Shoreham air crash- a firefighter's harrowing story in the Argus

[desprateseagull]

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/1362...er_tells_of_the_devastating_scene_he_was_met/

 

[Triggaaar]

"The first actual image I saw I can’t let you put in the paper. I can only say it was like a bomb scene, like a bomb had exploded. "

 

[Gritt23]

I know you can't really judge peoples reactions unless you are there, but when you are as close to a scene like that as the fire service are, then I can't work out what makes you think "photo opportunity."

 

[KZNSeagull]

Awful. I have so much respect the emergency services - the things they have to cope with and put up with. It's not a job I could do.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

I know you can't really judge peoples reactions unless you are there, but when you are as close to a scene like that as the fire service are, then I can't work out what makes you think "photo opportunity."

Ah, I see your problem, you have used the word "think" - trouble is, those people don't, or can't.

 

[Seagull over Canaryland]

I know Roy Barraclough from a professional perspective and I trust his account to be accurate. I find it assuring to know that an experienced Fire and Rescue Service officer like Roy was the initial incident commander.

Clearly he is particularly well placed to provide The Argus with a calm and realistic appreciation of the scenario, while remaining suitably discrete and dignified towards the casualties and their loved ones who might read the report.

Roy is just one of many personnel from across all of the emergency services doing their jobs during the initial response and in the subsequent recovery phase. It isn't a pleasant task for any of them to deal with the aftermath of an aircraft crash - and then to repeatedly attend the scene over several days. They are professionals but also deserve support and understanding as they work to account for missing persons and to ensure the scene is very thoroughly examined, evidence gathered and recorded for the investigation. My thoughts are with them, as well as for the casualties, their families and friends, including on NSC.

 

[Beach Hut]

Fortunately, so far, I have never been at the scene of a traumatic disaster but I am pretty certain my initial reaction would be to help other people if I could as opposed to take pictures.

 

[doogie004]

We live in a world where picture ,video r the norm .the urge to take or video or to watch weather right or wrong is stronger than ever , I'm sure we all watch the news And watch the terrible things that go on in the world a lot of that stuff is taken by the average person . My heart bleeds for the people involved . The emergency people do an amazing job . As a taxi driver I have been lucky so far not looking forward to day where I might come across something as horrific as this .

 

[Tight shorts]

Fortunately, so far, I have never been at the scene of a traumatic disaster but I am pretty certain my initial reaction would be to help other people if I could as opposed to take pictures.

Interesting point and it got me thinking about what I would do and I think my instincts would be either to run or help and I can't imagine the thought of filming would enter my head. But, I am in my forties and have not grown up in a world where my life is played out through photos and film via social media. I don't know how old the people doing the filming were, but it does make me wonder whether different generations would act in different ways and regard their way as "normal".

 

[Bry Nylon]

An interesting account and very well captures the range of pressures and emotions on arrival at an unfolding major incident. My best wishes to all those called to assist that day and over the subsequent days, in whatever capacity. They are all an absolute credit to their respective Services.

 

[mrhairy]

Amazing story told with truth and sensitivity. Yet as he say about the strong language you can tell an anger there as well. It is so easy to forget what good they do and that they are human and have to return home to their families and normality if they can. Fantastic people who just instinctively rushed to the scene. Whatever they are paid it is not enough.

 

[Pavilionaire]

Powerful interview, that.

 

[Norman Potting]

Amazing story told with truth and sensitivity. Yet as he say about the strong language you can tell an anger there as well. It is so easy to forget what good they do and that they are human and have to return home to their families and normality if they can. Fantastic people who just instinctively rushed to the scene. Whatever they are paid it is not enough.

Very interesting article and a to the power of "N" to all who were there to deal with the aftermath of this terrible incident.

 

[Birdie Boy]

With photos if you are a journalist, photographer etc. It's your job and people do want to see. Obviously, I am sure any journalist or photographer worth their sort would only take sensitive photos, hopefully. Obviously with regard anyone taking a snap of something insensitive on a phone etc and putting it on Facebook or any other social media site, is disgusting. Remember, a lot of videos and photos were just being taken of a flight at an airshow and there is nothing wrong with that. I for one, haven't seen anything insensitive but then again I haven't looked for any.

I found the guys account very good and very sensitive to the families which I am sure they appreciate.

 

[LamieRobertson]

Fortunately, so far, I have never been at the scene of a traumatic disaster but I am pretty certain my initial reaction would be to help other people if I could as opposed to take pictures.

I'm sure that would be your instinct...i like to take photos of my town etc...but i felt uneasy at taking even one snap of the flowers etc on The Toll Bridge when i went last night..it just felt as if i was intruding ..rightly or wrongly.

 

[swindonseagull]

Anyone know is the fire chief Roy Baraclough is originally from Portslade? I was friends with a Roy Baraclough and he is the same age and im sure he joined the fire brigade whe I joined the RAF.
Great report BTW

 

[jimhigham]

Fortunately, so far, I have never been at the scene of a traumatic disaster but I am pretty certain my initial reaction would be to help other people if I could as opposed to take pictures.

I was once first on the scene of a person who had gashed their wrists. I called very loudly for help and tried to remove the person that had injured himself from the confined space he had holed up in. Once help arrived I was acutely aware of just how little I was in a position to assist. The professionals that arrived were trained for such a scenario and knew precisely what to do. My role completed, I was reduced to nervous shuffling about, hoping for a successful resolution.

We work to our skills. I wouldn't want to condemn a photographer, whose job it is to document, for simply doing what they do. its understandable.

 

[Murray 17]

Anyone know is the fire chief Roy Baraclough is originally from Portslade? I was friends with a Roy Baraclough and he is the same age and im sure he joined the fire brigade whe I joined the RAF.
Great report BTW

Yes it is. Former leader at 3rd Hove Scouts too.

 

[swindonseagull]

Yes it is. Former leader at 3rd Hove Scouts too.

My father was a Scout leader at 14th Hove for over 40 years I lost contact with Roy after school, gkad to hear he done a good job