During September 9th-12th, representatives from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) took part in a UK-wide search and rescue training exercise.
Hosted by UK International Search and Rescue (UK-ISAR), the training exercise, named Kinverstan 7, was held across a variety of sites in Shropshire. The session brought together members from all 14 UK-ISAR member Fire and Rescue Services, as well as canine teams, veterinary support, the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Medical Team and international delegates from Kenya and Tajikistan.
Representing MAWWFRS were Group Manager Steven Davies, Watch Manager Russ Martin, Station Manager Lee Rees and Firefighter Tim Frost. The aim of the session was to provide a realistic overseas-style deployment of the USAR Team, including mobilisation, establishing a base of operations, a full demobilisation and a series of challenging rescue scenarios. Locations ranged from a disused farmhouse and woodland camps to caves, farmyards, and a scout camp, each chosen to reflect the conditions and unpredictability of a real international deployment.
Realistic Training Scenarios
The training scenarios presented a series of high-pressure rescue challenges designed to test and refine the teams’ technical skills, adaptability, and collaboration. Beginning with Kinver Farm Shop, responders tackled earthquake-induced entrapments involving hay bales and machinery, requiring search cameras and manual excavation. William’s Farm introduced an aftershock scenario with spinal injuries and confined-space rescues, demanding creative use of limited anchor points. At The Wood Yard, teams faced a crush syndrome case and had to improvise lifting systems using timber due to the absence of standard equipment. The Clean Breach Workshop focused on refining techniques for removing breach plugs, incorporating stitch cutting and camera use.
Royce’s Cave pushed teams into unstable terrain to rescue a family, with limited shoring materials forcing reliance on local timber and inventive rigging. The final exercise at Woodside Farm simulated a barn collapse with multiple casualties and a vehicle entrapment requiring amputation. A staged aftershock added urgency, trapping medical personnel and triggering a crisis management scenario. Across all exercises, the emphasis was on realism, resourcefulness, and the ability to respond effectively in unpredictable and hazardous environments.
Successful Collaboration
The Kinverstan 7 training exercise brought together a wide range of expertise: directing staff from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, experienced ISAR responders from across the UK, and valuable contributions from canine and medical teams. International delegates added an important dimension, sharing knowledge and observing UK operational methods.
The exercise was hailed as a great success, with all objectives achieved, valuable lessons learned, and team capability strengthened for future deployments.
UK-ISAR are the official UK Government response to international disasters, funded and supported by FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office).
