Mid and West Wales Firefighters Win National Breathing Apparatus Challenge

Firefighters from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have gained national recognition by securing the title of Best Breathing Apparatus (BA) Team and Overall Best Team at the National Breathing Apparatus Challenge (NBAC). The competition took place from October 12 to 14, 2023, at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, where they showcased their skills against 19 fire and rescue services from across the United Kingdom.

The winning team comprised Dominic Norcross (Officer in Charge), Lee Rees (Driver / Fireground Setup), Luke Fisher, Tim Frost (BA Team), and Morgan Lewis (BA Entry Control Officer). Their achievement reflects exceptional operational skill, teamwork, and a steadfast commitment to firefighter safety.

Outstanding Performance Under Pressure

The NBAC, sponsored by Draeger UK and supported by the Fire Fighters Charity, serves as a platform for promoting best practices in BA procedures and incident command. Each team faced a realistic, high-pressure scenario simulating a property fire, with only 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze and rescue any casualties. Teams were evaluated by National Assessors from various UK Fire and Rescue Services, focusing on criteria such as Command and Control, technical knowledge, and practical firefighting skills.

The Mid and West Wales team excelled in all assessed areas, demonstrating their high level of training and preparedness. Group Manager Stuart Bate, Head of Training Delivery, remarked on the achievement: “This achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism, and rigorous training of our firefighters. To be recognised as the best among such strong competition is a testament to the high standards we uphold in Mid and West Wales. We’re incredibly proud of the team’s success.”

Significance of the Challenge

The National Breathing Apparatus Challenge continues to be a vital event within the firefighting community, fostering collaboration and enhancing safety standards across UK fire services. The event not only highlights individual excellence but also promotes sharing best practices among teams, contributing to overall improvements in firefighter efficiency and safety.

For additional information about the NBAC, interested parties can visit www.nbac.co.uk. As the Mid and West Wales team returns to their duties, their success serves as an inspiring benchmark for other fire services across the nation.