Over 40 paramedics from North East England have completed an intensive working at height and rescue training course delivered using the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s 27m high wind turbine training tower at its National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth.
The team from the North East Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team were able to familiarise themselves with onshore wind turbines and undertake emergency procedures.
Instructors from Rescue North East trained paramedics on access methods when undertaking an emergency procedure on a wind turbine using the vertical ladder and fixed vertical fall arrest system, as well as techniques for self-recovery and casualty recovery.
Andrew Tipping, Sales Manager for ORE Catapult, said: “Working at height is an essential yet hazardous process when conducting vital wind turbine operations and maintenance.
“Our Training Tower is an open access facility and we are pleased to be working with Rescue North East to support the training of paramedics so they are adequately prepared for any emergencies involving onshore wind turbines.”
Paul Renwick, Managing Director for Rescue North East, said: “The training facilities and bespoke package available has enabled us to provide the quality training we need to equip paramedics to be able to work safely and carry out rescues in hazardous areas.”