beach 180Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) crews from Weston-super-Mare Fire Station have taken part in an exercise designed to test the joint working practices of the agencies which may be called on in the event of an emergency in Weston Bay.

AF&RS was joined by the Maritime Coastguard Agency and the RNLI for a scenario involving a light aircraft crashing into the sea at low tide with six souls on board. All ‘casualties’ were provided by the RNLI.

RNLI crews rescued the ‘casualties’ from the sea and moved them to the beach, with AF&RS crews using the hovercraft to bring them to the upper beach where they were handed over to the ambulance service. During the rescue, trauma care was maintained with two of the casualties given CPR.

Station Manager Jon Brown said: “The exercise was a great opportunity for the different organisations to work together to achieve the best possible outcome for those in need of rescue. It also allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the protocols and working practices of the agencies involved so that in the event of a real incident we are fully prepared and can work together effectively.

“I would like to thank all those involved for making the event a success, in particular the volunteers from the Weston life boat for their participation and enthusiasm.”