Watch as Dundee hosts exercise simulating major emergency with multiple casualties

by · The Courier

A unique firefighter training exercise simulating a major emergency with multiple casualties has taken place at the Courier’s printworks in Dundee.

The DC Thomson building on Kingsway East played host to around 30 firefighters for a realistic training event on Friday.

Spread across several floors the exercise was designed to improve essential search and rescue skills in challenging environments.

Officers, some blindfolded, wore breathing apparatus and used hoses for simulated fire conditions.

Firefighters blindfolded to simulate being in smoke-filled room

Firefighters also used thermal imaging cameras to search the warehouse and offices for casualties.

Area commander Bryan Todd, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service senior officer for Dundee, Angus, Perth and Kinross, said using the DC Thomson facility had proved “very successful”.

Fire engines outside the Kingsway building. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Around 30 firefighters took part. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Officers look for casualties with limited visibility. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Training involved blacking out firefighters’ visors to simulate a smoky, dark environment. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Officers with Dundee in the background. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
One of many casualties in the simulation. Image: Steve Brown/ DC Thomson

He added: “Wherever possible we train our firefighters in the most realistic and varied environments possible.

“This kind of exercise helps maintain and build on the extensive search and rescue skills of our firefighters.

“The opportunity to use a new and unfamiliar environment goes a long way to simulating scenarios we can face in a real-life incident.”

Dundee hosts unique firefighter training exercise

SFRS staff regularly make use of public and private buildings for additional training.

AC Todd added: “This was a very successful exercise for all of our staff.

“I would like to thank DC Thomson for working with us and allowing the use of the building.”