07 August 2019
Home Affairs Minister, Constable Len Norman, and Assistant Minister, Deputy Gregory Guida, have joined the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (JFRS) for an interactive training day to learn more about the work and activities of the service.
The Ministers both took part in a number of scenarios, which involved them wearing full firefighting kit and breathing apparatus to navigate through a simulated smoke-filled building, being cut out of a vehicle following a road traffic accident and experiencing a sea rescue.
During the day, the Ministers also attended two call-outs which concerned a medical emergency to assist the Ambulance Service, and a fire at a private property involving a gas cylinder and barbeque, which had caused considerable damage.
Richard Ryan, Watch Commander for Green Watch commented: "This was a unique opportunity for us to show our skills and get the Ministers to experience the work that we undertake from the perspectives of both firefighter and casualty. They were fully involved in the day and I would like to thank them for their enthusiasm displayed throughout."
Constable Len Norman said: "It was a very worthwhile day, which enabled me to understand even further the multitude of skills required to be a modern-day member of the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service and to appreciate more fully the value of the on-call members of the service. I was also able to witness first-hand the closer working relationship with the Jersey Ambulance Service.
"It would be hard to say what my favourite part of the day was - being taken into a ‘burning building’, cut out of a car and taken out on the inshore rescue boat was all equally exciting. I believe, however, that it was the team’s professional response to the emergency calls we attended that really stood out for me. I was impressed with how quickly they responded to, dealt with and resolved the situations that were presented to them.
"As Minister for Home Affairs, and as an islander, I am very proud of the dedicated and professional service that everyone in the Fire and Rescue Service provide to the island.”
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