SECOND year students on the FdSc Rescue and Emergency Management programme at Duchy College have completed the rope rescue element of their technical rescue module at Burrator Dam on Dartmoor.

The group carried out a range of activities, including crossing the dam at heights, setting up, safety and team work. Communication, leadership, teamwork, risk appreciation and problem solving are all important skills for this type of activity and are essential employability skills.

Student Lucy Tickner said: ‘The instructor we had was great, he not only had the personal desire but also the professional knowledge. The overall consensus from the group was this was without a doubt one of the best units. I am a practical learner and this course is great for that. The versatility of it gives an insight into every emergency service and has shown us so many avenues we can go down. After the course I would like to be an emergency planner.’

Mike Rose, programme manager for FdSc Rescue and Emergency Management at Duchy College, said: ‘This course has a wide appeal for anyone looking for a career in emergency services. The uniqueness of the course is in its breadth of knowledge; we are trying to expose students to all areas rather than one dimension which employers find really useful.

‘This unit was putting into practice real life scenarios. Some students will end up one day doing activities like these in their future careers. It is great that with the knowledge and contacts we have on this course we are able to bring opportunities like these for our students.

‘We would like to give special thanks to South West Water for giving us permission to access their Burrator Dam facilities on Dartmoor.’