Firefighters and police in Elgin re-enacted a crash scene yesterday to give local councillors a “fascinating insight” into their lifesaving work.
The teams teamed up for a day-long demonstration of the equipment used to tackle fires and to rescue motorists trapped in their vehicles after a crash.
The event was organised after members of the council’s police and fire rescue services committee decided they would benefit from a first-person look at the work carried out by the crews.
Yesterday, the gathered at Elgin Community Fire Station – and were thrown right into the midst of the action.
Elgin City South councillor Graham Leadbitter found himself cast in the role of a firefighter during a crash reenactment, and was tasked with ensuring an injured driver remained in position when receiving CPR – while the car was dismantled around them.
He said: “It was really hard work, but nowhere near as tough as the situations our fire crews actually encounter.
“The day was really interesting, it was a fascinating insight into how difficult the job of a firefighter can be.
“We are used to sitting in our council chambers, so the chance to learn from front-line firefighters and police officers about their day-to-day work was really useful.”
Committee chairman Ron Shepherd added: “The demonstration opened our eyes to the variety of equipment in the Elgin station, and the day was a great help to us as we make decisions on the forces involved.”
Elgin station manager Anna Rogers, who organised the event, said: “The day was a great success, and I think the elected members gained a good overview of all our equipment and the work we do.
“We made sure they all got totally involved and made it a genuine learning experience for them.”