Hereford & Worcester Firefighters Snag Sixth Place at World Rescue Challenge 2015
Firefighters Jayne Collins and Simon Griffiths from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service smashed it at the World Rescue Challenge in Lisbon, ranking an impressive sixth out of 68 global teams.
Battle of the Best: From Local Champs to World Stage
The World Rescue Challenge, held from 14-18 October 2015, is the ultimate test for emergency rescue teams. Only the fiercest local champs make the cut to compete internationally. This elite event focuses on the latest road traffic collision rescue techniques and advanced casualty care.
Jayne and Simon qualified after winning the UKRO National Trauma Competition earlier this year, earning their spot among the globe’s best rescue pros in Portugal.
High-Stakes Scenarios Put Firefighters to the Test
Over four intense days, the duo faced two nail-biting challenges: a fall-from-height casualty and a violent shooting and stabbing/" title="Stabbing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">stabbing scene. With just 10 minutes per scenario, they had to assess, diagnose, and treat victims accurately — no room for error.
Learning, Leading, and Saving Lives
“We are so proud of the result and all the hard work we’ve put in,” said Firefighter Jayne Collins. “The real prize is what we’ve learned. We’re bringing this back to Herefordshire and Worcestershire to push trauma care forward.”
She added: “The standard is sky-high. Being part of these events means we lead from the front, improving patient care and ultimately saving lives.”
Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates praised their performance, saying: “Jayne and Simon have shown world-class skill and commitment. Their experience will enrich our training and ensure residents get some of the best trauma care worldwide.”
Hereford & Worcester’s elite trauma team proved they belong on the global stage, driving forward life-saving rescue techniques with pride and passion.
