On Wednesday 16 May, Bridgwater & Taunton College students involved in the Bridgwater 999 Academy were supported by members of the Police, Fire Brigade, and Ambulance Service to experience how to deal with a serious road traffic accident.

The mock-up road traffic accident scenario focused on a driver being arrested for drink driving and another individual being arrested as they fled from the scene. Avon & Somerset Police, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust worked alongside the students to explain what they would look for when trying to establish how the RTC was caused and the actions they would undertake as individual emergency services.

The day’s activity included the fire service removing the roof from a vehicle to extract trapped casualties from the wreckage, the ambulance service treating those who were injured and the police preserving the crime scene to help support their investigations post-accident.

Chris Weigold, Super Intendant said, “The 999 Academy is a unique experience for young people to be able to see first-hand how the emergency services work together to keep our communities safe and protect the vulnerable.”

Jason Gunningham, Assistant Principal for Land-based, Sport and Foundation Studies at Bridgwater & Taunton College said, “The 999 Academy is an amazing opportunity which inspires young people aged 16-19 to become valued and respected members of the community.

“The involvement, experience, and knowledge of the emergency services has been invaluable and has provided the students with a great insight into the public services industry.”

If you would like to find out more about the 999 Academy please email Ruth Burrows burrowsr@btc.ac.uk