The Cape Town Destroyers are a team of specialized firefighters who are masters in extricating accident victims from vehicles. They have participated in the World Rescue Challenge since 2016, recently achieving a top ten placement in the 2022 competition held in Luxembourg. The team trains rigorously throughout the year and shares their newly acquired techniques and skills with fellow firefighters upon completion of the competition, ensuring the safety and well-being of countless individuals on the road.
What is the World Rescue Challenge and how did the Cape Town Destroyers perform in it?
The World Rescue Challenge is an international competition where rescue teams showcase their skills in extricating accident victims from vehicles. The Cape Town Destroyers, South Africa’s only team invited to the competition, have participated since 2016. They recently achieved a top ten placement in the 2022 competition held in Luxembourg. The team trains rigorously throughout the year and shares their newly acquired techniques and skills with fellow firefighters upon completion of the competition.
A Challenging Journey to Spain
The Cape Town Destroyers, the renowned vehicle extrication team from Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service, recently made their way to Lanzarote, Spain. Their objective was to participate in the esteemed World Rescue Challenge, taking place between October 16 and 21, and compete against other international teams.
As the sole South African team invited to the competition, the Cape Town Destroyers have dedicated themselves to rigorous training throughout the year. They have simulated potential scenarios in three categories, with each situation lasting 25 minutes and requiring the extraction of multiple patients, as well as providing patient care.
Through the World Rescue format, the team has acquired expertise in intricate training scenarios such as door and roof removals. Besides extrication, they also administer patient care for multiple individuals. JP Smith, the mayco member for safety and security, underscores the extreme skill level of these specialist firefighters, who are trained to save victims from vehicle entrapment after accidents.
The Crucial Role of Extrication
The significance of their work is immense, as every second is vital in getting victims to the hospital following gruesome vehicle crashes. Smith believes that learning new extrication methods is a worthwhile investment, as it enhances their knowledge and skills, allowing for faster rescues during horrific accidents.
The Cape Town Destroyers have been associated with the World Rescue Challenge since 2016, with subsequent participations in 2017 and 2018, the latter of which took place in Cape Town. In the 2019 competition held in France, the team engaged with innovative car technology provided by Renault-sponsored vehicles.
After a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the international competition resumed in 2022, and the Cape Town Destroyers achieved a top ten placement in Luxembourg. Despite the challenge’s difficulty, featuring the world’s best rescuers, Smith is confident that learning from other countries’ teams and gaining exposure to new techniques and tools will greatly benefit the Destroyers.
Sharing Knowledge and Experience
The nine-member team, with a combined experience of 176 years, represents various firehouses, but they train together to ensure unity at the World Rescue Extrication Competition. Upon completion of the competition, they will serve as trainers and mentors, sharing their newly acquired techniques with fellow firefighters and enhancing the skills of the entire Fire & Rescue Service.
Although all firefighters receive training in motor vehicle extrication, it is through exposure to highly technical and specialized methods that they develop a deeper understanding and improved skill set. This combination facilitates more efficient extrication and patient care.
As the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow, so does the risk of accidents. However, Smith reassures motorists that the Fire & Rescue Service is fully equipped to handle such incidents. He expresses his support for the Cape Town Destroyers, stating, “We wish them well and know they will make us proud.”
The team consists of Incident Commander Morne Haskell, Technicians Warren Sam, Virgel Cloete, Alvin Kaliza, and Michael Gardiner, Reserve Medic Robert Stamatiadis, Main Medic Gershwin Cloete, Medic Keenan Walters, and Team Manager Arlene Wehr. Each team member hails from different fire stations and residential areas in and around Cape Town.
Carrying Pride and Support
As the Cape Town Destroyers compete in Lanzarote, they carry with them the pride and support of their city and country. Through their unwavering commitment and determination, they continuously refine their skills and broaden their knowledge in vehicle extrication, ensuring the safety and well-being of countless individuals on the road.
Who are the Cape Town Destroyers?
The Cape Town Destroyers are a specialized team of firefighters from Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service who are masters in extricating accident victims from vehicles.
What is the World Rescue Challenge?
The World Rescue Challenge is an international competition where rescue teams showcase their skills in extricating accident victims from vehicles.
When did the Cape Town Destroyers start participating in the World Rescue Challenge?
The Cape Town Destroyers have been associated with the World Rescue Challenge since 2016, with subsequent participations in 2017 and 2018, the latter of which took place in Cape Town.
How did the Cape Town Destroyers perform in the 2022 World Rescue Challenge?
The Cape Town Destroyers recently achieved a top ten placement in the 2022 World Rescue Challenge held in Luxembourg.
How do the Cape Town Destroyers train for the World Rescue Challenge?
The team trains rigorously throughout the year, simulating potential scenarios in three categories, with each situation lasting 25 minutes and requiring the extraction of multiple patients, as well as providing patient care.
What is the significance of vehicle extrication?
Vehicle extrication is crucial in getting victims to the hospital following gruesome vehicle crashes. Learning new extrication methods enhances firefighters’ knowledge and skills, allowing for faster rescues during horrific accidents.
How does the Cape Town Destroyers share their knowledge and experience?
Upon completion of the World Rescue Challenge, the Cape Town Destroyers serve as trainers and mentors, sharing their newly acquired techniques with fellow firefighters and enhancing the skills of the entire Fire & Rescue Service.
Who are the members of the Cape Town Destroyers team?
The team consists of Incident Commander Morne Haskell, Technicians Warren Sam, Virgel Cloete, Alvin Kaliza, and Michael Gardiner, Reserve Medic Robert Stamatiadis, Main Medic Gershwin Cloete, Medic Keenan Walters, and Team Manager Arlene Wehr.
