DOZENS of emergency service staff simulated a nightmare crash scenario in which numerous casualties needed freeing from the wreckage of a bus.

Crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's Droitwich station joined teams from Hereford and Bromyard to practise cutting volunteer 'passengers' out of a bus and cars.

The exercise took place on Thursday evening and also involved a team of around 12 from the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Richie Jordan, West District Commander at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It is absolutely essential that we do that kind of work. It is a good opportunity to work with the ambulance service to ensure best practice.

"I can't emphasise how important it is to have the partnership with the ambulance service. That is the best kind of quality training."

The pretend casualties were students from the University of Worcester who volunteered to take part in the exercise.

"It was dark, that added to the scene, we set it up so it was like a traditional road, two cars were overturned and the bus was previously damaged before we got it which helped make it more realistic," explained Commander Jordan, who has worked for the fire service for 26 years.

"The casualties certainly played their part in screaming very loudly. It went very well, a lot of learning came from it which was really useful."