Shropshire High SheriffShropshire’s High Sheriff, Diana Flint, got first-hand experience of firefighters’ rescue techniques as part of a training exercise to highlight the importance of road safety.

The Deputy Lieutenant for Shropshire, who was appointed High Sheriff in April, volunteered for ‘the hot seat’ in a wrecked Ford Fiesta car yesterday morning (Sunday, November 3rd), so that nine firefighters from White Watch at Shrewsbury Fire Station to practise rescue procedures.

Speaking after the event, Ms Flint said: “I can imagine that if you were in a crash you would be traumatised and shaking with shock so it was very reassuring to have Roger [Haydon], the casualty care firefighter, holding my head steady and reassuring me all the way.
 
“He told me about the noise and jolts from the cutters before it happened. It was all very quick, calm and done in a highly professional way. It was actually a very positive and reassuring experience to know how well cared for you are by such dedicated professionals.”

The event took place ahead of Road Safety Week, which runs from November 18 to 24. In Shropshire 23 people were killed in road crashes on county roads last year and 156 seriously hurt. So far 14 people have died this year and 82 have been seriously injured. 
 
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service also offer a free driver training scheme with the county branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. In it, 17 to 25-year-olds go out with a trained observer and take an advanced driving test.
 
For more information contact Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service on 01743 260200 or visit www.shropshirefire.gov.uk