In the build up to the 2021 UKRO Challenge – Festival of Rescue that is being staged on the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides in Tyne and Wear on the 17th and 18th September.  We are continuing to catch up with a few of the teams from the 25 fire and rescue services, who are proudly representing their regions on the national stage.

The Festival of Rescue, a free event to attend, is being hosted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) and supported by Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council.

TWFRS has been finding out how the teams are preparing for their visit to the North East of England, when they will be showcasing their skills to the excited gathered crowds.

We caught up with Firefighter Jason Browning of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) Dragons Extrication Team.  SWFRS will be sending six teams in total to UKRO 2021: three Extrication; one Trauma; one Water; and one Rope.

Firefighter Browning kindly answered our four set questions:

Q1: What preparations are you doing in the run up to UKRO?

SWFRS Dragons have had to make many new additions to the team this year, and we have gone back to basics and worked on our team dynamic and communications. The Dragons have enjoyed the preparations that we’ve put in for this year’s regional and national challenge.

Q2: Describe how you’re feeling in the build up to UKRO? What are your emotions and expectations about visiting the North East Tyne and Wear?

This year there will be a lot of new experiences for members of the team so there will be nerves and anxiety. But at the same time there will also be an excitement to get going and show what we can do during the challenges / workshops, and meeting other teams from around the UK.

Q3: What do you hope visitors to the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides can expect from your appearance at UKRO 2021?

SWFRS Dragons will bring passion and an eagerness to learn new techniques and pass on any previous knowledge to others. We look forward to the experiences ahead as a team, and hope to deliver this experience back to the South Wales fire service and the communities that we serve.

Q4: How important are events like the UKRO Challenge?

Events like this UKRO Challenge are important for every fire service throughout the UK who use these events to feed back in to their services, and deliver top quality service to the communities within.

#FestivalofRescue