Showcasing Operational Excellence at the UKRO Welsh and Regional Challenge 2025
The UK Rescue Organisation’s (UKRO) annual challenge took place at Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre on Saturday 26th April. The Welsh and Regional Extrication Challenge 2025 saw teams from across Wales and the UK, as well as a team from Belgium, compete in extrication, trauma, and rope challenges.
Extrication Challenge
In the extrication challenge, teams worked to rescue casualties from simulated road traffic collisions, promoting the safe delivery and development of extrication techniques, under tight time limits. Bridgend took first place in the All-Wales category, while Avon won the Guest Teams category.
Trauma Challenge
The trauma challenge tested how well teams handled medical emergencies, from triage to treatment, in fast-paced scenarios. Malpas won the All-Wales competition, with West Midlands coming out on top in the Guest Teams category.
CPR Challenge
The CPR challenge highlighted the importance of quick thinking in life-saving situations. Sinead Melinn and Matthew Penny from Ely, along with Beth Barton and Damien Burnell from Cowbridge, were named joint winners in the All-Wales competition. Surrey came first in the Guest Teams.
Rope Rescue Challenge
In the rope rescue challenge, teams performed rescues from a height, and were accessed on their command, technical, and medical skills.
South Wales claimed first place, with Devon and Somerset coming in second, and Mid and West taking third place.
The UKRO Welsh and Regional Extrication Challenge 2025 was a resounding success, celebrating operational excellence, teamwork, and life-saving expertise.
Results:
Roger Magan, Group Manager, Training department commented:
“The teams entering the challenge were exposed to realistic and challenging scenarios across all disciplines to test their knowledge and skills and develop best practice and operational excellence.
This challenge is a great forum to learn, develop and share technical rescue skills that are relayed back into service training to continue professional development of best practice.
Well done to all competitors and a huge thank you to all the members of staff, our partners Babcock and equipment manufacturers who assisted in the professional facilitation of the event.”