Residents at Chatsworth Lodge Care Home in Chesterfield were given a front-row view of local firefighters in action after the home supported a live winter emergency training exercise.
Firefighters from Chesterfield, Bolsover and Staveley Fire Station took part in the carefully managed exercise, with around 15 crew members using the care home and surrounding area to practise realistic search, rescue and emergency response techniques in challenging conditions.
The scenario was designed to mirror real-life incidents, enabling crews to familiarise themselves with local access points, terrain and landmarks. Firefighters accessed the River Hipper from the rear of Chatsworth Lodge, carrying out casualty searches both upstream and downstream, as well as across nearby land towards Walton Dam. A temporary casualty treatment and coordination area was also established in the home’s car park.
Despite cold and snowy weather, residents and colleagues at Chatsworth Lodge were keen to support the crews throughout the evening. Following the exercise, firefighters were invited inside to enjoy hot chocolate and refreshments as a gesture of thanks for their work and dedication.
For residents, the exercise provided an opportunity to see emergency services in action close to home. Many watched with interest, describing the experience as reassuring and informative.
Jennifer T, who lives at the home, said: “It was actually very reassuring. Everyone was calm and professional, and it’s good to know this kind of training happens locally.”
Fellow resident Nick G added, “I could see the torches and hear the team communicating clearly. It makes sense for emergency teams to practise in real places like this so they’re ready for anything.”
Families also welcomed the initiative, with one resident’s daughter commenting: “It’s great to see the care home supporting training like this. It gives confidence knowing emergency services are familiar with the area.”
Home Manager Zenka Shires said the exercise reflected Chatsworth Lodge’s commitment to being part of the wider Chesterfield community.
“Our home is not separate from the community around it – we’re part of it. Whether it’s supporting training exercises or offering a warm drink on a cold night, it’s about looking after the people who look after our community.”
Firefighters praised the opportunity to train in a real care-home setting. Dickie from the Fire Service said:
“Being able to practise in an environment like this is extremely valuable. It helps us understand layouts, access points and real-world conditions, which all support faster and more effective responses when it matters.”
This was the first live emergency training exercise of its kind at Chatsworth Lodge, but it builds on the home’s ongoing community engagement. The home regularly hosts emergency service breakfast mornings for police, ambulance and fire personnel, with these events set to continue throughout 2026.
