Earlier this week, four members of our Multitone team – Jason Humphreys (Emergency Services Major Accounts Manager), Kris Macdonald (Emergency Services Major Accounts Manager), Tom Payne (Junior Marketing Executive), and Rebecca Taylor (Marketing Manager) – stepped away from our usual sales and marketing roles in critical communications technology and into the demanding world of firefighting. We were privileged to take part in the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) ‘Have a Go’ day at Newbury Fire Station, where we got a first-hand look at the challenges firefighters face every day.
Experiencing the demands of firefighting
Guided by the experienced RBFRS team, we took on an array of physically and mentally challenging tasks designed to simulate real firefighting scenarios. Each activity tested our strength, teamwork, and resilience, including:
???? 40m aerial ladder climb – an incredible bird’s-eye view of Newbury, for those brave enough to keep their eyes open!
???? Handling the high-powered fire hose – far stronger than expected, the sheer force of the water was enough to nearly lift us off the ground.
???? Car extrication using hydraulic rescue tools – essential for road traffic collisions, this was much tougher than it looks, leaving our arms shaking from the effort.
???? Navigating a smoke-filled building in full breathing apparatus – suddenly, teamwork, trust, and communication became everything.
???? Crawling through a confined space course – imagine a soft play area, but without the padding and with limited to no visibility!
???? Rappelling from the drill tower – stepping backward off a three-story ledge while secured by ropes was a serious mental challenge.
To round off the day, we took part in a game of pickleball against the RBFRS team – and let’s just say we won’t be giving up our day jobs anytime soon!
Lessons in strength, resilience, and teamwork
While the experience was exciting, it also left us with a deep sense of admiration for the firefighters who dedicate their lives to keeping people safe. The physical and mental strength required to operate in high-pressure, unpredictable, and often dangerous environments is beyond impressive.
At Multitone, we are committed to developing technology that enhances emergency response and supports frontline professionals like the RBFRS team. This experience reinforced the importance of resilient communication solutions in life-or-death situations, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting those who protect our communities.
A huge thank you to the RBFRS Newbury Fire Station crew for an eye-opening and invaluable experience. We left with sore muscles, shaky knees, and a whole new level of respect for the work they do every day.
#FirefighterForADay #RBFRS #Respect #Teamwork #CriticalCommunications
