Richard Mills

Securitas welcomed top Fire Cadets to the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, for an action-packed firefighting weekend giving graduate cadets a safe and realistic insight into firefighting. Securitas’ fire and safety instructors In addition to classroom demonstrations, the young cadets gained hands-on experience as they took part in real-life scenarios under the supervision of the Securitas’ highly skilled, trained fire and safety instructors.  Scenarios included tackling a domestic fire, rescuing casualties and administering first aid Scenarios included tackling a domestic fire, rescuing casualties from a road traffic accident and administering first aid. The cadets were also taught how to handle breathing apparatus and witnessed a powerful backdraft demonstration. Annual firefighting weekend Over the weekend (28th – 29th September), the cadets made new friends, had loads of fun and learnt even more about what it means to be a firefighter. Richard Mills, Deputy Commissioner and Director of Operations at London Fire Brigade, joined the cadets on the first day. Richard commented, “I’m extremely proud of our London Fire Brigade Fire Cadets and inspired by how young people achieve amazing success given the right opportunities. This exciting, jam-packed weekend, hosted by Securitas UK at the Fire Service College, has allowed 16 of our top Fire Cadets to experience the absolute realities of firefighter training which I hope helps them decide if an operational career in the fire brigade is their dream. Securitas UK has hosted firefighting weekends for our cadets for the past four years and we are very grateful for their generous and continued support.” London Fire Brigade partner It is always a privilege to host this annual firefighting weekend for graduate Fire Cadets" Shaun Kennedy, Country President Securitas UK, joined the cadets for the weekend, taking part in the activities and presenting the awards. Shaun explained, “As a trusted partner to London Fire Brigade and a long-time supporter of the Fire Cadets, it is always a privilege to host this annual firefighting weekend for graduate Fire Cadets.” Shaun adds, “Watching each cadet develop new skills and gain confidence as they tackle new challenges and overcome all the obstacles we throw at them during the live scenarios, is hugely rewarding. And it’s wonderful to see how they make new friends and how the group develop a real sense of camaraderie, something I hope they’ll carry with them throughout their careers, hopefully as firefighters.” Firefighting training He further stated, “It’s a privilege to lead and inspire the next generation of firefighters and I’d like to thank everyone from across Securitas and LFB who willingly dedicate their time and expertise to make this annual event such a wonderful experience for the Fire Cadets.”

Standards are being set with fire and rescue services in the UK adopting escape hoods to protect trapped and injured people from toxic smoke during evacuation at fires. Latest figures show in the year 2017/2018 firefighters attended 717,890 incidents in the UK, with 213,464 being fires. Fire related fatalities totalled 401 and there were 5113 non-fatal fire related casualties requiring hospital treatment. The London Fire Brigade is the first in the UK to carry the PARAT 5550 to protect members of the public from toxic smoke at fires. The fire service will be rolling out approximately 600 fire escape hoods across 102 fire stations in London over the next few months. Fire Escape Hoods Assistant Commissioner Richard Mills from the London Fire Brigade said: “Smoke from fires is extremely toxic and can render people unconscious within a few breaths. These hoods filter out four of the most dangerous gases, including what we call the ‘toxic twins’ of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.” Fire escape hoods will provide firefighters with vital extra time to consider their priorities “Rather than having to carry out every rescue as fast as possible, fire escape hoods will provide firefighters with vital extra time to consider their priorities and plan the safest exit route. We’ve worked closely with the Fire Brigades Union to introduce these fire escape hoods as part of fire fighting kit.” Fire-Related Gases With standards being set in the London region, Dräger is committed to assisting fire brigades around the UK and Ireland with adoption of fire escape hoods. The PARAT 5550 from Dräger is a fire escape hood packaged in a flame-retardant holster that has been specially designed to be carried without restricting freedom of movement of the firefighter and ready to be used whenever it is needed. The fire escape hood offers people who are trapped in fires protection from toxic fire-related gases as well as particles and vapours for a minimum of 15 minutes.