Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) is proud to welcome a team of Ukrainian firefighters as part of our longstanding commitment to supporting the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) and their International Development Programme.
The firefighters will continue their training and development with HFRS in Trauma Care and Extrication, ahead of them taking part in the UKRO Rescue Challenge, which will take place on the 29 and 30 September.
Over the years, HFRS has supported personnel to deliver the UKRO project and donated equipment, including fire engines, rescue equipment and fire kit, which have reached their end of life in our replacement programme. However, they are fully serviceable for others to use through UKRO and FIREAID Charity; some of which were recently pictured in the tragic events in Kremenchuk, Ukraine.
Ian Marritt, Station Manager at HFRS and Director of Education and Development at UKRO said, “I first went to Ukraine in 2016 on a scoping mission and with support from the Service, fire engines were donated in 2018 and converted to left-hand drive before being used operationally. They are used in the towns of Kremenchuk and Lubny.
“To support the UKRO’s International Development Programme, I returned in 2019 and 2020 to provide further training.
“I am really proud to be a part of the UKRO and the charities commitment towards improving rescue standards throughout the UK and internationally.”
For over 30 years, the UKRO has, and continues to be, at the forefront of development and innovation in the field of professional rescue, ensuring that rescue and trauma professionals both in the UK and internationally, are able to adapt and respond to existing and emerging risks.
The UKRO is run by practitioners predominantly from within the Fire and Rescue and Medical sectors with a passion for advancing professional rescue. As volunteers, these dedicated experts use their knowledge, skills, and expertise to inform and educate other in preparation for tomorrows rescues.