Beyond Driving has once again demonstrated its commitment to specialised training with the successful delivery of the Bespoke HART Operations Polaris and Winch Instructor Course for the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust near Reading. This comprehensive program, conducted under the accreditation of Qualsafe, is designed to equip instructors with the advanced skills needed to train others in the critical use of winching and Polaris operations, crucial for Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART).
Tailored Training for Specialised Needs
The course is meticulously tailored to meet the specific requirements of emergency services, ensuring that all training is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable in real-world scenarios. Conducted in dense forest settings, the course provides an ideal learning environment for mastering winching techniques in situations that closely mimic the challenges encountered during emergency responses.
A Week of Intensive Skill Development
The training spans several days, with each day dedicated to different facets of winching and instructional techniques:
- Day 1: Introduction and equipment familiarisation, focusing on the various types of winches such as hand winches (tirfor or capstan types), vehicle-mounted winches (hydraulic, PTO or electric, including fast spool types), and standalone winches (static or trailer-mounted).
- Day 2: Practical winching skills are honed, with a focus on topping up existing skills and introducing complex winching scenarios.
- Day 3: The focus shifts to instructional techniques. Trainees begin to learn how to convey technical knowledge effectively, including fault finding in winch operations.
- Day 4: Further deepening of instructional skills with an emphasis on fault analysis, remedy techniques, and refining the art of teaching and assessment preparation.
- Final Day: Assessment day where candidates demonstrate their proficiency in both winching operations and their ability to teach these skills effectively. Successful candidates receive their nationally accredited certificates, marking them as qualified instructors.
Comprehensive Curriculum Covered
The course covers a wide array of essential topics designed to ensure that each instructor is fully prepared to handle both the operational and educational demands of their roles:
- Legal Framework: Understanding of HASAWA, PUWER, LOLER, PPE, MHSWR to ensure all training complies with national safety standards.
- Equipment Checks and Suitability: Comprehensive checks to ensure all equipment is suitable and safe for use.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Correct use and management of PPE to maintain safety standards.
- Assessment and Design of Winching Operation: Skills in planning and executing winching operations safely and effectively.
- Rigging Safety and Stabilisation: Techniques to ensure the stability and safety of the winched object or vehicle.
- Personnel Safety: Ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in operations, including colleagues and third parties.
- Operational Techniques: Mastery of single line straight pulls and multi-line or angled pulls, critical for complex rescue operations.
Why Choose Beyond Driving for Instructor Training?
Beyond Driving stands out as a leader in providing bespoke instructor training courses due to several key factors:
- Experienced Instructors: All instructors are seasoned professionals with extensive off-roading experience, deep knowledge of vehicle mechanics, and are not limited to any single manufacturer. They hold first-aid and Health & Safety qualifications up to Nebosh NGC, and are QUALSAFE certified along with DVSA Approved Driving Instructor registration.
- Customised Training: Every course is custom-built to address the operational specifics and safety requirements of the client, ensuring relevance and applicability.
- National Accreditation: Our courses are not only tailored but also nationally accredited, ensuring they meet rigorous standards and provide recognised qualifications.
The successful delivery of the Polaris and Winch instructor course for the SCAS HART team is a testament to Beyond Driving’s dedication to high-quality training and safety in hazardous operations. For other companies looking to enhance their in-house training capabilities, Beyond Driving offers a range of courses that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of various operational environments.
For more information about our specialised train the trainer courses, visit our website: Beyond Driving’s Winch Training Courses. Empower your team with the skills necessary to conduct safe and effective winching operations under any conditions.