As the evenings start to draw in, our first September meeting brought something a little different. Thanks to Lancashire Constabulary, one of their Armed Response Units joined us for a fascinating training session.
Don’t worry — CFRs aren’t being trained to use firearms! Instead, the officers gave us an insight into the specialist trauma equipment they carry on their vehicles. In fact, in a serious trauma emergency, if an Armed Response Unit is closer than an ambulance, they may be the first to arrive and provide life-saving care.
The team shared details about their medical capabilities, along with experiences from both trauma and firearms-related incidents. We were also joined by members of Mountain Rescue, who were just as interested and inquisitive as the CFR team.
Alongside their medical kit, officers demonstrated some of their other equipment — from shields and body armour to their “big blunt door keys” and a look at both lethal and non-lethal weapons carried in their vehicles.
A huge thank you to Lancashire Constabulary’s Armed Response Team for giving us such a valuable and engaging session. Judging by the interest on the night (as seen in the photos!), everyone came away with a better understanding of the vital role these officers play, which is more than just armed response!
