When it comes to frontline emergency response in complex and hazardous environments, preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential. At Beyond Driving, we support that preparation with tailored, accredited training that equips NHS Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) with the practical skills they need to operate in all terrains and all conditions.
This spring, our team has been working closely with the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust HART unit, delivering a bespoke training programme near Andover designed specifically for new recruits. The two-part course combined Lantra-accredited Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) operator training and Winch operator certification, providing the foundation for confident, competent performance in the field.
Supporting Operational Readiness from Day One
The HART programme provides rapid-response medical support in situations that are too dangerous or difficult for standard ambulance crews—floods, train derailments, major road incidents, or chemical exposure zones. New team members must hit the ground running, not just with medical training, but with the technical skills to operate specialist vehicles and equipment in unpredictable environments.
That’s why our training package near Andover was designed to deliver two high-impact qualifications in a single course, giving new starters a robust introduction to real-world vehicle handling and recovery skills.
The result? A confident, well-prepared team, fully accredited and ready for deployment.
Course 1: Lantra UTV Operator Training
The first part of the programme focused on UTV handling. These agile, compact vehicles are increasingly used by HART teams due to their versatility, low ground pressure, and ability to access tight or off-road locations. Our Lantra Sit-In ATV (UTV) Operator Training course is specifically designed for emergency service use, covering:
- Pre-use checks and safety
- Stability and weight distribution
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Terrain reading and route planning
- Gradient navigation and slope control
- Emergency braking and recovery procedures
Held at a purpose-chosen site near Andover, the sessions allowed trainees to experience a variety of off-road surfaces and gradients under the guidance of our experienced instructors. Realistic scenarios tested judgement, control and mechanical sympathy—critical in high-pressure emergency deployments.
Our Polaris utility vehicles, customised for training, offered a safe and responsive learning environment. By the end of the course, every participant had achieved Lantra certification, verifying their skills to a nationally recognised standard.
Explore our full UTV operator training course.
Course 2: Standard Winch Operator Training
The second module tackled one of the most essential and potentially hazardous tasks in off-road environments: winching.
For HART teams using 4x4s like the Toyota Hilux or Land Cruiser, winches provide a vital means of vehicle recovery—whether extracting an ambulance from deep mud or assisting another unit stuck in challenging terrain. But without the right training, winching can pose serious risks.
Our Standard Winch Training, based on the syllabus found here, was delivered with a strong focus on safe, methodical operation. Key topics included:
- Equipment familiarisation and pre-use inspection
- Load assessment and anchor selection
- Use of recovery boards, dampers and pulley blocks
- Rope tension, angles and rigging systems
- Communication and teamwork in recovery operations
- Hands-on multi-stage winching and troubleshooting
The hands-on nature of the course allowed HART recruits to build muscle memory and situational awareness. They practised multiple recovery scenarios, including real-time cable tension management and rigging in confined spaces.
Winch loads were simulated using weighted vehicles and inclined ground to replicate the real demands of in-field operation. Every participant left the course with increased confidence and an accredited qualification recognised throughout the UK.
Tailored Training for HART Realities
While the UTV and winch training courses are independently accredited by Lantra, Beyond Driving’s added value comes in the bespoke delivery. Working closely with London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, we adapted the sessions to reflect the exact vehicles, recovery gear, and operational protocols used by their HART teams.
For example:
- UTVs were configured to replicate deployed unit load-outs
- Winching scenarios reflected actual team roles and positioning
- Sessions were timed and structured to fit around HART shift patterns
- Debriefs included references to real past HART incidents
Our instructors also spent time coaching participants on risk assessment and incident decision-making, drawing directly from their own field experience. It’s this level of realism and relevance that makes our training stand out.
Building a Safer, More Capable Response Force
Across the UK, more and more NHS Trusts are turning to Beyond Driving to support their internal training capability. Whether through first-time operator instruction or ‘Train the Trainer’ instructor development, our mission remains the same: raise standards, reduce risk, and build resilience.
Courses like this one near Andover offer more than just certificates—they build trust, competence and a shared understanding of procedures and equipment between teams and instructors.
In high-stress emergency response environments, that trust can make all the difference.
Why Lantra Certification Matters
All elements of this UTV and Winch training course are Lantra-accredited, meaning they meet strict standards for:
- Instructional quality
- Practical assessment
- Risk management
- Equipment familiarity
Lantra is a recognised name across the emergency services and infrastructure sectors, ensuring that certified operators are equipped not only with the right knowledge, but with verified competence.
This national consistency supports mutual aid, interoperability, and confidence between responding organisations—vital in multi-agency incident response.
Looking Ahead: From New Recruits to In-House Trainers
While this Andover course was focused on inducting new London HART team members, Beyond Driving also supports teams through instructor development pathways.
Our Qualsafe-accredited instructor programmes enable NHS Trusts to train internal trainers to Lantra or Qualsafe standards, creating in-house training capability that is cost-effective and fully aligned with operational goals.
In future waves of training, many of these recruits will return not as learners—but as leaders, sharing knowledge and building skills across the service.
Trusted Training for Specialist Teams
Beyond Driving has become the go-to provider for specialist vehicle and equipment training for emergency services across the UK. Our consistent work with the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust HART team is a testament to the professionalism, quality and flexibility we bring to every session.
We’re proud to help shape the next generation of HART operators—and we’re ready to support your team, too.
Interested in a tailored training programme for your emergency response team?
Explore our courses or get in touch today to talk about bespoke delivery, instructor certification, and vehicle preparation training.
