Sutton Coldfield College students stage emergency situation for the fire service

They came up with their own character scenario, went into hair and make-up then Sutton Coldfield College students gave the performance of their lives while taking part in a training exercise for West Midlands Fire Service.

The 15 performing arts (acting) students took on roles in a search and rescue situation, interacting with fire officers from local stations earlier this month.

They even looked the part as media make-up artists from University College Birmingham made them look as though they had been surrounded by smoke and had suffered injuries and burns.

“This was an exciting and challenging performance opportunity for the students,” said Lorraine Foggin, Department Manager at the college. “The scene was a gas explosion in a building basement and they had to communicate with the officers responding to the scene as they would do in a real life situation.

“They were all incredibly professional, despite being in a daunting environment that was dark, full of smoke and noise. It’s proved to the students that no matter what the situation, the show can and must still go on!”

75 officers from stations across Birmingham, Coventry and the black country took part in the exercise in central Birmingham.

Crew Commander Karl Smith from Aston Blue Watch added: “It was great to have the students at the exercise. Having live casualties is a great way for firefighters to test their own skills and procedures. West Midlands Fire Service would like to thank Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital for the use of one of their buildings and all the students that took part in the exercise. We look forward future collaborations with them all.”