The Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) is a group of specialist paramedics who respond to high-risk incidents which involve hazardous substances such as chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials. They also respond to large-scale incidents such as train crashes, motorway accidents, building collapses and significant fires.
In the last 10 years, the HART team have been deployed to over 10,000 emergencies – this included supporting the various teams who responded to the Manchester Arena Bombings and the Salisbury Novichok Agent incident.
The need
The EMAS HART team needed to complete long duration breathing apparatus exercises – and wanted to deliver the training in realistic conditions.
Working with MRS Training & Rescue
The MRS Mansfield training centre has facilities which made it possible for the HART team to deliver the breathing apparatus training exercises they needed to complete.
The HART team often respond to incidents where breathing apparatus may not be required initially, but then needs to be deployed as a result of a change in the environment. The team worked with MRS to develop exercises in escaping and using long duration breathing apparatus, to train for these types of incidents.
MRS Training & Rescue is a leading breathing apparatus trainer, and we were delighted to be able to assist the HART team in delivering their training exercises.
The Long Term Benefits
MRS continues to support the HART team – with high risk confined space and rescue training, when required.
“The HART team always put their team through tough training, and we provided our facilities and expertise – so the team could practice responding in ‘real-life’ situations.” Mark Whittaker, Operations Manager at MRS Training & Rescue Mansfield
“I have been with HART since 2008, having had 15 years previous experience working with MRS, before I became a paramedic. MRS’ training facilities provide a realistic training environment and help us prepare our paramedics for any situation they may face. Thanks to MRS, we achieved all aims and objectives, getting all 42 members of staff through their High Risk Confined space training, City and Guilds standard.”
