THE FIREFIGHTERS from Green Watch at Basingstoke Fire Station took part in simulation training at Sainsbury’s Distribution Depot in Houndmills.

The firefighters, led by firefighter and road traffic collision instructor Andy Liming, an ex-Sainsbury’s HGV driver himself, who set up several scenarios to put the crew through their paces.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue support a highly successful Vehicle Extrication and Trauma team and having access to HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) and LGVs (Lighter Goods Vehicles) is integral to help the teams maximise the potential to save lives.

Two Sainsbury’s vehicles were utilised to simulate extracting a driver from a cab using a spinal board, raising a vehicle using air lifting units, and how to uncouple a trailer and tractive unit.

These training sessions have taken place annually at Sainsbury’s Depot and the Fire Station for the past 10 years. This allows the firefighters to review their techniques and put new technology and equipment to the test by simulating serious incidents involving large vehicles.

Andy said: “Training like this is so important to keep us up to date and safe, making rescues survivable for those who are physically or mechanically trapped. I can’t thank Sainsbury’s enough for this training set up. It’s a partnership that I am sure will give many people a greater chance of survival and recovery.”