carefully arranged to quite rightly showcase the skills and talents of the Fire and Rescue Service and educate our students on the opportunities open to them in the Fire Service.” 

Public Services student, Claire Rutter, added: “It was great visit, we could actually try on the equipment and have a go. I found the house rescue thrilling and challenging."

Students on the Uniformed Public Service course participate in several similar visits and talks throughout the year, enabling them to learn hands on skills and gather the facts about the Public Services that will help them with their studies and on completion of the course, make informed decisions on their next career steps.

To find out more about studying Public Services at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.