DARTFORD students were given first-hand experience of what it is like to be a firefighter when they took part in a demonstration on their campus.

Sixty 16 to 19-year-olds, from North West Kent College, rescued two of their schoolmates in a simulated crash scenario on November 21 at their Gravesend Campus in Lower Higham Road.

They worked alongside Kent Fire and Rescue Service which used specialist equipment they use to cut free trapped casualties.

Student Paolo Ficchi, 18, from Gravesend, was impressed with how quick the fire service acted.

He said: “The first hour is called the golden hour, that it took 33 minutes to cut someone out of the car and what can cause a crash.”

Crew manager for Thameside firefighters, Michael Crammer, said: “The aim of events like this are to give young people an insight into what it’s like to be a firefighter and the types of situations we deal with on a daily basis.

"We also take the opportunity to drive home some vital road safety lessons, encouraging young drivers and passengers to be responsible for their own and others’ safety while driving.

“They learn the grim realities about the dangers of not wearing seatbelts, driving too fast, using mobile phones and what can happen if you are involved in a crash.”

Curriculum Supervisor for Public Services at North West College, Sue Barry, said: “This event was an excellent opportunity for public service students to see the work of the fire service in response to an incident.

“Some of these students are hoping to join the fire service in the future and it enabled us to bring the workplace into the classroom, giving a real vocational experience.”