Staffordshire kayak rescue firefighters get heroes nomination

Firefighters were taking part in a training exercise when they were alerted to a kayaker who needed help (stock image)

Six firefighters who sprung into action to save an injured kayaker in Wales have been nominated for a heroes award.

"Outstanding actions" by the Staffordshire crew - Dale Glover, Phil Salwey, Martin Bailey, Tim Bullock, Justin Cooley and Adrian Smith - led to the Uniformed Heroes Award nomination.

It is part of the Your Heroes Awards, taking place in Stoke-on-Trent.

Other award nominees include a police officer who saved the lives of boaters when their vessel caught fire.

Other categories include Child of Courage, Future Star and NHS Hero.

The fire crew was taking part in a training session in Llangollen, in May this year, when they were approached by a kayaker who said a woman had fallen on nearby rocks.

They found the wounded kayaker in severe pain, with a suspected broken leg, unable to move due to her injuries.

But because they had a stretcher, trauma kit and a rescue sled, which enabled them to transport the woman to safety.

She was then taken to hospital for treatment and has since made a full recovery.

'Speedy recovery'

Chief fire officer Rob Barber said: "All six firefighters played their part to ensure they reached a place of safety before the woman was taken to hospital.

"They fully deserve their nomination for their life-saving actions they carried out that day."

Mr Glover said he was proud of how they'd dealt with the incident.

He said: "As a result of careful planning, we were able to bring the injured kayaker to safety and are pleased she has gone on to make a speedy recovery."

Other award nominees include a police officer who saved the lives of boaters during a horrific canal boat fire, and two other police officers who put their own lives at risk to protect a woman and her children at the centre of a domestic incident.