Learning about the latest truck technology

Firefighters from Middlemoor Fire Station have been learning about the latest truck technology thanks to a visit from Evans Transport.

Phil Metcalf-Boyen from Evans Transport said: "Hopefully it’s a benefit to Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service us being here today and explaining how one of our latest trucks operates. I’ve been demonstrating to the crew the best approach to take if they have to take it apart or if they need to jack it up. Also how to deal with the air suspension. These are all things that may not be apparent by just looking at a truck, especially after a collision."

Adam Mckee a Firefighter from Red Watch explained: "Today has being really helpful from an operational point of view. It has given an insight into the latest truck technology so when we attend a road traffic collision we are better informed about what we can and can’t do to aid our work.

"This includes information about the safety restraints or how the air axles work. These are all operated by the driver themselves, so Phil has shown us how they work normally, as opposed to when we see them after the impact from a road traffic collision. It’s all about releasing people from a collision in the quickest and safest way possible."

Middlemoor station is based close to the M5 and crews are likely to attend road traffic collisions that involve large trucks.