HEMS & HART Awareness
ASSAR operates with other emergency services on a regular basis during the rescue stage of callouts. Training visits to these services are vital to ensure awareness of capabilities is maintained. These visits are also important for ASSAR to ensure other services are equally aware of our role for Avon & Somerset Police. ASSAR trainees and members recently visited the Great Western Air Ambulance base at Filton and the nearby HART – Hazardous Area Response Team.
Operating safely around helicopters is a fundamental requirement of any search and rescue team. An appreciation of what assets are available to help is important, from the fast air ambulance that can bring expert medical care to the RAF Sea Kings that can winch casualties to safety. Team members and trainees visited the air ambulance base for a tour and briefing delivered by one of the critical care paramedics, also an ASSAR member.
HART were established after the London Tube bombings in 2007 to train paramedics to work alongside Fire & Rescue and other emergency services in difficult areas. They have responded to various incidents involving cliffs, caves and floods alongside ASSAR. The tour demonstrated the type of vehicles and supporting kit that HART can bring to a rescue.
Our thanks go to all those involved that showed us around their respective units, especially Pete Sadler Critical Care Paramedic from the Great Western Air Ambulance for organising the day. Please support the valuable work of this charity through their site.
ASSAR members and trainees visiting the Filton HART base.
ASSAR trainees learning how to load the Great Western Air Ambulance.