Turntable Ladder Appliance Training at Aberystwyth Fire Station

Firefighters at Aberystwyth Fire Station carried out a turntable ladder appliance training session on Friday, January 23^rd, making full use of the station yard to sharpen their essential operational skills.

The exercise brought together both Wholetime and On‑Call Firefighters, offering an opportunity to strengthen teamwork and ensure consistent operational standards across the station.  As part of the training, Firefighters were able to enhance and refine their skills and operational procedures, as well as practicing how to integrate the turntable ladder (TL) appliance with other fire engines.  Radio communications between all Firefighters were also tested, including those between the Watch Manager at the TL appliance’s control podium and the Firefighter in the rescue cage.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) currently has three TL appliances, based at Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest and Morriston Fire Stations.

The TL is a specialised aerial fire engine with a maximum rescue height of 32 metres. Its telescoping, 360‑degree rotating ladder and platform allow Firefighters to deliver water from above, reach and rescue people trapped up to heights of around 10–12 storeys and gain an elevated vantage point to observe and assess incidents.  The appliance’s hoses can pump up to 2,400 litres of water per minute.