North Notts College Emergency Services Day
Learners at North Notts College took part in an informative Emergency Services Day, hearing from professionals across a range of emergency and rescue services and gaining an insight into the vital work they do to keep people safe.
The event brought together emergency service professionals from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Nottinghamshire Search and Rescue and Fire Fighters Charity giving learners the opportunity to hear directly from professionals, ask questions and get hands-on with specialist equipment.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
The day began with a visit from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, who joined learners in the car park in front of the National Fluid Power Centre (NFPC).
Protective Services, Sport and Flex learners had the opportunity to explore a fire engine, sit inside the vehicle and find out more about the equipment firefighters use when responding to emergencies.
The team explained that there are more than 2,500 pieces of equipment used across the service. Learners also discovered how every fire engine in Nottinghamshire follows the same layout, with equipment stored in the same positions. This ensures firefighters can quickly locate the equipment they need, even when working on a different vehicle or alongside colleagues from another station.
The session gave learners a valuable insight into the organisation, teamwork and specialist knowledge required when responding to fires and other emergencies.
Learning how to stay safe around water with the RNLI
Next, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) delivered a water safety session for Protective Services and Flex learners.
The session focused on the dangers of entering water unexpectedly, including the effects of cold water shock and hidden hazards beneath the surface.
Learners were introduced to the RNLI’s Float to Live advice, which encourages people who unexpectedly find themselves in water to stay calm, float on their back and control their breathing.
The key message was simple: Stop and think, stay together, float and call 999 or 112.
The presentation also went into detail about the equipment used during water rescues, including lifebuoys, throw lines and reach poles. Learners explored how this equipment is used by the RNLI to help people in difficulty, while reinforcing the importance of knowing how to respond safely in and around water. #RespectTheWater
“Today was our opportunity to show our support for the Emergency Services and to raise awareness of the range of careers available. It was fantastic to give our learners the chance to meet professionals, learn about the important work they do and discover the different pathways into these rewarding careers.”
Jo Wilson, Personal Development Coordinator
Nottinghamshire Search and Rescue
The third session saw Nottinghamshire Search and Rescue, a lowland rescue team, join the College to demonstrate some of the specialist equipment and techniques used when searching for missing people.
Protective Services learners learned about the process that takes place when someone is reported missing.
A missing person is first reported to the police, who assess the circumstances. The case is then reviewed by a Police Search Adviser (PolSA) and given a risk grading of low, medium or high. Where a case is assessed as high risk, Nottinghamshire Search and Rescue can be deployed to support the search.
Learners also discovered the different specialist teams involved in search operations, including foot teams, dog teams and drone teams.
With around 30 people reported missing every day in Nottinghamshire, the session highlighted the important role search and rescue teams play in supporting the emergency services and helping to keep people safe.
Fire Fighters Charity
Finally, Learners also heard about the important work of the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides support to members of the fire services community and their families during and after service.
The charity supports the physical and mental wellbeing of those working in the fire service, offering clinical care, personal wellbeing and practical support when it is needed most.
The session highlighted that working in the fire service can have a lasting impact, and that support is available to help people manage the physical, emotional and practical challenges that can come with a career in emergency services.
Bringing learning to life
Emergency Services Day gave learners the chance to see the knowledge and skills they are developing at College put into a real-world context.
From exploring fire and rescue equipment to learning about water safety and understanding how missing-person searches are coordinated, the day provided a valuable insight into the wide range of careers available within emergency services and public protection.
A huge thank you to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI, Nottinghamshire Search and Rescue and the Fire Fighters Charity for giving our learners such an engaging and informative day.
Interested in a career in the emergency services?
If you’re interested in working in the emergency services and want to develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a rewarding career, explore our Protective Services courses at North Notts College and start your journey today.