Fire crews in Tyne and Wear are using a decommissioned Metro carriage to stage realistic emergency training scenarios.
The 40-tonne carriage, donated to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s (TWFRS) training centre at Barmston Mere in Washington, sits on a purpose-built track that allows it to move in and out of a training tunnel. Firefighters can now practise responding to tunnel collapses, fires, collisions at level crossings, and even terrorist attacks.
Dale Howey from TWFRS said: “The training scenario possibilities are endless… We’ve identified this as a risk we need to train for, in case something happens on the train. It’s essential for the development of our firefighters that they are given the opportunity to experience and train in real life scenarios. We’re able to protect our communities for years to come.”
The 95ft (29m) yellow No. 4019 carriage will also be used for joint training exercises with police and ambulance services. TWFRS previously used a 1970s London Underground carriage but, according to Howey, “The facilities were nowhere near as good as this. It wasn’t real life, it wasn’t local.”
David Punton, from Metro operator Nexus, said: “We are delighted to donate the carriage. Having that back-up from fire and rescue service and having that level of training and familiarisation with the Metro, it’s really important.”
Michael Richardson, head of fleet and depot replacement, added: “The old carriage, which has served our customers for 45 years, is now playing a vital role.”
