Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Team returns after successful training mission in Kenya

A team of firefighters and paramedics from Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the South Central Ambulance Service has returned from a two-week mission in Kenya, where they trained local emergency services. 

The trip, which began on Monday 23 September, included four firefighters from Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Services, two paramedics, and former BFRS Community Fire Safety team member Kayleigh Jean. They focused on essential firefighting and medical skills in Tharaka Nithi and Meru Counties.

This mission is part of a long-standing partnership initiated by retired Bedfordshire firefighter Ray Willet and Fred Akandi, a Kenyan living in Dunstable. After witnessing devastating fires in Meru, Fred sought BFRS's help to develop Kenya's fire service. The collaboration, which began over a decade ago, has included training and equipment donations, such as two fully equipped fire engines provided in 2018.

During this year’s trip, the team conducted hands-on training in various firefighting techniques, including operating fire engines, vehicle marshalling, ladder pitching, and rope rescue, with a focus on high-angle rescues. Heightec supplied necessary equipment for these training sessions and Paramedics refreshed first responder skills, medical care, and triage techniques.

The team also delivered fire safety workshops to firefighters, schoolchildren, university students, and community groups to raise awareness in vulnerable areas. 

Crew Commander Ryan Phillips emphasised the mission's impact: “It’s a rewarding experience; you see trainees grow in confidence and skills. Hospitals have reported increased survival rates from incidents since our training. The Kenyan fire service's hospitality has been exceptional.”

The trip’s success was supported by partners such as Delta Fire, GE Health Care, and Heightec, as well as the dedication of volunteers in both the UK and Kenya. 

Watch Commander Martin O'Doherty expressed gratitude for everyone's efforts: “People have put in a tremendous amount of effort to enable this extraordinary exercise to take place, from the volunteers who drive us to and from the airports, colleagues who work in stores, workshops, technical and driving – the list is endless. Thank you all so much.”