Venue announced for major rescue challenge

The challenge – which sees emergency services teams compete against each other to demonstrate highly-skilled rescue techniques – will be located on NewcastleGateshead Quayside on 18th and 19th September.

TWFRS chief fire officer Chris Lowther said: “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase the professional skills delivered every day across the UK by fire and rescue services. And the location couldn’t be any better for our competing teams and visitors.

NewcastleGateshead Quayside not only has the facilities required to host the Challenge, but its iconic buildings and well-known North East hospitality will ensure that this will be a great event for both participants and spectators.”

The two-day Challenge includes awards for:

• Urban Search and Rescue
• Trauma
• Water Rescue
• Rope Rescue
• Extrication

As a charitable organisation UKRO prides itself in advancing professional rescue through the direct benefits from the rescue challenge, education workshops and the UKRO Academy.

The River Tyne – a scene of real-life rescues by TWFRS’ Swiftwater Rescue team – will provide the venue for the water rescue challenges.

As well as the Challenge, TWFRS will also offer spectators the opportunity to visit the Education Village, where both residents and businesses will receive help and advice on keeping themselves, their homes and their businesses safe.