Cross-Training with Lancashire Rope Rescue Team at Preston Docks
At Orb Rope Access, we believe that continuous learning and collaboration are essential within the rope access and rescue industry. Recently, our team had the opportunity to take part in another successful cross-training exercise with the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service rope rescue team at Preston Docks.
This is not the first time we have trained alongside the fire rescue team, and every session continues to highlight the value of refreshing critical rescue skills, sharing knowledge, and strengthening working relationships between industrial rope access technicians and emergency rescue personnel.
The Training Scenario
The day’s exercise involved a simulated casualty rescue from the top of a dockside crane. Working together, both teams planned and executed the safe lowering of the casualty from height down to ground level, while ensuring the casualty avoided the surrounding water at all times.
The scenario required detailed planning, effective communication, and coordinated teamwork throughout every stage of the operation. From anchor selection and rigging systems to casualty management and controlled lowering techniques, the exercise provided a realistic and challenging environment for everyone involved.
The Importance of Cross-Training
Cross-training exercises like this are incredibly important for both ORB Rope Access and the fire rescue team. While each organisation operates in different environments day to day, there are many shared skills and techniques that can benefit both parties.
These training days allow us to:
- Refresh and maintain technical rescue skills
- Share different methods, techniques, and approaches
- Improve communication and teamwork between organisations
- Learn from each other’s operational experience
- Strengthen relationships for potential future incidents
Collaboration between industrial rope access teams and emergency rescue services helps ensure everyone remains prepared for complex rescue situations. It also creates opportunities to exchange ideas and improve systems that can ultimately lead to safer and more efficient operations for all involved.
Looking Ahead
We would like to thank the Lancashire rope rescue team for another excellent and productive training day. Exercises like these continue to demonstrate the importance of ongoing development, cooperation, and shared learning within the industry.
At ORB Rope Access, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, training, and professionalism, and we look forward to working together again in the future.
