The terrorist attack at Westminster on March 22, 2017, marked one of three significant events over the last decade in London that has prompted an increased focus on training for the city’s emergency response teams.
This week, emergency personnel including firefighters, police officers, and paramedics participated in a drill in Colchester, Essex, aimed at evaluating their response capabilities.
As pink smoke rises from a vehicle, firefighters are seen evaluating a group of simulated “casualties.”
Although the scene appears quite realistic, the rescuers are merely assessing dummies as part of a training initiative centered around what is termed a marauding terrorism attack (MTA).
These incidents are characterized by elements such as the use of knives, vehicles as weapons, fire, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or firearms.
Patrick Goulbourne, an assistant commissioner with the London Fire Brigade (LFB), emphasizes that firefighters are always prepared for a terrorist threat.
“People often overlook that our role encompasses more than just extinguishing fires,” he notes. “Our teams are trained to organize and conduct intricate rescue missions and deliver essential emergency medical care.”
For MTA situations, firefighters are equipped with specialized protective gear, including helmets and bulletproof vests.
Mr. Goulbourne highlights that since 2017, the brigade has been enhancing its approach to managing MTAs.
Since then, there have been three similar events in the capital: at Westminster Bridge, London Bridge, and Fishmongers’ Hall, alongside the implementation of recommendations from the public inquiry into the Manchester Arena attack.
Terrorism-related incidents frequently begin as ordinary calls but rapidly evolve, necessitating that the brigade quickly adapts to new and changing conditions.
“It’s essential that we have the training and gear that enable us to respond proficiently to such incidents,” states LFB group commander Shaun Coltress.
“Collaborating with our emergency service partners is crucial… and the brigade has committed to applying lessons learned from past events to enhance our preparedness.”
Mr. Coltress adds, “Our personnel are incredibly driven to assist the people of London, and the brigade is always eager to learn from prior experiences.”
The post Headline: Firefighters Enhance Readiness for Marauding Terror Attacks Through Realistic Training Exercises first appeared on London.
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Author : London News
Publish date : 2025-03-24 10:03:00
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