Glyndŵr University students watched in shock and amazement as fire and ambulance crews dramatically battled to rescue a young driver this morning.

The simulated exercise was organised by the University’s Psychology department in partnership with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Wales Air Ambulance and Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Up to 50 first year engineering, psychology and sound broadcasting students braved the pouring rain and wind to take part in the staged event, acted out by students and featuring a £30,000 adult-size mannequin from the hospital.

Phill De Prez, programme leader for Psychology, said “We thought it would be good for these departments to work in partnership on one big, practical exercise.”

“We staged the crash between two cars as if one of the drivers had been using their mobile phone. The results gave us several different scenarios and utilised the different partnerships here at the University, and in the emergency services.”

Phill added “The fire service and paramedics worked together and in their own ways which gave the students a good idea of how they would deal with a real-life car crash.”

Students acted as casualties during the mock collision, with paramedics treating injuries and explaining symptoms as the rescue took place. The doors and roof were cut off one of the vehicles as fire fighters extracted the mannequin from the scene.

“The mannequin had been programmed as if had sustained head injuries during the crash,” said Phill.

“It was a remarkable exercise and will give the students good experience. From this they will be able to come up with research on the different scenarios, from the partnership approach to eyewitness statements and other elements of the exercise.”

Jason Williams, Wales Air Ambulance clinical and operations manager, said “We’re here today to assist the fire service with the extrication. It gave us an opportunity to work with the fire service and is also good training for these types of incidents as well.”

“We would like to do more of this kind of thing, it’s invaluable. We’re actually starting a partnership with Glyndwr university and are hoping to do a lot more of this in the future.”