UK ISAR team members have strengthened their timber shoring skills following a week-long specialist training course at the National Resilience Centre of Excellence in Merseyside.
The course, held in August, brought together team members from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, London Fire Brigade and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Timber shoring is an important skill within urban search and rescue, helping to stabilise damaged or collapsed structures and create safer working environments for rescue teams operating in challenging conditions.
Throughout the week, participants developed their knowledge and practical skills, covering key principles of timber shoring, safe systems of work, tools and materials, and the construction of basic shoring systems.
The practical sessions gave team members the opportunity to put their learning into practice, from measuring and cutting timber through to assembling and securing shoring structures.
As well as developing new skills and refreshing existing knowledge, the course provided a valuable opportunity for teams from across the UK to share experience and expertise. This helps support a consistent approach to timber shoring and strengthens the collective capability of UK ISAR teams.
The training is part of the ongoing development of specialist skills that help UK ISAR teams prepare to respond to complex emergencies, both in the UK and internationally.
With expertise shared across fire and rescue services from across the country, the course demonstrated the value of collaboration, practical training and continuous learning in maintaining a highly capable search and rescue response.