FRNSW is the accredited primary rescue agency for Dungog Shire and part of Great Lakes Shire and often the two fire services attend various incidents together.

An FRNSW spokesman said the aim of the training exercise was to display what each service can provide as well as responsibilities at motor vehicles accidents where persons were trapped.

“Two motor vehicle accident scenarios were conducted simulating a person trapped inside the vehicle,” he said.

“Crews got to work performing their duties whilst assisting in rescuing the live patient.

“Having a live patient in the training scenario ensured all fire fighters to be 100 per cent on their game.

“There was no room for error or we could hurt one of our own.

“During our rescue training we must perform the role of patient to get a feel for what it is like, obviously in a real situation the patient's stress levels are much higher

“We have a great working relationship with the RFS brigades in the area and we performed extremely well together on the night.”

Twenty three rural fire service members attended the training exercise held on Tuesday last week.

A spokesperson for the Rural Fire Service said the combined exercise was the first one they had attended in a long time.

“It was a very good learning curve,” they said.

“We saw the rescue side of the situation and were shown all the tools they use.

“We had a familiarisation of their rescue vehicle and if they are short-staffed at an incident, we can help them by getting the tools needed.”