A STATE-OF-THE-ART breathing apparatus school has been launched at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh.

The facility provides training on the full range of compressed air breathing apparatus and is being run in partnership with leading technology provider Dräger.

The facility caters for 300 delegates and  has four networked briefing rooms, where training is given on servicing and preparing breathing apparatus equipment.

Improved delegate facilities include three new drying rooms and an expanded provision of showers and changing spaces.

Peter Dartford, president of the Chief Fire Officers Association and chief fire officer of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, opened the facility on Thursday January 8. Speaking at the launch, Peter said, “The opening of this facility is a fantastic step forward in the transformation of the Fire Service College and the investment in state-of-art equipment and facilities is another tangible demonstration of the progress that is being made to develop a true centre of excellence of firefighter training.”

Jez Smith, managing director of the Fire Service College, commented: “This new facility is testament to the investment we are making in building a true centre of excellence for fire service training in the UK. It will allow us to train more delegates to a higher standard – ensuring that the public and firefighters across the UK are kept as safe as possible.”

“Dräger will be an integral delivery partner for the new facility. Our new partnership will further enhance the College’s ability to deliver high quality, assessed, accredited and assured training in the most modern of environments.”