INTREPID Cheshire firefighters are tackling a new challenge - rescuing trapped road accident victims in a national competition.

It is the first time local crews have taken part in the rigorous 'extrication' competition.

Two teams from Runcorn fire station battled it out this week to represent Cheshire. If successful, they will compete against crews from all over the country in the prestigious final to be held in Glasgow at the end of July.

"The idea is to push forward and develop road traffic accident training," said sub officer Neil Brookes, team leader of one of the Runcorn crews.

"It also emphasises the importance of the team approach between police, fire and ambulance. It's the combined effort, working together, to give the public the best service."

In the competition, the five-man crews will be challenged to free a trapped accident victim from a vehicle, ideally in less than 20 minutes.

They will be tested on their team leader's command and control ability, their care and handling of the casualty and their tool operation and cutting technique.

"It all happens simultaneously,"said sub officer Brookes. "It's about best practice. If we pick up any new techniques, we will share it afterwards with each other."

More people die and suffer serious injuries in road accidents than in fires, he said.

The peak time for accidents, he said, is from 8am-10am and 5pm-7pm.

"The standard entrapment involves just one vehicle on a normal B road in daylight hours," said sub officer Brookes.

"Seat belts are vitally important. They reduce injuries by 75 per cent."

Skilled rescue crews can now 'wreckage read'. Just by looking at the damaged vehicle, they can immediately assess the injuries likely to be suffered by the victim.

Runcorn's rescue teams say they would not have been able to enter the competition without the help and support they have received from Grangeside Recovery.

"They have supplied us with vehicles to practise on and given us lots of help and advice," said sub officer Brookes.

"We work very closely with them as they are able to supply heavy lifting and cutting gear."

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