A COMMUNICATIONS agency opened the doors of its Hartlebury premises to firefighters for a dramatic training exercise.

The Drpgroup handed over its main studio to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue, filling the studio with haze, as three teams of fire officers attended the “event” to carry out a controlled rescue.

The exercise was carried out as a full dress rehearsal and included setting up pumps and connecting to hydrants. As it was completed at night the building was empty for the fire rescue team.

A scenario was set up up where four people needed to be rescued from the main studio. While that was in operation it was being monitored by trained observers. Drpgroup’s health and safety manager Paul Weston also played a part in it.

Mr Weston said: “It was an extraordinary privilege to host a training simulation for the local fire brigade at our facilities in Hartlebury.”

He added: “From a health and safety manager’s point of view, this was an exhilarating event but also an eye-opening experience that not only tests and familiarises the local fire brigade with our facilities but demonstrated to them what we do as a company and the hazards for them throughout our buildings in the event of an emergency.

“It was an experience that tested how robust our practices and procedures are. The evening was a resounding success and both parties have benefited greatly from the exercise.”

Bob Sproat, Station Commander Wyre Forest for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue, said: “As an organisation dedicated to the provision of an excellent service in protecting our communities, while constantly striving to improve firefighter safety, we welcome opportunities to work with local businesses and other partners to ensure we can respond optimally if required in emergency situations.

“Our recent collaboration with Drpgroup is an excellent example of such initiatives and we are extremely grateful to them for their valued support and assistance."