The team had received in station theoretical and practical training from a specialist Road Traffic Collision Trainer and the simulation at Silverlake gave them the opportunity to bring the training together and apply it practically through start to finish of the exercise.  Formal assessments also took place to ensure the team are competent and safe to carry out this work when called upon.

Stuart Mangan, Watch Manager at Botley Fire Station

Stuart Mangan, Watch Manager at Botley Fire Station said: “I would like to thank all the team at Silverlake for allowing us the opportunity to utilise their salvage vehicles and venue for what is a critical and valuable opportunity for us to train and hone our skills regarding road traffic collisions.  We hope we never have to use these skills for real, but we know too well that we do get called upon.  These skills, rigorously practiced in a safe environment, get put to good use with the ultimate aim of protecting and preserving life.”

Allen Prebble, managing director at Silverlake Automotive Recycling said: “As a regional community we rely on and owe a debt of gratitude to Hampshire Fire & Rescue Services who work hard to keep us safe; rising to challenges in sometimes dangerous circumstances.  To be able to help by providing the vehicles and local facilities for simulated training exercises at our site is an honour.  We will continue to offer this support and are exploring how we might assist further.  Silverlake has been based in this area for 77 years and we are committed to giving back to the community that has supported our business over the years.”

Following the Silverlake RTC simulation, Botley Fire Station is in talks with neighbouring stations to discuss organising training involving a more complex multi-vehicle accident, requiring dynamic incident command and control and multi-agency working, potentially with partners from the ambulance service. This scenario could support both road traffic collision skills and medical treatment training.

Editors Notes

Background to Silverlake Automotive Recycling

Silverlake was established in 1946 and to this day remains under the management of Allen Prebble, son of the founder, Norman Prebble. The company has expanded significantly in recent years with continuous investment at its 10-acre site in Shedfield, Hampshire; the launch of Silverlake.co.uk online store; self-service auto parts facility, U-Pick-It; and a scheme to support charitable causes, UDonate-A-Car.

The Silverlake group of companies offer a wide range of services from daily breakers and auctions, salvage and quality recycled car parts. As vehicle dismantling and recycling specialists, the business recycles up to 96.1% of end-of-life vehicles’ raw materials in line with the Environment Agency requirements at its ELV Authorised Treatment Facility in Hampshire.

Silverlake partners with like-minded, industry leading salvage and recycling agents through its membership of e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management, a nationwide salvage and recycling network of independent member organisations committed to exacting member standards, servicing the insurance and fleet management sectors.

Silverlake’s mission is to give confidence to its customers through competitive pricing, excellent customer service and the provision of quality-graded recycled parts. Its objective is to be one of the best recycled car parts suppliers in the UK along with providing its staff with security for the future.