UNITED KINGDOM RESCUE ORGANISATION
Join us for Trauma & Extrication Development Sessions at Cardiff Gate Training & Development Centre, hosted by South Wales FRS.
What’s included:
Venue: Cardiff Gate Training & Development Centre, Church Road, Cardiff, CF3 6YA.
Date: Trauma (23rd) & Extrication (24th) Oct 2025
UPDATE: UKRO Rope Rescue Challenge 2025 Minehead – Butlins Edition
Hosted by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, supported by UKRO.
UPDATE: (29th Sept 2025) Registration for the rope rescue challenge is now closed
The UKRO Rope Rescue Challenge – Minehead (Butlins Edition) will bring together the very best rope rescue teams from across the UK to showcase skill, innovation, and casualty-focused excellence.
11–13 November 2025
Butlins, Minehead
11 November
Morning – NFCC Safe Work at Height & Confined Space Group AGM
Afternoon – UKRO Rope Rescue Workshop – Casualty Care in a rope rescue specific environment – led by UKRO Rope Rescue Assessor Ty Jewell
12–13 November
Two days of intense competition as Fire & Rescue Service teams tackle realistic, high-pressure rescue scenarios – testing skill, teamwork, and operational effectiveness.
This is a unique opportunity to see some of the UK’s most experienced rope rescue practitioners push themselves to the limit in demanding environments.
UK Fire & Rescue Services – Get Involved
Attend the UKRO Rope Rescue CPD Workshop
Enter a team into the UKRO Rope Rescue Challenge
To express interest, please contact: Atilley@dsfire.gov.uk
The United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) is delighted to welcome Karl Edwards, Director of Corporate Services at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, as a new Trustee. Karl joins the Board bringing with him a wealth of experience from both the fire & rescue and ambulance services.
Commenting on his appointment, Karl said: “I am really pleased to be joining the UKRO as the Director of Corporate Services Trustee. I look forward to drawing on my current experience as a Director with Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, alongside my long-standing operational background with the East of England Ambulance Service, to add value to the organisation.
“I am committed to working collaboratively with fellow Trustees to support UKRO in delivering its long-term strategic objectives and ensuring the organisation continues to thrive in its important mission.”
UKRO Chair and Chief Fire Officer of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Dan Quin, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Karl to the charity. His cross-sector expertise and passion for public service will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen UKRO’s impact across the UK and beyond – specifically in terms of projects like EXIT, which aims to improve patient outcomes at road traffic collisions.”
Specific projects Karl will lead on include working collaboratively with UKRO partners, driving organisational improvement, maximising value for money and much more.
Karl’s appointment reflects UKRO’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in advancing rescue capabilities and supporting emergency services professionals.
REGIONAL CHALLENGE: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are hosting a regional UKRO challenge on Saturday 30 August 2025! Two disciplines to take part in: extrication and trauma.
If you’re interested email GM Ian Redfern redferni@manchesterfire.gov.uk
Successful 2025 Regional Rescue Event held by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) held a Regional Rescue Event on Saturday 14 June, bringing together firefighting rescue professionals from across the UKRO.
The services that took part are: East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Buckinghamshire, London, Essex, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Hereford & Worcester.
Dan Quin, Chair of the UKRO and Chief Fire Officer of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, reflected on day: “Not only are these events brilliant opportunities for continual professional development for our emergency services, but they are also a good opportunity for some friendly competition and networking for us as colleagues within this industry.
“This year’s regional events can act as landmark moments for the UKRO and the services co-hosting, such as Surrey. By bringing training closer to home, we’ve empowered more teams to engage, learn and lead. We’re proud to have played a part in shaping the future of rescue standards.”
The events also showcased the latest developments from the EXIT Project, a pioneering initiative aimed at improving outcomes in road traffic collisions. Participants explored new methodologies and challenge formats that will inform future national competitions and operational standards.
UKRO extends its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, assessors, participants, and partner organisations who made these events possible. Look out on the UKRO Facebook, X and LinkedIn pages for more events like this!
UKRO has been named Highly Commended for the CIHT Research Award for your entry IMPACT : The Centre for Post-collision Research, Innovation and Translation – the EXIT Project!
There was a record number of entries this year and the judging process was the hardest it has ever been, so it is a great achievement.
Announcement – Surrey FRS Regional Extrication Challenge 2025
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service are hosting a regional UKRO challenge on Saturday 14 June 2025!
Click the button for more details.
Current Vacancy – Trustee of Corporate Services
United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) are looking to extend their Board of Trustees with the appointment of an additional Trustee. Applicants must be from the emergency sector or associated organisations.
The role is on a voluntary basis. Applicants must have the support of their Chief Fire Officer or their Chief Executive and be supported financially and with time by their employer to undertake the role.
The closing date for registering an interest is Wednesday 30th April 2025. See advert for the details on how to register an interest.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) National Rescue Challenge will not be held at the Fire Service College as previously communicated.
We are pleased to confirm that in place of the challenge this year, the UKRO will be hosting a number of regional Continuous Professional Development (CPD) events, across a suite of Rescue Disciplines (Extrication, Trauma, Water and Rope).
These events will include the charity sharing the new principles regarding the way extrication and trauma challenges will be delivered differently in the future and the application of the EXIT project, which continues to deliver new findings to improve patient outcomes in the event of Road Traffic Collisions. The events will also be a great chance to network with more local partners.
Keep a look out on our channels for announcements of these regional CPD events within the next few months – we hope to see you there!
The UKRO would like to thank all Volunteers and participants for their continued support in the drive to enhance professional rescue. This year gives us the opportunity for you to help shape our next steps.
The United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) has announced Dan Quin, Chief Fire Officer of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, as Chair.
The news follows the retirement of Neil Odin QFSM, Chief Fire Officer of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, who has led the charity for seven years.
Neil said: “I am honoured to have served as Chair of the UKRO. We have some incredible and dedicated people who volunteer their time to this charity – aiming to enhance professional rescue together. Thank you to everyone who is part of this great team. I am especially proud of the drive to broaden the scope of education not just to those within our industry here in the UK, but also worldwide through the World Rescue Organisation.
“Dan is an exceptional leader, and the organisation is in trusted hands as he has served as Vice-Chair for almost five years now.”
Dan said: “I am proud to take over the reins as Chair of the UKRO, an organisation I have been a part of for 18 years. Neil leaves big shoes to fill, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him from everyone in the UKRO. Under his expert guidance and leadership, Neil has led six National Rescue Challenges, worked closely with the Institute of Fire Engineers developing Competency Framework, National Operational Guidance and aligning closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council in relation to International Development – amongst many other achievements. He will be missed!”
Dan, who is also the National Fire Chiefs Council’s lead for road safety and road rescue and the Deputy Chair of the World Rescue Organisation, has already led the development of a fire and rescue sector Extrication Framework, establishing professional rescue standards for every fire and rescue professional in the United Kingdom and improving community outcomes.