Kent Fire & Rescue Road Safety Event | Saturday 3rd June

Firefighters will be holding a road safety awareness event at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham on Saturday 3 June 2017.

Crews from Chatham fire station will be talking to the public about staying safe on the roads and holding live crash rescue demonstrations, to show what happens in the aftermath of a serious crash.

Crews will be using hydraulic rescue equipment including cutters and spreaders to free mock ‘casualties’ from a car, while highlighting some of the risks motorists face on the road, as well as offering preventative advice to road users.

The event takes place in the yellow car park of Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, opposite Argos, from 10am to 4pm. Crash rescue demonstrations take place 

As well as chatting to the crew, visitors will have the opportunity to test their coordination while wearing impairment goggles, which simulate the disorienting effects of drugs or alcohol.  There will also be a chance to look around a fire engine and to see the range of equipment firefighters use to respond to a range of emergencies.

Chatham crew manager Dave Hulks said: “Firefighters now attend more crashes that house fires,  as we’re regularly needed to help free casualties from the vehicles involved. We see first-hand the devastating consequences of these incidents, which all too often sadly result in serious injury or loss of life.

“With this event we aim to raise awareness of the human factors that can lead to crashes, such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We are grateful to Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre for supporting and hosting our event which we hope will ultimately help to reduce the number of people hurt and killed on our roads.”

Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre Manager Mark Rumfitt said: “We are happy once again to have the opportunity to work closely with Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS). This will be a valuable opportunity for customers to see a live rescue demonstration. This event will show the potential outcome of a serious crash and KFRS will be on hand to answer  any questions regarding fire and rescue.”