The recent MFC Survival Rescue Day was held at and in conjunction with the Cardiff International White Water centre, a recognised centre of excellence by several bodies including Canoe Wales and the BCU and are frequently used as a training venue by Europe's rescue services.
The day started with a brief introduction from Frances Hunt of MFC Survival and then it was on to practical demonstrations of the MFC Survival equipment and CIWW training in the water. The demonstrations included casualty recovery using an MFC Survival Rescue Sled RS5 and rope rescue technique by CIWW’s instructors; The second demonstration showed a casualty being rescued by the South Wales Police diving team using an MFC Survival 5m Airtrack, an inflatable rescue walkway for rescues on water, mud, ice and unstable terrain. The Airtrack is constructed in a catamaran type shape providing exceptional stability on water, especially during casualty recovery, and clearance on ice, mud flats and unstable terrain. The unique footprint also prevents suction on to mud and soft surfaces. The sunken vehicle rescue demonstrated by South Wales Fire and Rescue provided a realistic training scenario for rescuing casualties from a submerged car.
The attendees included the Fire, Police and Search & Rescue Service teams who came along to see practical water rescue demonstrations with MFC Survival equipment and the CIWW training capability, together with the opportunity to participate and try out some of the MFC Survival equipment themselves on the white water rafting course. Also in attendance and demonstrating their water rescue skills were the Newfoundland Water Rescue Dogs and their owner Pete Lewin. These dogs are used as an aid to rescue by trained water rescue technicians and love to be in the water.
After lunch there was an opportunity for the teams to get into the water and try out some products including the Fibrelight Cradle, a versatile man overboard recovery system designed primarily for use by small rescue craft, rigid inflatables and ships' lifeboats. Its primary function is to recover casualties from the water and is very quick and simple to use, and can be operated by one crew member. In addition, the Fibrelight Cradle can be used as a scramble net or boarding ladder to climb into the boat or disembark safely in an emergency, with very low maintenance necessary this is an extremely versatile product.
As well as being involved in the water rescue day with equipment in the water, MFC Survival displayed their service capabilities through Prime Serve their service company and used an inflatable shelter as a display tent to showcase such products as their low pressure and high pressure airbags and the RS10T Rescue Sled with transom. To complete the day, CIWW opened up the course for everyone to take a plunge into the rapids and experience for themselves the thrill and skill of white water rafting.
For further information please visit www.mfcsurvival.com or come and see us on stand 46 at the Emergency Services Show www.emergencyuk.com
