FIREFIGHTERS and paramedics had to deal with a major road accident involving six vehicles and a coach during a training exercise today.

Crews from Cleveland Fire Brigade were put through their paces at the event, which included the simulated accident, as part of National Road Safety Week.

Eight appliances and an emergency tender were mobilised, along with the air ambulance.

The only information the crews were given was that they were attending a major incident and would have to deal with the situation as it unfolded.

Ian Harrington, the brigade's Stockton district manager, said: "We carry out these exercises to test our major incident procedures.

"All emergency services are involved as they would be in real life, and we even have casualties made up.

"The crews, like in a real incident, never know quite what to expect."

Activities on the day included scene survey, casualty care, command and control of a multiple road collision and the various tasks associated with the safe removal of casualties. These included cutting, spreading and the use of stabilisation equipment.

Mr Harrington said: "These exercises are invaluable to ensure the brigade, along with our partners, can work effectively together and so be able to respond to accidents that, sadly, happen every day."