lorry donationTransport group Kier has donated a six-wheel, curtain-sided vehicle to United Kingdom Rescue Operation (UKRO) for the simulation of rescue operations.

The lorry will be used as part of the Education and Development Directorate, and will first see action in the delivery of Heavy Vehicle Rescue Education Workshops at the National Extrication Challenge in Gloucestershire (31 July), which this year has been accredited for CPD hours by the Institution of Fire Engineers for the first time (read more about this story here).

UKRO’s annual challenge provides a safe and controlled environment in which firefighters from services across the UK can trial innovative techniques and procedures, as well as test new equipment that could ultimately be used at real incidents.

Education workshop lead for extrication and heavy rescue, Gareth Lloyd, believes the donation from Kier will “play a key part in the training and development of firefighters across the UK and make a fundamental difference in the development and innovation of the fire service”.

Chair of UKRO, Steve Apter, said: “To address the growing diversity of rescues that our emergency services undertake we are continually looking at new ways to provide training. This donation will help us to expand in our remit of working with fire services across the UK and we’re looking forward to seeing it in action at the upcoming National Rescue Challenge.”

The vehicle will be managed and maintained by Avon Fire Rescue Service (FRS) and also used in regional internal training for the Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset FRS, helping to enhance education in those areas. It will also travel around the UK to various UKRO heavy rescue education events helping to Improve heavy rescue skills and best practice nationally.

Kier managing director for highways, Nigel Dyer, added: “Our fleet has recently been upgraded and we wanted to make sure that our old vehicle was put to good use. We’re delighted to have been able to provide UKRO and Avon FRS with this resource, which will enable them to expand the training that they provide and offer vital experience to help firefighters trial scenarios that can be used in real situations.”

Kier Group is an integrated property, residential, construction and services group operating across a range of sectors including defence, education, housing, industrials, power, transport and utilities. For more information, please visit www.kier.co.uk