HAMPSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service’s extrication and trauma teams have showed they are a cut above the rest, after being crowned European champions.

The firefighters had to deal with five scenarios at a two-day contest held in Junglinster, Luxembourg.

The top-notch teams fought off competition from emergency services in France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Spain, as well other UK teams.

The extrication experts impressed in simulated cutting exercises that required them to rescue a casualty from a car balanced on tractor tyres and another from a crash vehicle was hemmed in by concrete blocks.

Liaison officer Lee Havey said: “We were extremely pleased to win the competition and I must admit I like looking at the trophies.

‘The guys are all very dedicated, doing a lot of stuff in their own time.

“We could not have achieved the things we have if it wasn’t for the tremendous support we are given by the service.”

He added the team were eagerly looking forward to testing their mettle against other UK services at the national UK Rescue Organisation event being held in Hampshire next month.

The extrication team comprised watch managers Stuart Vince and Lee Havey, crew manager Paul Jarrett and firefighters Steve Morris, Greg Moss and Brian Saunders.

The trauma team – watch manager Ian Cooper and firefighter Morris – pictured in action – also came top after completing three scenarios ranging from a single casualty with a lacerated leg caused by a circular saw to an explosion with 21 casualties including children and people with poles through their bodies, severe burns, missing eyes, broken bones and other severe injuries.

Watch Manger Cooper said: “It is fantastic to win these awards and when you do other organisations really like to test you which is great because that is how you get better.”

“The Luxembourg Rescue Organisation 2016 Challenge was held last month.

Hampshire teams have prevously won a glittering array of accolades, including world, European, and UK championships and other international events including US competitions in which they swept the boards.

Their burgeoning international reputation has led to them being asked to train other fire services in the UK, Europe and the United States.