ON top of fighting flames, firefighters are often called to rescue people from flooding or open water.
Water rescues now plays a big part in the line of duty for firefighters and after a year of intensive training watch manager at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Matt Pardoe, has officially become a qualified Swiftwater Technician Instructor.
Matt was awarded his white instructor’s helmet in December and is now the second crew member to obtain the qualification, following Watch Commander Tim Skeath who passed his instructor training in 2015.
Matt’s instructor training took a year to complete, which included five separate weeks away training in swift water conditions in Wales.
He said: “Water rescue training is both physically and mentally challenging, beginning with a Swift Water rescue technician course, followed by Advanced Technician training and ends with the instructor ticket.
“Each section is either pass or fail and there are challenging theory sessions to deliver practical sessions and exams throughout.
“Now that I am a qualified instructor, it means that I can help teach and support fellow Warwickshire firefighters to rescue people from dangerous water conditions, further helping to prevent any possible drownings.”
