Working closely with members of the fire services community in their day jobs, members of our clinical team at Marine Court, Littlehampton, ventured offsite recently to spend a day with E Watch, Worthing and gain an insight into the the working lives of our beneficiaries.
Three of our exercise therapists, two physiotherapists and two psychological therapists got the chance to have a go at some everyday firefighting tasks to give them a better understanding of the injuries and issues they deal with.
The novice firefighters had a full tour of the station and appliances, showing all the equipment they carry, before watching a callout to a child with his hand trapped in a door.
Back at the station they dressed in protective equipment for a BA ‘persons reported’ exercise, where they worked as a team to rescue two casualties whilst dragging a hose reel.
The team then went up in the Aerial Ladder Platform; tried out hydraulic rescue equipment, during some RTC training; got the chance to experience hose drills, including hose running; and put out a hot fat fire with a fire blanket.
Our team experiencing a hose drill
During the day they also sat down and talked to staff about their roles and the specialist support we offer.
Watch Manager Darren Wickings, who hosted the visit, said: “It was a really fun-filled day and all of the staff said how much they had enjoyed it. More importantly, it gave them a valuable insight into the work we do and how their treatment could benefit our staff.”
Marine Court Exercise Therapist Rachel Rees, added: “It was great for us to get first-hand experience of the challenging and eye-opening work our beneficiaries undertake on a daily basis. We were also able to see how the services we provide can benefit fire and rescue service personnel in terms of their physical and psychological wellbeing for work, and we were able to talk to the staff at Worthing about how we can help them. As ever, we are full of admiration for the work of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and delighted to be able to play a part in helping with the incredible job they do.”
