Bury College students are helping to tackle real emergencies using virtual reality systems.

Students on the public service course have been using a virtual reality extinguisher fire-fighting system which was donated to the college by FLAIM Systems, an international emergency training company.

FLAIM director Ted O’Brien recently visited the college and took students through a range of scenarios from house fires to aircraft fires providing an immersive fire-fighting experience in a safe and sustainable environment.

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Tony Greenhalgh, a public services tutor and ex-firefighter, said “We are extremely grateful to Ted and FLAIM on behalf of the students whose experience with this technology will be excellent preparation as they progress into work, whether it is with the Fire Service or not.

“The ability to practice using the equipment in a realistic, but safe, environment makes a huge difference to the student experience.”

Students Sam Walsh and Cecilia Kayembe both said they thoroughly enjoyed the session and are eager to try more challenging scenarios.