Coastguard stuck-in-mud training given to Hampshire firefighters

Staff from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were among the 20 service personnel to take part

Emergency services staff have taken part in training to help people who get stuck in the mud.

HM Coastguard led the three-day training course in Portsmouth earlier this month.

Staff from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were among the 20 service personnel to take part.

It means they can now travel up to 400m (1,300ft) to save people in trouble on soft land and in mud, instead of 30m (100ft).

Coastal operations area commander, Tom Wright, said the training was "a huge success".

"The idea was to train members of the fire and rescue service to mud-technician level so when these situations happen we can work together quickly and effectively, with an even more strengthened response," he added.

"We share the same mission of protecting and saving lives so it is important, where we can, to exchange skills to improve preparedness and multi-agency working.

"Being six years in the making, this project is a huge step forward for our collective response to mud rescue incidents."

Glenn Kavanagh, watch manager for response at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Our crews are now capable of beginning the rescue of casualties stuck in mud more than 30 metres from solid ground, and support coastguard teams upon arrival, enabling a quicker resolution to these incidents.

"You can't recreate the level of realism these scenarios provide us with in the drill yard or classroom, so this training opportunity was a great experience in a realistic setting, working closely with our partners, and it ultimately helps us to keep people safe."

The training is expected to be rolled out across Hampshire to more teams in the fire and rescue service.

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