Members of the emergency services are pictured during a casualty evacuation demonstration at the Fire HQ at Clyst St George on Tuesday. The event was part of 20th anniversary celebrations marking 20 years of the Devon Air Ambulance. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref exe 4898-37-12SH To order your copy of this photograph visit www.exmouthjournal.co.uk and click on myphotos24

Firefighters have teamed up with the Devon Air Ambulance Trust to help mark the charity’s 20th anniversary.

The event was held at the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Headquarters in Clyst St George, and featured a demonstration of how the service and the air ambulance can work together. In a spectacular exercise, fire crews practised removing a ‘casualty’ from a road traffic accident, who was then airlifted away by the air ambulance.

A fire service spokesman said: “This event showcased the work of both services and demonstrated the benefits of working in partnership, providing a vital resource for our communities.”

The event also saw the fire service open its new Special Operations training facilities, which will teach firefighters how to deal with major incidents.

The spokesman said: “Special Operations form part of a national response to major emergencies involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear events, search and rescue, major flooding incidents and major transport incidents.”