Author: ukemergency

FN20 XEA Network Rail Iveco Daily

FN20 XEA
Network Rail
Iveco Daily
Emergency response unit. It has an office-based control desk and rear tail lift with load space for carrying various equipment. It also boasts an inflatable shelter, train evacuation ramps, overhead line emergency equipment, portable lighting, fatality screen, rail stretcher and bulk PPE. It is fitted with amber flashing lights but also fitted with blues and twos however these can only be used with specialist trained driver.

LX18 AOZ London Ambulance Service BMW R1200RT

LX18 AOZ
London Ambulance Service
BMW R1200RT
The rapid response unit arrived at an emergency call to Euston station. While parked, the rider operated the steady blue lights that are about half the brightness of the usual flashing pattern. This is used to readily identify that it is an emergency vehicle on a call without blinding passing motorists and pedestrians with the full brightness flashing blue lights.

EY70 YXR London Fire Brigade Scania L360 / Emergency One

EY70 YXR
London Fire Brigade
Scania L360 / Emergency One
Based at Soho and fitted with a Magruis Turntable Ladder. New in November 2021, London’s fire brigade unveiled the UK’s tallest aerial ladder, standing at 64 meters. Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, plans were made to upgrade the fleet, resulting in the addition of three extended height ladder appliances. These ladders, strategically located across London, serve as water, rescue, and observational towers, enhancing the response to high-rise fires. The acquisition was made possible by both the Brigade’s budget and a generous £2.5 million donation from the Freemasons of London. Firefighters operating these new ladders have undergone specialised training, ensuring their ability to navigate London’s narrow streets safely. Advanced technology within the ladders also ensures operational safety, including alerts for adverse weather conditions.

Windermere Fire Exercise

We had the pleasure of being invited to watch some of Cumbria’s retained firefighters training in April 2023. The fire call was to Oldfield Road Garage Ltd who had kindly allowed the service to practice there. After the trainers set up using Windermere’s Land Rover PX57 ETK, the first vehicle to arrive was Windermere’s pump NJ71 FPF, after travelling on blue lights for less than a minute from the fire station on the next street.

The trainers had used smoke bombs to replicate a burning building with casualties played by manikins. Breathing apparatus was quickly donned and hose reels extended. The road was coned off to allow a safe space to work.

Meanwhile a number of other retained crews from neighbouring stations began arriving in their appliances. Staveley (PY68 RHE) and Ambleside (PX11 AFF) attended along with a watch manager (PX16 MHO).

The scene was complicated by it being on a narrow residential road and because of the temporary traffic lights at one end. Fire appliances blocked the road causing motorists to take alternative routes.

Positive pressure ventilation fans were used to help clear the smoke filled building and all casualties were rescued.