Ketton cement works donates HGV shunter to Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue for essential training

Ketton cement works recently donated an old HGV shunter destined for the scrap yard to the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue team for use in essential extrication and rescue training drills, enhancing their preparedness for real-life emergencies.

The drill night, attended by Stamford Fire and Rescue and the Grantham Technical Rescue team, set out various scenarios for the crew to participate in. The exercises included rescuing a person trapped under the vehicle wheel, as well as those trapped inside the HGV cab. 

The team were able to trial their new mobile platform, designed to facilitate the safe and efficient extrication of a casualty from the vehicle. Additionally, the Technical Rescue team took advantage of the donated HGV to practice with equipment they had previously only used in theoretical training, which will better enable them to react in a real-life incident.

The crew spent three hours on site, fully engaged in hands-on training in a controlled environment. The feedback from the team was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the session as a valuable experience.

Harry Bell, Crew Manager at Stamford fire station said: “The technical crew from Grantham found the training very beneficial, it is the first time that they have had the opportunity to train on such a vehicle. 

“Thank you to Heidelberg Materials for not only facilitating the training but donating the vehicle for us to lift and cut - it has been invaluable for us to help develop the training that the crews receive.”

Our Ketton team are regularly engaged with the local fire and rescue service and have previously hosted a training night to educate them on the aspects of air suspension and air braking systems. 

Chris Sharman, Workshop Manager at Heidelberg Materials said: “It was great to see how professional and engaged the whole crew were with this opportunity, and its always a privilege to be able to support our local fire crews.”