TRAPPED in the crumpled wreckage of a car crash, the sounds of incoming sirens started a dramatic mock rescue at Didcot Fire Station.

Emergency crews leapt into action as they faced rescuing four 'casualties' from two cars after one had crashed into the side of another.

A familiar sight for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service who staged the exercise to highlight the dangers of distractions at the wheel.

Oxford Mail:

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service road safety manager Andy Ford said: "It’s terrifying enough being trapped, but imagine if you’ve suffered major injury, or if the vehicle is ablaze, or slowly submerging in water following a crash into a river.

"Firefighters attend too many such incidents, many resulting in life-changing injuries or deaths."

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Within seconds crews snapped into action tearing away bits of the car, checking on occupants and stabilising the vehicles.

All this, while both paramedics and fire fighters assess all injuries and identify the most critical.

Those in need of urgent medical care, whether that may be losing blood or becoming short of breath, are hoped to be rescued within 10 minutes, and those who can be stabilised the aim to have them rescued and, if necessary, transported to hospital within the hour.

For yesterday's exercise, firefighters prepared casualties as both car roofs were removed and patients extracted on a spinal board.

Oxford Mail:

Paramedics talked each occupant through the process, as just inches away firefighters used the jaws of life to cut away bits of car.

Almost all windows were smashed, seats ripped out, alongside numerous bangs while occupants sat in neck braces unable to look around.

Crews aim to make as much space as possible, cutting the car away from the casualty, to provide the easiest exit.

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The collaborative efforts, and continued explanation from both paramedics and firefighters proved an enormous comfort, albeit even in the mock circumstances.

Once all windows were smashed the roof could be removed and occupants removed, for some this was a seamless team effort via a spinal board. The rescue was complete within 45 minutes.

Oxford Mail:

It was part of a campaign on the four contributory factors in more than 90 per cent of county crashes: not wearing a seatbelt, distractions, speed, and drink and drugs.

Mr Ford continued: "Oxfordshire has more rural roads than most counties. And Oxford's centre more cyclists per head of population than most other areas.

"Drivers must be alert, drive sensibly and safely from the moment they turn the ignition key.

"The fatal four contribute to the deaths of drivers, their passengers, other road users and pedestrians. But, in most cases, these deadly collisions are avoidable.

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"If you cause a collision, it can result in life-changing injuries to you, and to anyone else involved. You will also carry the terrible guilt, and for what? For the sake of a lunchtime drink, a phone-call, or saving a bit of time? It really isn’t worth the risk."

For further information about the Fatal Four and how to drive safely, go to

365alive.co.uk/fatalfour